Chapter 3 - Personal Protective Equipment

Laboratory Attire and PPE – Baseline Expectations

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is one part of a broader system of controls and should be used in conjunction with engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices. Cornell establishes a consistent baseline for laboratory attire and PPE to support a safe and predictable working environment across laboratories.

At a minimum, personnel working in laboratory spaces are expected to:

Wear a lab coat, safety glasses, and gloves appropriate to the work being performed
Wear leg coverings that fully cover the skin to the top of the footwear
Wear clothing that covers the torso
Wear footwear that fully encloses the foot (toe, heel, and sides) and provides a barrier to liquids
Secure long hair and beards when needed to prevent entanglement, ignition, or contamination hazards

Additional Requirements

Additional PPE may be required based on the hazards present, including but not limited to face shields, specialized gloves, flame-resistant clothing, or respiratory protection.

Laboratories may establish more protective requirements based on the hazards present, but should not reduce these baseline expectations where chemical, biological, or physical hazards are present.

These expectations are intended to provide a consistent foundation for safe work across laboratories while allowing flexibility based on specific hazards.

The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment standard, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, has the following requirements:

Hazard assessment and equipment selection
Employee training
Record keeping requirements
Guidelines for selecting PPE
Hazard assessment certification

EHS has developed a written Personal Protective Equipment Program in compliance with the OSHA standard. More information on PPE can be found in the OSHA Safety and Health Topics page on Personal Protective Equipment. Use the OSHA Eye and Face Protection eTool along with the Cornell PPE Assessment Form found in these two links while conducting a hazard assessment.

3.1 Laboratory Responsibilities for Personal Protective Equipment

Laboratory personnel must assess the hazards of specific operations conducted in their laboratories to determine what additional PPE is necessary to perform the work safely. PPE must be made available to laboratory workers to reduce exposures to hazardous chemicals and other laboratory hazards. Appropriate PPE may include gloves, eye protection, lab coats, face shields, aprons, boots, hearing protection, and other items selected based on the work being performed. PPE must be readily available, and most equipment is provided at no cost to the employee.

When selecting PPE for laboratory operations or experiments, a number of factors must be considered, including:

The materials being used, including their concentration and quantity
The hazards those materials present
The potential routes of exposure
The material from which the PPE is constructed
The permeation and degradation characteristics of the PPE material
The expected duration of contact or exposure

PPE should fit properly and be suitable for the individual and the task so that it can be worn consistently and effectively by laboratory personnel.

OSHA recommends selecting PPE that provides protection appropriate to the hazard. In some cases, this may mean selecting PPE that exceeds the minimum level of protection.

All personal protective equipment and protective clothing must be maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. Only equipment that meets applicable NIOSH, ANSI, or other relevant consensus standards should be purchased or accepted for use.

There are a number of safety equipment suppliers who sell a wide variety of personal protective equipment. Check with the Purchasing department first to identify the Cornell preferred vendor and take advantage of discounted pricing. If you have questions about what PPE is most appropriate for your application, contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu.

Please Note: Cornell establishes baseline laboratory attire and PPE expectations for personnel working in laboratory spaces. Principal Investigators, laboratory supervisors, departments, and colleges may establish additional or more protective PPE requirements based on the hazards present, but should not reduce baseline protections where chemical, biological, or physical hazards are present. Check with your Department Safety Representative (DSR) for any department- or college-specific PPE requirements.

3.2 Training for Personal Protective Equipment

Laboratory personnel must be trained in the selection, proper use, limitations, care, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE). Training must include both baseline laboratory attire and PPE expectations, as well as any hazard-specific PPE required for the work being performed.

Training requirements may be met in a variety of ways, including videos, group training sessions, and written materials. Refresher training should be provided when procedures change, new hazards are introduced, or when gaps in understanding or compliance are identified.

Examples of topics to be covered during PPE training include:

When PPE is required, including baseline laboratory expectations
What PPE is necessary for specific procedures or experiments
Proper fit and selection of PPE
How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear PPE
The limitations of PPE
Proper cleaning, care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of PPE

As with all required training, PPE training must be documented. Records should include the names of individuals trained, the type of training provided, and the date(s) of training, and must be maintained and available for review. EHS will maintain records of employees who attend EHS training sessions.

