Lab Coats and Safety Glasses: Essential Laboratory Protection
Laboratory work can involve chemicals, biological materials, heat, glassware and other hazards. A lab coat and safety glasses are commonly used to help reduce the risk of exposure or injury. They are not a substitute for safe working practices, however: the right protective equipment depends on the task and the hazards involved.
Why wear a lab coat?
A properly chosen lab coat can help protect skin and clothing from minor splashes, spills and contamination. It can also help prevent materials carried on everyday clothing from entering a controlled work area.
For a lab coat to be effective, it should:
- Fit comfortably and cover the arms and torso.
- Be fastened while work is taking place.
- Have sleeves that do not interfere with equipment or become caught.
- Be made from a material suitable for the hazards present.
- Be removed before leaving the laboratory where site rules require it.
Ordinary lab coats do not provide protection against every hazard. For example, they may not be suitable for significant chemical splashes, fire risks or work requiring specialist biological protection. Follow the laboratory’s risk assessment and choose protective clothing accordingly.
Why safety glasses matter
Safety glasses help protect the eyes from hazards such as flying particles, droplets and splashes. Regular prescription glasses or fashion glasses may not provide adequate protection, as they might not shield the sides of the eyes or be designed for laboratory use.
Select eye protection that is appropriate for the task. Where there is a risk of splashing, goggles or a face shield may be more suitable than safety glasses alone. A face shield should generally be used alongside suitable eye protection, rather than as a replacement for it.
Before starting work, check that your safety glasses are clean, undamaged and fit securely. Make sure they do not obstruct your vision or interfere with other protective equipment.
Using and caring for PPE
Lab coats and safety glasses work best when worn correctly and consistently. Put them on before handling hazardous materials, and remove them carefully to avoid transferring contamination. Do not wear contaminated coats or gloves into offices, kitchens or other areas where they are not permitted.
Clean and store protective equipment in line with workplace instructions. Replace items that are damaged, contaminated or no longer fit properly. Reusable equipment should be cleaned using an approved method, while disposable items should be discarded in the correct waste stream.
Make safety part of every task
Before beginning laboratory work, read the relevant procedures and consider the hazards involved. Use the protective clothing and eye protection specified by your organisation’s risk assessment, and ask a supervisor if you are unsure what is required.
A lab coat and safety glasses are important parts of laboratory safety, but they are only effective when they are suitable for the task, worn correctly and supported by good training and safe working practices.
Lab Coats and Safety Glasses: Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I wear a lab coat and safety glasses in the laboratory?
- What type of lab coat is suitable for my laboratory work?
- Are ordinary prescription glasses enough to protect my eyes in a laboratory?
- When should I wear goggles or a face shield instead of safety glasses?
- How should I clean, store and replace my lab coat and safety glasses?
Why should I wear a lab coat and safety glasses in the laboratory?
Wear a lab coat and safety glasses to help protect your skin, clothing and eyes from spills, splashes, contamination and other laboratory hazards. Choose protective equipment that is suitable for the task, make sure it fits properly and is in good condition, and follow your laboratory’s safety procedures.
What type of lab coat is suitable for my laboratory work?
The right lab coat depends on the hazards identified for your work. For routine tasks, a well-fitting coat that covers your arms and torso and fastens securely may be suitable; work involving chemicals, biological materials, heat or flames may require specialist protective clothing made from appropriate materials. Check your laboratory’s risk assessment and safety procedures before choosing a coat, and ask your supervisor if you are unsure.
Are ordinary prescription glasses enough to protect my eyes in a laboratory?
No. Ordinary prescription glasses are designed to correct vision, not to provide reliable protection from laboratory hazards. They may leave gaps around the sides and are not necessarily made to withstand impacts or chemical splashes. Wear safety glasses that meet the requirements of your laboratory’s risk assessment; if you need prescription lenses, use prescription safety glasses or approved over-glasses. For splash hazards, suitable chemical splash goggles may be required.
When should I wear goggles or a face shield instead of safety glasses?
Wear goggles when there is a risk of liquid splashes, hazardous vapours or fine particles reaching your eyes, as they provide a closer seal than safety glasses. Use a face shield when work could cause a larger splash, flying debris or intense heat to affect your face; it should usually be worn with suitable goggles or safety glasses, not instead of them. Always follow your workplace risk assessment and equipment guidance.
How should I clean, store and replace my lab coat and safety glasses?
Clean your lab coat and safety glasses according to your organisation’s procedures and the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep contaminated coats separate and do not take them home for washing unless your workplace specifically permits this; arrange approved laundering or disposal instead. Store clean, dry equipment in a designated area away from chemicals and other contaminants. Before each use, check the coat for tears, damaged fastenings or contamination, and the glasses for cracks, deep scratches or loose-fitting parts. Replace any item that is damaged, no longer fits properly or cannot be cleaned effectively.