6. ASSESSING THE NEED FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) IN THE LABORATORY

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1 6. ASSESSING THE NEED FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) IN THE LABORATORY Important Notice: Laboratory coats and any other protective apparel should not be worn outside the laboratory or laboratory support areas. Avoid wearing laboratory coats (clean or used) to cafeterias, classrooms, conference rooms, offices or any other public area. Surgical scrubs (shirts and pants) are considered street clothes and not considered protective apparel. Individuals wearing scrubs should also wear protective apparel such as laboratory coats, gowns, aprons or coveralls when working with laboratory animals or hazardous materials. 6.1 Overview of PPE This section addresses the assessment of the need for special clothing and equipment to protect the respiratory system, hearing, vision, face, body, head, hands and feet from hazards in the laboratory. Laboratory staff will be provided personal protective equipment (PPE) and will use them whenever doing so will reduce the risk of an injury and/or illness. PPE is not a substitute for engineering controls e.g. fume hood or biological safety cabinet or administrative controls e.g. selection of less hazardous chemical, or good work practices, but should be used in addition to these controls to increase protection. Responsibilities PIs have the primary responsibility for implementation of the PPE Program in their work area. This includes: Conducting a written assessment of potential hazards in the laboratory for each individual working in the laboratory. Tufts EHS staff can assist with this procedure. Determining what type of PPE is required. Ordering the necessary equipment. Ensuring the employees are trained on the proper use, care and cleaning of PPE. Ensuring the employees are wearing the PPE. Each individual assigned PPE is responsible for wearing and cleaning the assigned PPE in accordance with the training received. Departments or the Principal Investigator have the primary responsibility for purchasing PPE for employees. Tufts Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has the primary responsibility for the development, implementation and administration of the PPE Program. This includes: Assisting in conducting hazard assessments. Providing training and technical assistance to supervisors on the proper use, care, and cleaning of approved PPE. Providing guidance to the supervisor for the selection and purchase of approved PPE.

2 Hazard Assessment and PPE Selection PIs or laboratory supervisors will conduct a walk-through survey of each work area to identify potential hazards. Then, the PI will complete a written Laboratory PPE Assessment Form, train the individual in the use of the PPE indicated and provide a copy of the Assessment to each individual for their review and records. Training Employees who wear PPE shall be trained in the following: Which PPE is necessary When PPE is necessary How to properly adjust and wear their PPE The limitations of the PPE The proper care, decontamination and maintenance of PPE The proper disposal of the PPE Training will be provided prior to the employee working in an area requiring the use of PPE. Additional training is needed when: Changes in the employee s job duties require different PPE. Changes in the style or type of PPE used renders the previous training obsolete. An event has occurred which indicates the affected employee has not retained the training on the proper use of the PPE. The employee is observed incorrectly using the assigned PPE. 6.2 Description of PPE Eye and Face Protection Employees must use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to hazards from flying particles, liquid chemicals, acids or caustics, chemical gases or vapors, or injurious light radiation. Eyewear shall comply with ANSI Z87.1 as indicated by labels on the PPE. When there is a hazard from flying objects, side protectors meeting ANSI standards must be used. Those employees wearing prescription glasses need to wear approved safety glasses that incorporate the prescription into the glasses or wear goggles over the prescription glasses. Visitors, contractors, or others passing through an identified eye hazard area need to wear appropriate eyewear also. An ample supply of visitor safety glasses should be available for use. Foot Protection Employees working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects or materials shall wear closed toe shoes in the laboratory. Head Protection All employees must wear a hard hat when there is a danger from impact and/or penetration from falling objects in any work location. Where there is a possibility of hitting the head on protruding objects or pipes, a bump hat may be worn.