Information on the specific PPE required to carry out laboratory procedures must also be included in the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures.

Please Note: EHS provides guidance, resources, and training support for hazard assessment and PPE selection. Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors are responsible for ensuring that appropriate PPE is identified through hazard assessment, that personnel are trained, and that PPE is available, maintained, and used as required.

Consistent use of PPE is a shared responsibility. When gaps in PPE use are identified, the focus should be on clarifying expectations, ensuring access to appropriate equipment, and reinforcing understanding of the hazards, rather than assigning blame.

3.3 Eye Protection

Eye Protection in Laboratory and Animal Research Spaces

Eye protection is one of the most critical and easily implemented forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) in laboratory and animal research environments. As part of Cornell’s baseline PPE expectations, laboratory personnel, animal care staff, and visitors are required to wear appropriate eye protection at all times when working in or entering laboratory spaces, vivaria, and aquatic research facilities.

For the purposes of laboratory safety, hazards are considered present when they exist in the environment or could reasonably result in exposure, regardless of whether they are actively in use. This includes materials in storage, open containers, shared equipment, and ongoing or adjacent work activities. Laboratory and animal research environments should therefore be treated as hazard-present spaces unless they have been specifically designated and managed as non-laboratory areas.

Eye protection is required throughout time spent in these spaces due to the potential for a wide range of biological, chemical, and physical hazards, including but not limited to:

Acids, caustic substances, or other chemical liquids
Biological materials, including animal fluids and microorganisms
Water or liquid splashes from tanks, hoses, or equipment
Flying particles or broken glass
Hot liquids or heated equipment
Potentially injurious light radiation

Eye protection is required not only during active work with these hazards but throughout time spent in these environments. Engineering controls such as fume hood sashes or biosafety cabinet windows provide important protection but are not failsafe. Eye protection provides an additional and necessary layer of protection against unexpected exposures.

Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors are responsible for ensuring that appropriate eye protection is available, that personnel are trained in its proper use, and that baseline PPE expectations are consistently followed within their laboratories and animal facilities.

Additional information can be found on the OSHA Eye and Face Protection and EHS Eye Protection in Laboratory Spaces webpage.

3.3.1 Eye Protection Selection

All protective eye and face devices must comply with ANSI Z87.1, "American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices," and be marked to identify the manufacturer. When selecting eye protection, be aware that different types of eyewear provide different levels of protection depending on the hazard.

Prescription Safety Eyewear

OSHA regulations require that personnel who wear prescription lenses while engaged in operations involving eye hazards must wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription into its design or wear eye protection that can be worn over prescription lenses (e.g., goggles or face shields) without disturbing the proper position of either the prescription or protective lenses. Prescription safety eyewear must meet ANSI Z87.1 requirements.

Note: Contact lenses are not considered protective eyewear and do not provide protection against eye hazards.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses provide protection from moderate impact and flying particles associated with activities such as grinding, sawing, scaling, handling broken glass, and minor chemical splashes. Side protection is required where there is a hazard from flying objects. Safety glasses are available in prescription form for individuals requiring corrective lenses.

Safety glasses alone do not provide adequate protection for operations involving significant chemical splash potential, such as pouring, mixing, or transferring hazardous chemicals. In these situations, splash goggles must be used.

Splash Goggles

Splash goggles provide protection against chemical splash hazards, including work with concentrated corrosives and bulk chemical transfer. Goggles are available with clear or tinted lenses, anti-fog coatings, and vented or non-vented frames.

Goggles designed for woodworking or dust protection are not appropriate for chemical use. These can often be identified by numerous small openings in the facepiece, which may allow liquids to enter. Ensure that goggles are specifically rated for chemical splash protection.

Welder's/Chipper's Goggles

Welder’s goggles provide protection from sparks, scaling, splashing metal, and harmful light radiation. Lenses are impact resistant and available in graduated shades. Chippers’/grinders’ goggles provide protection from flying particles and incorporate impact-resistant lenses with protective cover plates.

Face Shields

Face shields provide additional protection to the eyes and face when used in combination with safety glasses or splash goggles. They consist of adjustable headgear and a clear or tinted visor or, in some cases, a mesh screen.

Face shields must not be used alone and are not a substitute for primary eye protection. They should always be worn in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles. Mesh face shields are not appropriate for protection against chemical hazards.

