When working with or adjacent to hazardous areas within the lab, workers must wear lab coats and protective eyewear that meets ANSI standards. Laboratories marked free from physical or chemical hazards may be considered for exceptions granted by EH&S.
In 2011, Cal-OSHA adopted a new PPE standard. Employers are required to conduct and document PPE hazard assessments, provide documentation regarding PPE is necessary, how to properly wear and adjust, PPE limitations, proper care, and maintenance.
EH&S provides the training component in the Lab Safety Fundamentals class for general PPE, such as safety glasses, goggles, gloves, lab coats or others if the PI contacts EH&S. Any specific PPE not covered by EH&S must be covered by the PI. For more information, please refer to the Cal-OSHA PPE Standard.
OSHA requires the use of PPE to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels.
Employers are required to determine if PPE should be used to protect their workers, provide the equipment and ensure its use. PPE includes gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, ear muffs), hard hats, respirators, and full-body suits.
