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Personal Protective Equipment Guide

Essential PPE selection and usage for nanomaterial synthesis laboratories

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Hierarchy of Controls

PPE is the last line of defense. Prioritize:

  1. Elimination or substitution of hazardous materials
  2. Engineering controls (fume hoods, ventilation)
  3. Administrative controls (procedures, training)
  4. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Eye & Face Protection

Safety Glasses

Use for: General lab work, minimal splash hazard

Features:

  • Impact-resistant lenses (ANSI Z87.1)
  • Side shields for peripheral protection
  • Must fit snugly without gaps

Note: Not suitable for chemical splash protection

Chemical Splash Goggles

Use for: Working with liquid chemicals, nanomaterial suspensions

Features:

  • Indirect venting to prevent splashes
  • Form complete seal around eyes
  • Compatible with prescription glasses

Required: For all synthesis procedures involving liquids

Face Shield

Use for: High splash risk, pouring large volumes

Features:

  • Covers entire face from forehead to chin
  • Must be worn WITH goggles (not replacement)
  • Anti-fog coating recommended

Warning: Does not provide eye protection alone

Laser Safety Glasses

Use for: Working with lasers in characterization

Features:

  • Wavelength-specific protection
  • Optical density rating for laser class
  • Labeled with protected wavelengths

Critical: Must match laser wavelength exactly

Hand Protection

Important: No glove provides universal chemical protection. Select gloves based on specific chemicals being handled. Consult glove compatibility charts.
Nitrile Gloves

Resistant to:

  • Oils and petroleum products
  • Weak acids and bases
  • Many organic solvents

Not for: Ketones (acetone), strong oxidizers

Latex Gloves

Resistant to:

  • Aqueous solutions
  • Weak acids and bases
  • Biological materials

Warning: Latex allergies common; not for organic solvents

Neoprene Gloves

Resistant to:

  • Acids and bases
  • Alcohols
  • Some organic chemicals

Good for: General purpose chemical handling

Glove Usage Best Practices:
  • Inspect gloves before each use for tears or degradation
  • Remove gloves immediately if chemicals penetrate
  • Never reuse disposable gloves
  • Wash hands thoroughly after glove removal
  • Double-glove for highly hazardous materials
  • Remove gloves before touching doorknobs, phones, or keyboards

Body Protection

Laboratory Coat

Requirements:

  • 100% cotton or flame-resistant material
  • Long sleeves with elastic cuffs
  • Extends to knees
  • Snap or button closure (not zipper for easy removal)

Maintenance:

  • Launder regularly through institutional service
  • Never take contaminated coats home
  • Inspect for damage before use
  • Remove immediately if significantly contaminated
Disposable Lab Coat

Use for:

  • Working with nanomaterials (contamination risk)
  • High-hazard procedures
  • Single-use contamination protection

Features:

  • Tyvek or similar barrier material
  • Fluid-resistant
  • Disposed as hazardous waste after use

Respiratory Protection

CRITICAL: Respirators require medical clearance, fit testing, and training. Contact your institution's safety office before use.
N95 Filtering Facepiece

Use for:

  • Airborne particulates (dust, powder nanomaterials)
  • Non-oil-based aerosols

Limitations:

  • Does NOT protect against vapors or gases
  • Requires fit testing
  • Single-use in research environments
  • Must achieve proper seal (no facial hair)
Half-Face Respirator with Cartridges

Use for:

  • Organic vapors (with appropriate cartridge)
  • Acid gases
  • Combination particulate + vapor

Requirements:

  • Annual fit testing mandatory
  • Cartridge selection must match hazard
  • Replace cartridges per manufacturer schedule
  • Store in clean, dry location
When is Respiratory Protection Needed?
  • Work with airborne nanomaterials outside fume hood
  • Cleaning up powder spills
  • Insufficient ventilation for vapor control
  • Required by SDS or risk assessment

Note: Engineering controls (fume hoods) should be primary defense. Respirators are supplementary.

Foot Protection

Closed-Toe Shoes

Minimum Requirements:

  • Full coverage of foot (no sandals, open-toe shoes, or crocs)
  • Low heels for stability
  • Non-slip soles
  • Made of material that won't absorb chemical spills

Recommended for Nanomaterial Labs:

  • Leather or synthetic uppers (not canvas)
  • Chemical-resistant material
  • Easy to clean and decontaminate