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General Laboratory Practices: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye and Face Protection
Safety glasses must be worn in the lab whenever procedures are underway involving a low probability of splash, work with low hazard chemicals, or an impact hazard.

Whenever possible, lab operations should be performed in containment devices such as a biological safety cabinet or fume hood, or behind a bench-top shield in order to minimize the potential for skin or mucous membrane contact with a hazardous splash. If procedures do not permit containment of the hazard with a containment device, then appropriate PPE must be worn as outlined:

• Splash goggles are the only form of eye protection approved for splash hazards. If a chemical (including bleach) or biological splash hazard exists, splash goggles must be worn.

• Full face protection (i.e., face shield) must be used for procedures that have anticipated splashes or sprays of infectious or other hazardous materials to the face or if there is a high potential for aerosol generation. Face shields are not a replacement for eye protection. Refer to the ORCBS Chemical Safety website (www.orcbs.msu.edu) for further information regarding eye & face protection.

Information on the availability of low cost prescription safety eyewear may be obtained by calling the ORCBS at 355-0153.

General Laboratory Practices: PPE: Laboratory Clothing

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