3 Respiratory Protection Respiratory protective devices are rarely used in the laboratory because all persons in the laboratory would also have to wear the same respiratory protection since all are exposed to the same volume of air and hence the same air contaminants. The use of fume hoods, biological safety cabinets or glove boxes should be used whenever hazardous airborne contaminants are intentionally or accidentally produced in any laboratory procedure. Respiratory protective devices are worn by laboratory staff to prevent the inhalation of airborne hazardous agents. In addition, full facemask respirators protect the face and eyes from contact with airborne materials as well as splashes of liquids or sprays of powdered materials. Respiratory protective devices used in the laboratory include disposable N95, N99 or N100 respirators, half-face cartridge respirators, full-face cartridge respirators and powered-air purifying respirator (PAPR). Airline or selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) respirators are rarely used except in response to spills and release of unknown or highly hazardous chemicals. Hand Protection Individuals must use the correct hand protection when exposed to hazards including skin contact with hazardous chemicals, biological agents, radioactive materials, severe cuts or lacerations, abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, or temperature extremes. Glove selection will be based on performance characteristics of the gloves, conditions of use, duration of use, and hazards present. One type of glove will not work in all situations. No glove will protect the wearer from all hazards. Even if a glove will protect the wearer, it will not protect forever and must be changed regularly, as chemicals eventually permeate all glove materials. In selecting gloves for use against chemicals, the exact chemicals encountered need to be determined. Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can provide some of this information. A manufacturer s glove selection guide or compatibility chart must be consulted when selecting gloves. Tufts EHS can assist in determining the specific type of glove material that should be worn for particular chemicals. Latex gloves should be avoided due to the possibility of latex allergies. Studies have revealed that 8 to 12 percent of health-care workers regularly exposed to latex are sensitized. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends the selection of products that reduce the risk of allergic reactions. For general laboratory use, disposable nitrile gloves are an excellent latex substitute. In addition to reducing the risk of sensitization, nitrile gloves offer superior chemical resistance over latex to many chemical substances. Once gloves are removed, hands should be washed thoroughly. Gloves should not be worn outside of the lab or when operating shared equipment. Body Protection (Laboratory apparel) There are four types of laboratory apparel available in wide variety of materials and designs. Laboratory coats Laboratory gowns Laboratory aprons Coveralls Note: Scrub outfits (pants and shirts) made of natural or man made fabrics are equivalent to street clothes and not considered protective laboratory apparel.

4 Laboratory coats The basic laboratory coat is a knee-length outercoat or smock worn to protect street clothes and skin from contamination with chemical and biological agents. This design also provides protection from spills, sprays and other releases of fine particles and liquids. General information 1. The laboratory coat should be able to absorb or deflect (repel) any powder or liquid spills or splashes so that such materials do not reach street clothes or skin. 2. The laboratory coat must be able to absorb or deflect (repel) invisible fine particles or aerosols of chemical or biological agents such as high toxicity chemicals, infectious agents or radioactive materials. 3. The laboratory coat should not ignite but rather slowly char and allow you to remove the coat fast before the street clothes ignite and the skin burns. The all cotton laboratory coat will both deflect and absorb some solids and liquids and will char (burn slowly) rather than melt or burn rapidly when exposed to flame. All-cotton laboratory coats are more fire resistant than cotton/polyester blend fabrics. Laboratory coats can be made of reusable fabrics that can be cleaned or man-made fabrics that are considered disposable. Reusable laboratory coats Reusable laboratory coats must not be taken home to be cleaned. Cleaning must be done in a commercial laundry. Assuming weekly laundering, a reusable cotton or blend laboratory coat will last about 1 year in normal daily use. Other fabrics used include nylon, rayon and modacrylics. Disposable laboratory coats Disposable laboratory coats are manufactured using a wide variety of materials: See through microfiber (polypropylene) (large particle protection only) Polyethylene (plastic) Vinyl Polypropylene Polyolefin (Tyvek-Dupont) Tychem QC Tyvek fabric with 1.5 mils of polyethylene coating to repel liquids and dry powders Tychem SL Tyvek fabric covered with Saranex film increased resistance to liquids and powders NOTE: Disposable laboratory coats are generally made from materials that melt onto the clothes and skin when exposed to fire. CAUTION should be exercised when selecting disposable laboratory coats when handling flammable, explosive or other reactive materials that produce heat and flame. Laboratory coat sleeves Laboratory coats are provided with long sleeves to protect the upper and lower arms. Some laboratory coats have elastic wrists, most extend beyond the wrist for additional protection. There are short-sleeved laboratory coats which provide no arm protection. These are permitted only in specific applications.

5 Laboratory coat pockets and slits Laboratory coats with pockets are problematic because pockets can be used unsafely to hold sharps and objects such as pens that become contaminated. Pockets are discouraged. Slits in the laboratory coat allow access to street clothes underneath but reduce the protection of the laboratory coat and lead to contamination of the street clothes. Not permitted. Laboratory coat closures Laboratory coats typically opening the front and a closed using buttons, zippers or snaps closures. Snap closures are recommended because they can be removed quickly in the event of fire, chemical spills, biological spill or other emergency. Acid resistant laboratory coats There are laboratory coats available that are resistant to corrosive liquids. Fire resistant laboratory coats Although cotton provides some fire resistance, persons working with flammable liquids should consider laboratory coats made of Nomex fibers. Laboratory Gowns Laboratory gowns are overcoats usually worn over laboratory coats to provide additional resistance to chemical and biological agents. Laboratory gowns can be treated with powder and liquid resistant materials and protect the laboratory coat when there is a high risk of sprays or splashes. Laboratory gowns are available in thigh and knee lengths and in wide variety of materials. Laboratory Aprons Laboratory aprons provide chest and front of the body protection and tie behind the body. Laboratory aprons made of rubberized material are frequently worn over laboratory coats when individuals are handling large containers of corrosive chemicals. Laboratory Coveralls Coveralls do cover all of the street with both sleeves and pants. Coverall generally are made with either snap closures or zippers. Zippers provide better protection from fine powders and aerosols than do snap closures. Coveralls provide increased leg protection from hazardous materials than do knee length laboratory coats. Laboratory coveralls are most commonly made of manmade nonspun fabrics such as Tyvek and Tychem. Tufts University Personal Protective Equipment Plan Please follow the following link to the TU PPE Plan which is posted on the Tufts EHS website.

