SOP: ABC-LP-002
Prepared by: Marleen Cook
Version: v.1
Date: 02JUL2012
Title: Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PURPOSE: The purpose of this SOP is to provide information to students on how to
properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in the laboratory. The
proper use of PPE insures the safety of the students as well as those working in the
laboratory.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: Proper PPE should always be worn, this includes lab coats,
gloves, safety glasses and closed toe shoes. Mouth pipetting is not allowed in the
laboratory. All materials should be treated as a biohazard and should be properly
disposed of by proper aseptic techniques.
MATERIALS: N/A
MATRIX/SPECIMEN: N/A
SPECIMEN ID, HANDLING AND STORAGE: N/A
SAMPLE PREP: N/A
PROCEDURE:
Laboratory Coats
1. Laboratory coats are to be worn at all times while working within the laboratory.
2. Laboratory coats are not to be worn in any offices. If the room contains carpet it
is a good indication not to wear a lab coat.
3. Laboratory coats are not to be worn in cafeterias, break rooms and copy rooms.
4. Dirty laboratory coats are to be placed in the appropriate biohazard laundry bin.
5. Do not wear anyone else’s laboratory coat, and be respectful of everyone’s
laboratory coat.
6. All laboratory coats must be at least mid-thigh length, long sleeve and free or
any holes and/or damages that will lessen the effectiveness of the laboratory
coat.
Laboratory Gloves
1. Gloves are to be worn in the laboratory while working with any
chemicals/reagent, samples, equipment and while cleaning.
2. Gloves should be snug, but not tight. Gloves should not be loss as they may fall
off while working.
3. Wearing double gloves is acceptable as long as both sets of gloves are properly
removed. Refer to the video provided in the web library section of topic 3“Laboratory Safety & Aseptic Technique.”
4. Any torn or discolored gloves are to be disposed of and replaced with a fresh pair
of gloves.
5. All gloves should be disposed of in the proper biohazard bin.
6. If any student is allergic latex gloves non latex nitrile gloves will be provided.
Safety Glasses
1. Safety glasses are to be worn in the laboratory when working at the laboratory
bench.
2. Safety glasses are optional when worn while working in the biological safety
cabinet.
3. Safety glasses should be cleaned at the end of the day with 70% IPA.
Personal Apparel
1. Open toe shoes are not allowed in the laboratory.
2. Hair must be pulled back away from the face and shoulders to avoid touching the
work bench.
3. Shorts/skirts are optional, but long pants/skirts are highly recommended.
ACCEPTANCE FOR RESULTS: Students will be observed for proper use of PPE.
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA: N/A
REFERENCES: N/A