Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as a necessary part of research safety in addition to engineering controls and good work practices. Supervisors and employees must work together to ensure that appropriate PPE is selected and used to minimize exposure. 

Personal Attire

An individual’s personal attire is their first layer of protection. It should cover all skin likely to be exposed during a spill/exposure event. Personal attire should fit snugly or be secured to avoid accidental contact or entrapment in anticipated hazards. It should be of a tight weave or impermeable to liquids and fit loosely enough that if liquids were absorbed the contaminated clothing would stay away from the individual's skin. In general:

• Long hair must be pulled back and secured.
• Loose clothing (sleeves, bulky pants) should be avoided to prevent accidental contact with chemicals or open flames.
• Shoes with closed toe and heel coverings must be worn by all individuals while in laboratory areas.
• Full-length pants or skirts are required to cover all skin that could be exposed during a spill.
• Cotton (or other non-synthetic material) clothing is recommended when conducting procedures with an elevated fire risk, such as procedures using pyrophorics or large amounts of flammable chemicals or work on or near exposed live circuitry.

PPE must be supplied by the employer but employers are not required to purchase personal attire.