6 6.3 Assessing the Need for PPE Are the following activities performed in the lab? Chemical Hazards Yes No Activity Potential Hazard Applicable PPE4 Working with small volumes (<4 liters) of corrosive liquids. Eye or skin damage. Light chemical-resistant gloves. Working with large volumes (>4 liters) of corrosive liquids, small to large volumes of acutely toxic corrosives, or work which creates a splash hazard. 1 Working with small volumes (<4 liters) of organic solvents or flammable organic compounds. Working with large volumes (>4 liters) of organic solvents, small to large volumes of very dangerous solvents, or work which creates a splash hazard. Working with toxic or hazardous chemicals (solid, liquid, or gas). Working with acutely toxic or hazardous chemicals (solid, liquid, or gas). Working with an apparatus with contents under pressure or vacuum. Working with air or water reactive chemicals. Working with potentially explosive chemicals. Working with very hot or cryogenic (very cold) chemicals, e.g., LN2, dry ice. Minor chemical spill cleanup. Poisoning, increased potential for eye and skin damage. Skin or eye damage, potential poisoning through skin contact. Major skin or eye damage, potential poisoning through skin contact. Fire. Skin or eye damage, potential poisoning through skin contact. Increased potential for eye or skin damage, increased potential poisoning through skin contact. Eye or skin damage. Severe skin and eye damage. Fire. Splash, detonation, flying debris, skin and eye damage. Fire. Burns. Skin or eye damage, respiratory damage. Safety goggles. Heavy chemical-resistant gloves. Lab coat and chemical-resistant apron. Light chemical-resistant gloves. Safety goggles. Heavy chemical-resistant gloves. Flame-resistant lab coat (e.g. Nomex). Safety glasses (goggles for large quantities). Light chemical-resistant gloves. Safety goggles. Heavy chemical-resistant gloves. Face shield for high risk activities. Chemical-resistant gloves. Lab coat, chemical-resistant apron for high risk activities. Chemical-resistant gloves. Lab coat, flame resistant lab coat for high risk activities (e.g. Nomex). Chemical-resistant apron for high risk activities. Safety glasses. Face shield, and blast shield. Heavy gloves. Flame-resistant lab coat (e.g. Nomex). Safety glasses. Thermal insulated gloves, when needed. Chemical-resistant gloves. Chemical-resistant apron and boot/shoe covers for high risk activities. Respirator as needed. Consider keeping Silver Shield gloves in the lab spill kit.

7 Are the following activities performed in the lab? Biological Hazards Yes No Activity Potential Hazard Applicable PPE Working with human blood, body fluids, tissues, or blood borne pathogens (BBP). Exposure to infectious material. Working with preserved animal and/or human specimens. Working with radioactive human blood, body fluids, or blood borne pathogens (BBP). Working with agents or recombinant DNA classified as Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1). Manipulation of cell lines, viruses, bacteria, or other organisms classified as Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2). Manipulation of infectious materials classified as Biosafety Level 2 facility with BSL-3 practices (BSL-2+). Manipulation of infectious materials classified as Biosafety Level 3 (BLS-3). Working with live animals (Animal Biosafety Level 1, ABL-1). Working with live animals (Animal Biosafety Level 2, ABL-2). Exposure to infectious material or preservatives. Cell damage, potential spread of radioactive contaminants, or potential BBP exposure. Eye or skin irritation. Exposure to infectious material, particularly through broken skin or mucous membranes. Exposure to infectious materials with high risk of exposure by contact or mucous membranes. Exposure to infectious materials with high risk of exposure, particularly through the inhalation route. Animal bites, allergies. Animal bites, exposure to infectious material, allergies. Face shield, or facemask with goggles. Latex or nitrile gloves. Lab coat or gown. Protective gloves such as light latex or nitrile for unpreserved specimens (select protective glove for preserved specimens according to preservative used). Lab coat or gown. Safety glasses (goggles for splash hazard). Light latex or nitrile gloves. Lab coat or gown. splash or other eye hazard, light latex or nitrile gloves for broken skin or skin rash, lab coat or gown. splash or other eye hazard. Light latex or nitrile gloves. Lab coat or gown. splash or other eye hazard. Light latex or nitrile gloves (double). Lab coat or disposable gown (preferred). Surgical mask. splash or other eye hazard. Light latex or nitrile gloves (double). Full disposable gown or Tyvek suite (preferred). Respirator. Shoe cover or dedicated shoe. splash or other eye hazard. Light latex, nitrile or vinyl gloves for broken skin or skin rash. Lab coat or gown. Consider need for wire mesh glove. splash or other eye hazard. Light latex, nitrile or vinyl gloves. Lab gown. Hair cover. Shoe covers. Surgical mask. Consider need for wire mesh glove.

