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General Laboratory Practices: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gloves
Gloves must be selected based on the hazards involved and the activity to be conducted. Gloves must be worn when working with biohazards, toxic substances, hazardous chemicals and other physically hazardous agents. Temperature resistant gloves must be worn when handling hot material or dry ice. Delicate work requiring a high degree of precision dictates the use of thin walled gloves.

When latex gloves have been chosen, alternatives should be made available. Gloves should be changed as soon as possible after they have become contaminated; when their integrity has been compromised or when necessary. Hands should be properly washed with soap and water after removing gloves. Disposable gloves must not be washed or reused.

Gloves should be removed and hands washed when work with potentially infectious materials is complete or when leaving the laboratory. If you are transporting potentially infectious materials (i.e., cultures, waste, etc.) to another part of the building use the one glove rule: use one gloved hand for handling the materials and use the other ungloved hand for touching common surfaces such as door knobs and elevator buttons. For assistance in glove selection, contact the ORCBS at 355-0153.

General Laboratory Practices: PPE: Respirators

Biosafety Manual Table of Contents