Welding Shields

Welding shields are similar to face shields but provide additional protection from infrared and radiant light, flying sparks, metal splatter, and slag during welding, cutting, and related operations.

Equipment fitted with appropriate filter lenses must be used to protect against optical radiation. Tinted or shaded lenses are not equivalent to filter lenses unless specifically marked as such.

LASER Eye Protection

A single type of eyewear does not provide protection against all laser hazards. The required eye protection depends on the wavelength and energy of the laser source. For assistance in selecting appropriate laser eye protection, contact the Laser Safety Officer at EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu. See the LASER Hazards section for additional information.

3.4 Hand Protection

Most hazards to the hands and arms in laboratory and animal research environments can be grouped into four general categories: chemical exposure, mechanical hazards (e.g., cuts, abrasions, punctures), biological exposure, and temperature extremes (heat or cold). As part of baseline laboratory PPE expectations, gloves appropriate to the task must be worn when handling hazardous materials or when there is a reasonable potential for exposure to these hazards.

The proper selection and use of hand protection can reduce exposure to both chemical and physical hazards. Gloves must be worn when working with materials that are readily absorbed through the skin and/or particularly hazardous substances (such as select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and substances with a high degree of acute toxicity).

There is no single glove material that provides protection against all chemicals or hazards. All gloves must be selected based on the specific application and replaced periodically depending on the chemical(s) involved, concentration, glove material performance, conditions of use, and duration of exposure.

All glove materials are eventually permeated or degraded by chemicals; however, they can be used safely for limited periods when their performance characteristics (e.g., thickness, permeation rate, and breakthrough time) are understood. EHS can provide assistance in selecting appropriate glove materials for specific applications.

3.4.1 Selecting the Proper Gloves

Before working with any chemical, always read manufacturer instructions and warnings on chemical container labels and SDSs. Recommended glove types are sometimes listed in the PPE section SDSs. If the recommended glove type is not listed on the SDS, then laboratory personnel should consult with the manufacturers’ glove selection charts. These charts typically include commonly used chemicals that have been tested for the manufacturers’ different glove types. Different manufacturers use different formulations so check the glove chart of the specific manufacturer for the glove you plan to use.

If the manufacturers’ glove chart does not list the specific chemical you will be using, then call the manufacturer directly and speak with their technical representatives to determine which glove is best suited for your particular application.

It is important to know that not all chemicals or mixtures have been tested by glove manufacturers. It is especially important in these situations to contact the glove manufacturer directly.

In some cases, you may need to consider hiring a testing laboratory that specializes in determining which glove material will be most resistant to the chemical you are using. For more information, contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu.

Some general guidelines for glove use include:

Wear appropriate gloves when the potential for contact with hazardous materials exists. Laboratory personnel should inspect gloves for holes, cracks, or contamination before each use. Any gloves found to be questionable should be discarded immediately.
Gloves should be replaced periodically, depending on the frequency of use and permeability to the substance(s) handled.
- Reusable Gloves should be rinsed with soap and water and then carefully removed after use.
- Discard disposable gloves after each use and whenever they become contaminated. Do not reuse disposable gloves as this poses a risk of cross-contamination and can compromise research and health.
Due to potential chemical contamination, which may not always be visible, gloves must be removed before leaving the laboratory. Do not wear gloves while performing common tasks such as answering the phone, grabbing a door handle, using an elevator, etc. If you are required to have a glove on to hold something when leaving a lab, remove one glove and use the ungloved hand to touch door handles, elevators, etc.

3.4.2 Double Gloving

A common practice to use with disposable gloves is “double-gloving”. This is accomplished when two pairs of gloves are worn over each other to provide a double layer of protection. If the outer glove becomes contaminated, starts to degrade, or tears open, the inner glove continues to offer protection until the gloves are removed and replaced. The best practice is to check outer gloves frequently, watching for signs of degradation (change of color, change of texture, tears, etc.). At the first sign of degradation or contamination, always remove and dispose of the contaminated disposable gloves immediately and double-glove with a new set of gloves. If the inner glove appears to have any contamination or degradation, remove both pairs of gloves, and double glove with a new pair.

