GT implemented a Personal Protective Equipment and Appropriate Attire Policy in August 2011 which can be found here.
Excerpts from the policy appear below:
Personal attire while in the laboratory plays a major role in determining the level of risk of exposure to hazardous agents and of physical injury. Appropriate clothing provides an extra layer of protection against spills and splashes of hazardous materials. Appropriate clothing covers the torso, legs, and feet. Therefore, the following practices shall be adhered to in Georgia Tech wet bench laboratories:
Allowed | Not Allowed | Explanation |
---|---|---|
Hair must be kept away from the eyes. Long hair must be tied back. Hair longer than 6 inches from the nape of the neck must also be pinned up (use of hair nets or hats is acceptable) | Hair must not impede vision, come in contact with the work, or open flames | Hair can impede vision. Long hair can fall onto the lab bench/come in contact with chemicals or biologicals. Long hair is also a hazard around rotating equipment and open flames such as Bunsen burners or alcohol. |
Ties and scarves that do not hang loose outside the lab coat | Neckwear such as ties and scarves that hang loose | Dangling neckwear may come in contact with chemicals, biologicals, or open flames. These also are a hazard around rotating equipment. |
Baseball caps and other headgear as long as they are kept far enough back on the head so that vision is not impaired and also do not interfere with protective eyewear | Caps worn low over the eyes so as to impede vision | Avoiding accidents means staying aware of one's surroundings at all times. Unimpeded visual observation is key in this regard. |
Use of iPods, MP3 players, or other electronic devices with head-phones is not allowed in laboratories and is highly discouraged in laboratory buildings | Laboratorians must be aware of their surroundings at all times which includes being able to hear alarms, sirens, run away reactions, and other people calling for help. | |
Shirts/tops that cover upper torso | Cropped shirts, plunging necklines, spaghetti straps, or ripped shirts | Layered clothing in a safety asset in that it provides an extra layer of protection against spills and splashes. |
Clothing that accommodates lab coat use | Loose or flowing tops with wide/bell sleeves, outerwear such as coats or shawls that make it difficult to don a lab coat | Wearing this type of clothing makes it difficult/uncomfortable to wear a lab coat. The wearer may be tempted to do without the lab coat. Loose sleeves may also be dragged across the bench becoming contaminated and are a hazard around rotating equipment and open flames. |
Long pants that cover the wearer to the ankle | Ripped jeans, shorts, capris, or skirts | Chemicals splash up after they hit the floor; likewise shattered glass bounces up and can inflict injury on unprotected skin. Persons who must wear skirts due to personal reasons should speak with their supervisors to determine an appropriate strategy for this rule. |
Completely enclosed shoes that cover the instep of the foot, preferably of leather which can be wiped clean | Sandals, open toe, open back, or open weave shoes, shoes with holes in the top or sides, no Birkenstocks, Mary Janes, cloth shoes, or Crocs | Shoes need to protect the wearer from chemicals, hot liquids, and shattered glass. Cloth shoes can absorb chemicals or hot liquids and hold them against the skin until they can be removed. |