Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a necessary component to laboratory safety along with engineering controls, such as laboratory ventilation and good work practice.
Learn more about our PPE Program.
PPE Selection Guide
The below guide is to be used as a supplement to the RSS Hazard Assessment Tool, where the selection of appropriate PPE is an integral component of the hazard assessment. PPE application should be based on a risk assessment, which includes evaluation of the hazard and the procedures used, in consultation with the laboratory's supervisor or Principle Investigator.
| Applicable PPE | Example Image | Type & Characteristics | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves |  |
Disposable latex Powdered or unpowdered |
Working with biological hazards (human blood, body fluids, tissues, bloodborne pathogens, specimens), BSL1, BSL2 |
 |
Disposable nitrile Puncture, abrasion resistant, protection from splash hazards |
Working with biological hazards and chemical splash hazards | |
 |
Disposable vinyl Economical, durable, similar to latex |
Working with biological hazards, BSL1, BSL2 | |
| Light chemical resistant gloves |  |
Natural rubber latex Chemical resistant, liquid-proof |
Working with small volumes of corrosive liquids, organic solvents, flammable compounds |
| Light to heavy chemical resistant gloves |  |
Nitrile Chemical resistant, good puncture, cut, and abrasion resistance |
Using apparatus under pressure, air or water reactive chemicals |
| Heavy chemical resistant gloves |  |
Butyl High permeation resistance to most chemicals |
Working with large volumes of organic solvents; small to large volumes of dangerous solvents, acutely toxic or hazardous materials |
 |
Viton® II High permeation resistance to most chemicals |
Same as butyl gloves, plus hazardous material spills | |
 |
Silver shield Extra chemical and mechanical protection |
Same as butyl and Viton II gloves, added mechanical protection, hazardous material spills | |
| Insulated gloves |  |
Terrycloth autoclave Heat resistant |
Working with hot liquids and equipment, open flames, water bath, oil bath |
 |
Cryogen Water resistant or water-proof, protection against ultra-cold temperatures |
Handling cryogenic liquids | |
| Wire mesh gloves |  |
Wire mesh Cut resistant |
Working with live animals and exposed to potential cuts |
| Chemical resistant aprons |  |
Rubber-coated wash Chemical splash protection, good abrasion resistance |
Working with apparatus under pressure, air or water reactive chemicals, large volumes of corrosive liquids |
 |
Neoprene w/ sleeves Chemical resistant, tear resistant |
Working with large volumes of organic solvents; small to large volumes of dangerous solvents, acutely toxic or hazardous materials. Added mechanical protection, hazardous material spills | |
 |
Butyl/Silver shield w/ sleeves Extra chemical and mechanical protection |
Working with large volumes of organic solvents; small to large volumes of dangerous solvents, acutely toxic or hazardous materials. Added mechanical protection, hazardous material spills | |
| Lab coats |  |
Knee length Protects skin and clothing from dirt, inks, non-hazardous chemicals |
General use; Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Physical Hazards |
 |
Flame resistant Flame resistant (e.g. Nomex or flame-resistant cotton) |
Working with water or air reactive chemicals, large volumes of organic solvents, potentially explosive chemicals | |
| Gowns |  |
Disposable Protects skin and clothing from dirt, dyes, debris, or non-hazardous chemicals |
General use; Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Physical Hazards. Working with live animals |
 |
Flame resistant disposable Flame resistant. Protects skin and clothing from dirt, dyes, debris, or non-hazardous chemicals |
Working with water or air reactive chemicals, large volumes of organic solvents, potentially explosive chemicals. Working with live animals | |
 |
Tyvek High tear resistance, protection from particulates |
Working with biohazards with potential for exposure to airborne transmissible disease | |
| Cap |  |
Bouffant Protection for hygienic work environments; protection from dirt, dust |
Working with biohazards, especially in animal facilities |
| Footwear |  |
Disposable shoe covers Protection for hygienic work environments; protection from dirt, dust. Adjustable fit, non-skid |
Working with biohazards, especially in animal facilities |
|
Slip resistant Slip resistant sole |
Working in areas where liquids, slippery conditions are present | |
 |
Slip resistant boot Slip resistant sole. High permeation resistance to wet conditions |
Working in environments where large amounts of water are present (e.g., cage washing) | |
| Safety glasses |  |
Glasses Polycarbonate lens, side shields for eye protection. Meets ANSI and OSHA specifications |
Working with chemical, biological, or physical hazards |
| Safety goggles |  |
General Tight fitting, protects eyes from impact, spray, paint, chemicals, flying chips, dust particles, polycarbonate lens, indirect ventilation, meets ANSI and OSHA specifications |
Working with large volumes of corrosive liquids, small to large volumes of acutely toxic corrosives. Working with large volumes of organic solvents, acutely toxic or hazardous chemicals, apparatus under pressure, air or water reactive chemicals |
 |
Laser / Radiological Shaded goggles; optical density based on beam and/or UV parameters |
Working with Class 3 or Class 4 lasers; UV radiation | |
| Shields |  |
Face shield Chemical and/or UV resistant face shield |
Working with mild acids, caustics, aromatic hydrocarbons, methylene chloride; splash hazard; air or water reactive or potentially explosive chemicals; UV radiological hazards |
 |
Safety shield Acrylic, weighted shield, three sided, benchtop shield, frosted edges |
Working with chemical splash, beta radiation, exposure to Bloodborne pathogens | |
| Respirators |  |
Surgical masks Protects against large droplets and splashes |
Working with live animals; working with infectious material in BSL-2+ level lab |
 |
N-95 Protects against dusts, fumes, mists, microorganisms |
Working with live animals or infectious materials with known airborne transmissible disease (e.g. Tuberculosis); dusty environments |
|
 |
Half face Purifies air: protects against variety of particulates, vapors, dust, mists, fumes; depends on filter cartridge used |
Working with live animals or infectious materials with known airborne transmissible disease; dusty environments; chemical vapors; particulates | |
 |
Full face Same as half-face, with greater protection factor; eye protection, mucous membranes, and face; depends on filter cartridge used |
Working with live animals or infectious materials with known airborne transmissible disease; dusty environments; chemical vapors; particulates | |
 |
PAPR Air supplying respirator; delivers steady supply of filtered air with loose fitting hoods |
Working in BSL3 or dusty environments; chemical vapors, particulates; used when full-face or half–face respirator doesn’t fit individual, or presence of facial hair | |
| Earplugs |  |
Disposable Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Polyurethane foam, one-time use design (no cleaning), one size fits all, light weight, low cost, blocks all sound |
Working in areas where sound (dBa) average levels over 85, EHS can assist in assessments |
 |
Reusable Silicone, tapered fit, reusable (needs cleaning), corded or uncorded, light weight, more durable than disposable |
Working in areas where sound (dBa) average levels over 85, EHS can assist in assessments | |
 |
Hearing Band Ear plugs connected to a flexible band that can be worn around the neck when not needed |
Working in areas where sound (dBa) average levels over 85, EHS can assist in assessments |