Essential Information on Personal Protective Equipment:
Hazard Assessment and Use Requirements in Chemistry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that personal protective equipment (PPE) be selected, provided and worn in situations where PPE could help reduce the potential for harm and injury (29 CFR 1910.132). This guide outlines the likely situations and hazards that require the use of PPE in Department of Chemistry's instructional and research activities. PPE is readily available to Department of Chemistry employees and students through the Department's stockroom. Specialized PPE are provided by the supervisor of the laboratory containing hazards that requires such equipment.
Eye and face protection (29 CFR 1910.133): Safety glasses are required
in all instructional and research laboratories at all times. All eye protection
must meet ANSI standard Z87.1-2003. Chemical splash goggles are highly recommended
when working with volumes of one liter or more. Specialized eye protection
must be worn as required--such as with certain lasers. Face and neck shields must
be worn when performing any hazardous operation outside a fume hood that could
result in chemical splashes, sprays, or irritating mists of corrosive or caustic
materials. Face and neck protection must be used whenever a system is under pressure
(positive or negative). Face shields must never be used alone. Safety glasses
or chemical splash goggles must be worn beneath the face shield
Foot protection (29 CFR 1910.136): No open-toed shoes or sandals are to be worn in any laboratory. Pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses must extend below the knee unless a closed lab coat is worn that extends below the knee.
Hand protection (29 CFR 1910.138): Appropriate gloves must be worn for operations involving material or equipment that has a potential for: a chemical burn, a cryogenic burn, a thermal burn, adsorption through the skin, an electrical hazard, a biohazard, or any acute or chronic toxicity hazard. Selection of chemically resistant gloves must consider (1) the chemical handled and (2) its ability to permeate various glove materials, (3) the task(s) to be done and required dexterity and (4) any special concerns. For chemicals of unknown toxicity or those chemicals that have a special skin hazard designation--a flexible laminate glove (Silver Shieldä or 4Hä) is to be worn under a pair of heavy-duty chemically resistant outer gloves. Information on glove selection and chemical resistance is available through the Chemistry Stockroom and Environmental Health and Safety.
Respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.123): Respirators may only be worn by participants in the College's Respiratory Program. Contact EHS for more information.
This Certification of Tasks Requiring Personal Protective Equipment for the Department of Chemistry Personnel Prepared in Compliance with 29 CFR 1910.132
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