This page is a summary of the information to be found in Section 6 of the Departmental Safety Handbook.
The term Personal Protective Equipment (or PPE) refers collectively to equipment such as safety glasses, goggles, aprons, lab coats, protective shoes, respiratory protective equipment, ear defenders and similar equipment used to protect the person during their work.
PPE is the last resort and only protects the wearer from harm. Alternative methods for controlling the hazards must have been considered.
PPE is the protective measure which is most likely to fail as a result of it being damaged, poorly maintained, misplaced, forgotten, misused or as a result of it being an inappropriate or ineffective choice in the first place. The use of PPE (unless mandatory) will be specified by the risk assessment for the activity.
Laboratory coats must be worn at all times when undertaking bench work and in workrooms where hazardous chemicals are used. Coats must be fastened. They should be professionally laundered regularly and whenever they become contaminated. Lab coats must not be worn outside the work area, in refreshment areas, the library or in offices. They must never be taken home to be washed.
Contact Stores for further information regarding the laundry service.
Eye protection must be worn when handling chemicals and in the Teaching and synthetic research laboratories. A full face shield is recommended when using corrosive chemicals or if there is an explosion risk. Use UV-resistant face protection and avoid exposed skin when using ultraviolet radiation sources.
Prescription safety glasses are available. Contact the DSO for further information.
Disposable gloves should be worn to protect against accidental contact with chemical substances, namely those that may be absorbed through the skin or that are corrosive, harmful, irritant or otherwise damaging to the skin, or biological hazards. Make sure that the type of glove you are using provides an adequate level of protection. The Health and Safety Office guide is concise and very informative.
Disposable gloves are single use only and under no circumstances should be reused.
Latex gloves
The use of powdered latex gloves is forbidden within the University owing to the high incidence of allergic reactions to airborne latex proteins. The use of powder-free, low-protein latex gloves is permitted only where it is impossible to find a suitable alternative i.e. they are the safest option and then, only following a written risk assessment in accordance with the COSHH Regulations.
You must also complete:
The completed questionnaire should be sent to the DSO. This questionnaire will be held in confidence in the Department and you will be notified if you need to be referred to Occupational Health to investigate any allergic reactions.
For further information, see the University Policy and Guidance for the Use of Disposable Latex Gloves. This document includes Guidance on the Prevention of Glove Sensitivity.
There is more information about Natural Rubber Latex Allergies and the use of protective gloves on the HSE website.