Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for UCLA Research Laboratories

An Online Tutorial

January 2009

Protecting Yourself from Laboratory Hazards

This tutorial is designed to introduce you to the personal protective equipment required

for safe laboratory use at UCLA.

Protecting Yourself from Laboratory Hazards

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is actually the last line of defense when protecting yourself in the laboratory.

Your department will first engage engineering or administrative controls to reduce or eliminate hazards.

Engineering Controls: The Preferred Method

• Engineering Controls are built into an operation and require no activation from the employee.

• Examples include self-capping syringe needles, ventilation systems, fume hoods and substitution to a less hazardous process or chemical.

Administrative Controls: Second Line of Defense

• Administrative Controls are changes in work practices and procedures implemented to reduce exposure.

• Less effective method used when engineering controls are not feasible.

• Examples include written operating procedures, training and limiting exposure times.

The Facts about PPE

• PPE is defined as a device or clothing worn by a worker to help prevent direct exposure to hazards.

• PPE is the least preferred method of protection, and should be used following engineering and administrative controls methods.

• Examples include gloves, lab coat and safety glasses.

Basic, but Important Information

• Always wear a lab coat in the laboratory.• Do not wearing tank-tops and shorts

inside a lab. • Tie back or secure long hair and loose

clothing. Keep beards trimmed.• Wear shoes that protect or cover your

feet. Do not wear flip-flops, sandals or perforated shoes.

Minimum Lab PPE Requirements

• Protective eye wear • Lab coat• Long pants• Close-toed shoes• Chemical resistant gloves (when

working with hazardous substances)

Other PPE may also be required, depending on the operation.

Facts about Safety Eyewear

• Goggles protect against dust or splash hazards.• Safety glasses are designed for impact

protection from flying particles and debris.• Face shield offers impact and splash protection

to the face (wear with, not in place of, safety glasses or goggles).

• When working with lasers or UV light, specialty eyewear may be necessary.– Make sure the eyewear has the proper attenuation

factor and filters radiation to an acceptable level.

Appropriate Gloves: Chemical Compatibility

Three important properties determine the type of chemical-resistant gloves worn:

1. Chemical degradation – Some chemicals cause gloves to deteriorate, rendering them useless. For example, most organic solvents will dissolve latex rubber.

2. Permeation rate – The rate at which a specific chemical diffuses through glove material.

3. Breakthrough time - The amount of time required for a given chemical to penetrate through a glove.

Did you know that thicker gloves may increase breakthrough times, but may have little effect on permeation or degradation? Choose your gloves carefully.

Example of Glove Selection Chart from Glove Manufacturers

Glove Materials

Chemical (Organic Acids) 

 Natural Rubber

 Neoprene

 Butyl

 PVC

 Nitrile

 Vitonâ

Acetic acid 2 3 4 2 1 4

Formic acid 2 3 4 3 2 2

Lactic Acid  4  4  4  3  4  4

Maleic acid  3 3 2 3 3 4

Oxalic acid 4 4 4 4 4 4

Selection Key:

 4 Excellent, breakthrough times generally greater than 8 hours.

3 Good, breakthrough times generally greater than 4 hours.

2 Fair, breakthrough times generally greater than 1 hour.

1 Not Recommended, breakthrough times generally less than 1 hour.

? Not Tested or No Information, check other references. 

As you can see on this chart, not all gloves are created equal. Use care when selecting the appropriate gloves for your work.

Select PPE to Protect Your Skin

• Choose PPE to protect against the specific agent you are working with.

• Cover any portion of the skin that is likely to be exposed

• Examples include lab coats, aprons, sleeves, coveralls, head coverings, or protective footwear.

Protect Against Inhalation Hazards• The use of a respirator may be

necessary to protect against vapors and chemical particulates.

• The keys to effective respirator use are proper fit and the selection of the appropriate

Did you know that anyone using a respirator (including N95 dust masks) must first receive a medical evaluation, approval, and training, which is available through Environment, Health and Safety?

Protect Your Hearing

• Earplugs, muffs, canal caps and noise reduction helmets can be used to reduce the level of noise exposure.

• Contact your EH&S laboratory safety officer for a noise evaluation.

Once You Have it, Take Care of it: PPE Maintenance

• Always inspect PPE for damage (tears, holes, worn elastic, etc.) and contamination prior to use.

• If an item cannot be properly cleaned or becomes damaged it should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.

• Reusable PPE should be immediately cleaned after each use with the appropriate cleanser (usually soap and water).

Contamination Control• Disposable items should only be used once and

replaced when contaminated. • Always assume PPE is contaminated: it is worn

to protect against hazardous substances.• Remove PPE prior to exiting the lab to help

prevent the spread of contamination. • Be sure you know the proper methods for putting

on, taking off and fit-checking any PPE worn.

Avoid Contamination: A Few Tips

• Wash your hands after working in the lab.

• Do NOT eat or drink in the lab, or store any food items in the lab area.

• Do NOT apply cosmetics in the lab.

Prevent Damage: Store PPE Properly

• Separate from chemicals and other contaminants.

• Store away from sources of heat

• Do not store under heavy objects

• Be aware that some equipment may have a limited shelf life.

Remember the Limitations of PPE

• No single PPE will protect you from all hazards.• Consider permeation rates, compatibility and

degradation for the chemicals you are working with.• PPE may limit your dexterity, vision, grip strength, or

comfort. Plan your work accordingly.

When Choosing PPE…

• What engineering or administrative controls can be used instead?

• What are the hazards you are trying to protect against?• What is the compatibility and resistance to chemical damage?• Does it fit? Is it comfortable? • Is it durable? • Does it allow for dexterity and range of motion?• Does the PPE meet any applicable standards?• Would the PPE inhibit your normal work tasks?• Would wearing the PPE cause other hazards?

Remember: PPE is intended to reduce, not eliminate, exposure!

For information regarding PPE selection, use or maintenance, please contact Environment, Health and Safety at

(310)825-5689.