Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

No single model of glove can protect its wearer's hands from all hazardous chemicals.  

A glove may protect against a specific chemical, but it might not protect the wearer from another.  If a glove protects the wearer, its protection will only last as long as its integrity is maintained.  Many disposable gloves will deteriorate over time, depending on what material they are exposed to and what procedures are performed. The following must be considered when choosing which gloves to wear to protect against chemical exposures. 

Factors to consider when choosing gloves:

• Chemical to be used:  Consult available glove compatibility charts to ensure that the specific material and thickness of your gloves will protect you against the chemicals involved in procedures.
• Dexterity needed:  The thicker the glove, typically the better the chemical protection, as the glove will be more resistant to physical damage, like tears and cracks, but it will harder be to handle and feel the work. 
• Extent of physical protection required:  Determine if a wrist-length glove provides adequate protection for the planned procedures, or will a glove that extends further up the arm is more protective for the task being performed.  Is full contact exposure to chemicals anticipated for the procedure (i.e. immersing one's hand in a bath of methanol) or are gloves worn for protection from incidental exposure (i.e. in the event of accidental contact)?
• Type of work to be done:  Gloves are specific to the task.  For example, a nylon cryogenic glove will be damaged if a hot item is handled, whereas a thermo-protective, yet porous mitt will not protect the wearer if liquid nitrogen is being utilized

Glove Compatibility Rating Systems 

The rating systems on different vendors' glove compatibility charts will vary by design and rating scheme.  It is important to understand the following concepts before selecting which gloves are best for the materials and procedures in use:

• Breakthrough time: The time it takes for the chemical to travel through the glove material.  This is only recorded at the detectable level on the inside surface of the glove. 
• Permeation Rate: The time it takes for the chemical to pass through the glove once a breakthrough has occurred.    This involves the absorption of the chemical into the glove material, migration of the chemical through the material, and then reabsorption once it is inside the glove.
• Degradation rating:  This is the physical change that will happen to the glove material as it is affected by certain chemicals.  This includes, but is not limited to swelling, shrinking, hardening, cracking, etc. of the glove material. 

General Glove Compatibility

The table below offers some generalized guidance regarding chemical compatibilities with glove materials.  Please note that the chart below does not consider the thickness of gloves, the procedures planned, and the anticipated level of exposure.

The above chart is not intended to be used as a guide for glove selection. Always consult the safety information from the specific glove manufacturer as well as the SDS for the chemical(s) in use before selecting a proper glove for work.

If assistance is needed with selecting a suitably protective glove for the materials and work planned in the laboratory, please contact labsafety@uky.edu.

The primary purpose of a lab coat is to protect the wearer's arms and torso from inadvertent contact, splashes, and spills with hazardous substances.  For a lab coat to sufficiently serve this purpose, it must be worn with the front closed (typically with buttons or snaps) and with the sleeves fully extended.

As with gloves, the material a lab coat consists of is critical to its functionality.  

Things to consider when choosing a lab coat:

• Fit and motion.  Too large or too small, a lab coat that is ill-fitting presents a safety concern.
• Comfort and breathability. 
• Resistance to liquids
• Resistance to flame
• Cuffs-closed cuffs offer the greatest protection to the wearer
• What materials will be handled
• What procedures will be performed

Lab coats for general lab work with chemicals shall be made of 100% cotton.  

Procedures with pyrophoric, other reactive or unstable, or undiluted GHS Category 1 flammable chemicals, or labs that store large quantities (greater than 10 gallons) of flammable liquids outside of a flammables storage cabinet, require the use of a coat made of 100% cotton treated with flame-retardant material or Nomex.

Some labs may find the use of disposable coats or front wrap-around gowns is the best option for the tasks performed.

With ever-advancing technology, there are also models of lab coats for sale that offer protection from both chemicals and flames!  

Whether the laboratory or the department purchases or rents lab coats for its personnel, lab coats must not be taken home to launder.  Many departments have a process for lab coat laundering.  Consult the laboratory's supervisor or principal investigator for instructions.

Eye protection issued for laboratory personnel  must  be ANSI Z87.1 complaint. 

Safety glasses must be worn in the laboratory when procedures are performed and/or when chemicals are being used.  

Eye protection is part of the minimum required PPE for research wet labs at the University of Kentucky.  

Safety goggles must be worn whenever:

• There is a risk for chemical splash 
• When working with glassware under reduced or elevated pressures
• When handling cryogens
• When handling potentially explosive compounds
• When handling glassware or liquids at high temperatures. 

• If the splash risk is HIGH, a face shield must also be worn. 

Please visit the following link for information regarding:

 PRESCRIPTION SAFETY EYEWEAR FOR EMPLOYEES