The Safety Committee in the Department of Chemistry is proposing a universal Laboratory Attire policy for any lab-based course in the department. We have integrated your feedback into the modified version below.

as proposed...

Proper Laboratory Attire

Your safety and that of others is of the utmost importance in the lab. To keep you making new discoveries, we, as instructors, need to keep you safe. Proper laboratory attire is an important part of any laboratory safety program. Below are listed three basic laboratory attire requirements that all students are expected to adhere to at all times when participating in any laboratory class taught within the Department of Chemistry or by its faculty.^a Not wearing proper laboratory attire is cause for removal from the lab and could result in a zero for the experiment being conducted the day of your removal. Refer to instructor guidelines for safe attire in field-based laboratory exercises.

1. Eye protection This is the first and foremost safety rule. Proper eyewear protection is required to be worn in all chemistry labs at ESF.^b Any person found not wearing safety eyewear (contacts and glasses are not a substitute) in the laboratory will be asked to leave the lab. Reminders should not be necessary. If your glasses or goggles cause discomfort, please let us know so we can discuss other protective options. There are no exceptions to this rule, except in special cases identified by the instructor, such as an in-class quiz or when no active lab work is being done in the lab.

2. Laboratory Gloves are to be worn in the lab when handling dangerous and/or toxic chemicals/substances in the lab. The instructor will identify when gloves need to be worn. They are not required for all experiments. Gloves are a first line of defense; however, they are not an impenetrable barrier.^c If a chemical or substance gets on your gloves, remove them immediately (inside out), wash your hands, and put on a new pair. Gloves must be removed and placed in the proper trash receptacle, which has been identified by the instructor, before leaving the laboratory.

3. Dress Code Appropriate dress must be worn at all times in the laboratory. As directed by the ESF Laboratory Safety Guide (LSG), items such as shorts, short skirts, tank tops, cropped shirts, and open footwear (e.g., sandals, Birkenstocks, Crocs, etc.) are not permitted. Appropriate clothing consists of closed toed shoes, tee-shirts/long sleeves, and pants without holes or a long skirt that fully covers the legs. Tights, leggings, and capris are not recommended and may not be permitted subject to individual course requirements. Proper attire should minimize skin exposure to best protect against contact with chemicals. Lab coats may be required based on individual course needs. If dressed inappropriately for lab, you will be asked to leave and change clothes.

^aCourses include any FCH course taught in any location on the main campus or satellite campuses that have a laboratory or studio component. This is also applicable to laboratory courses offered by other programs taught in Jahn laboratory.

^bAll protective eyewear must be marked and meet the requirements of ANSI Z87.1 and be appropriate for the expected hazards (See ESF’s LSG appendix H for guidance).

^c The type of glove used is listed on the product’s Safety Data Sheet. Contaminated gloves are to be removed prior to handling commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, sink faucets, etc.