8 Are the following activities performed in the lab? Radiological Hazards Yes No Activity Potential Hazard Applicable PPE Cell damage, potential Safety glasses. Working with solid radioactive spread of radioactive Impermeable gloves. materials or waste. materials. Working with radioactive materials in hazardous chemicals (corrosives, flammables, liquids, powders, etc.). Working with ultraviolet radiation. Working with infrared emitting equipment (e.g. glass blowing). Cell damage or spread of contamination plus hazards for the specific chemical. Conjunctivitis, corneal damage, skin redness, burns. Cataracts, burns to cornea. Safety glasses (or goggles for splash hazard). Light chemical-resistant gloves, Note: Select glove for the applicable chemical hazards above. UV face shield. Goggles. Appropriate shaded goggles. Are the following activities performed in the lab? Laser Hazards6 Yes No Activity Potential Hazard Applicable PPE Open Beam Performing alignment, troubleshooting or maintenance that requires working with an open beam and/or defeating the interlock(s) on any Class 3 or Class 4 laser system. Viewing a Class 3R laser beam with magnifying optics (including eyeglasses). Working with a Class 3B laser open beam system with the potential for producing direct or specular reflections. Working with a Class 4 laser open beam system with the potential for producing direct, specular, or diffuse reflections. Eye damage. Eye damage. Eye damage, skin damage. Eye damage, skin damage. Appropriately shaded goggles/glasses with optical density based on individual beam parameters. Appropriately shaded goggles/glasses with optical density based on individual beam parameters. Appropriately shaded goggles/glasses with optical density based on individual beam parameters. Appropriate skin protection. Appropriately shaded goggles/glasses with optical density based on individual beam parameters. Appropriate skin protection. Non-Beam Handling dye laser materials, such as powdered dyes, Cancer, explosion, fire. chemicals, and solvents. Maintaining and repairing power Electrocution, explosion, sources for large Class 3B and fire. Class 4 laser systems. Gloves, safety glasses. Flame-resistant lab coat or coveralls. Electrical isolation mat. Flame-resistant lab coat or coveralls.

9 Are the following activities performed in the lab? Physical Hazards Yes No Activity Potential Hazard Applicable PPE Working with cryogenic liquids. Removing freezer vials from liquid nitrogen Working with very cold equipment or dry ice. Working with hot liquids, equipment, open flames (autoclave, Bunsen burner, water bath, oil bath). Glassware washing. Working with loud equipment, noises, sounds, alarms, etc. Working with a centrifuge. Working with a sonicator. Working with sharps. Major skin, tissue, or eye damage. Vials may explode upon rapid warming. Cuts to face/neck and frostbite to hands. Frostbite, hypothermia. Burns resulting in skin or eye damage. Lacerations. Potential ear damage and hearing loss. Imbalanced rotor can lead to broken vials, cuts, exposure. Ear damage, exposure. Cuts, exposure. Safety glasses or goggles for large volumes. Impermeable insulated gloves. Face shield. Impermeable insulated gloves. Safety glasses. Insulated gloves (possibly warm clothing). Safety glasses or goggles for large volumes. Insulated gloves (impermeable insulated gloves for liquids, steam). Heavy rubber gloves. Earplugs or ear muffs as necessary. Latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves. Latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves. Ear plugs. Latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves. Is the following activity performed in the lab? Nanomaterial Hazard Yes No Activity Potential Hazard Applicable PPE Working with engineered nanomaterials. 8 Inhalation, exposure, dermal exposure. Goggles. Gloves.

10 Laboratory Personal Protective Equipment Training Certification Printed Name of Employee, has received and demonstrated understanding of the PPE training given by. Name of Trainer Signature of Trainer Date The following personal protective equipment are available and have been assigned for use Check applicable boxes Identify specific assigned PPE { } Eye and Face Protection { } Head Protection { } Foot Protection { } Hand Protection { } Respiratory Protection { } Hearing Protection { } Body Protection Name of Principal Investigator or Laboratory Supervisor (print) Date