Another approach to double gloving is to wear a thin disposable glove (4 mil Nitrile) under a heavier glove (8 mil Nitrile). The outer glove is the primary protective barrier while the under glove retains dexterity and acts as a secondary barrier in the event of degradation or permeation of the chemical through the outer glove. Alternately, you could wear a heavier (and usually more expensive and durable) 8 mil Nitrile glove as an under glove and wear thinner, disposable 4 mil Nitrile glove as the outer glove (which can help improve dexterity). However, remember to change the thinner outer gloves frequently.

When working with mixtures of chemicals, it may be advisable to double glove with two sets of gloves made from different materials. This method can offer protection in case the outer glove material becomes permeated by one chemical in the mixture, while allowing for enough protection until both gloves can be removed. The type of glove materials selected for this type of application will be based on the specific chemicals used as part of the mixture. Check chemical manufacturers glove selection charts first before choosing which type of glove to use.

To properly remove disposable gloves, grab the cuff of the left glove with the gloved right hand and remove the left glove. While holding the removed left glove in the palm of the gloved right hand, insert a finger under the cuff of the right glove and gently invert the right glove over the glove in the palm of your hand and dispose of them properly. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after the gloves have been removed.

3.4.3 Types of Gloves

As with protective eyewear, there are a number of different types of gloves that are available for laboratory personnel that serve different functions:

Fabric Gloves

Fabric gloves are made of cotton or fabric blends and are generally used to improve grip when handling slippery objects. They also help insulate hands from mild heat or cold. These gloves are not appropriate for use with chemicals because the fabric can absorb and hold the chemical against a user’s hands, resulting in a chemical exposure.

Leather Gloves

Leather gloves are used to guard against injuries from sparks, scraping against rough surfaces, or cuts from sharp objects like broken glass. They are also used in combination with an insulated liner when working with electricity. These gloves are not appropriate for use with chemicals because the leather can absorb and hold the chemical against a user’s hands, resulting in a chemical exposure.

Metal Mesh Gloves

Metal mesh gloves are used to protect hands from accidental cuts and scratches. They are most commonly used when working with cutting tools, knives, and other sharp instruments.

Cryogenic Gloves

Cryogenic gloves are used to protect hands from extremely cold temperatures. These gloves should be used when handling dry ice and when dispensing or working with liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic liquids.

Chemically Resistant Gloves

Chemically resistant gloves come in a wide variety of materials. The recommendations given below for the specific glove materials are based on incidental contact. Once the chemical makes contact with the gloved hand, the gloves should be removed and replaced as soon as practical. Often a glove specified for incidental contact is not suitable for extended contact, such as when the gloved hand can become covered or immersed in the chemical in use. Before selecting chemical resistant gloves, consult the glove manufacturers' recommendations or their glove selection charts, or contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu for more assistance.

Some general guidelines for different glove materials include:

Natural Rubber Latex - Resistant to ketones, alcohols, caustics, and organic acids. (See note below)
Neoprene - Resistant to mineral acids, organic acids, caustics, alcohols, and petroleum solvents.
Nitrile - Resistant to alcohols, caustics, organic acids, and some ketones.
Norfoil- Rated for chemicals considered highly toxic and chemicals that are easily absorbed through the skin. These gloves are chemically resistant to a wide range of materials that readily attack other glove materials. These gloves are not recommended for use with Chloroform. Common brand names include: Silver Shield by North Hand Protection, 4H by Safety4, or New Barrier by Ansell Edmont.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - Resistant to mineral acids, caustics, organic acids, and alcohols.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) - Resistant to chlorinated solvents, petroleum solvents, and aromatics.

A note about latex gloves

The use of latex gloves, especially thin, disposable exam gloves, for chemical handling is discouraged because latex offers little protection from commonly used chemicals. Latex gloves can degrade severely in minutes or seconds, when used with common lab and shop chemicals. Latex gloves also can cause an allergic reaction in a percentage of the population due to several proteins found in latex. Symptoms can include nasal, eye, or sinus irritation, hives, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or unexplained shock. If any of these symptoms become apparent in personnel wearing latex gloves, discontinue using the gloves and seek medical attention immediately.The use of latex gloves is only appropriate for:

Most biological materials.
Nonhazardous chemicals.
Clean room requirements.
Medical or veterinary applications.
Very dilute, aqueous solutions containing <1% for most hazardous chemicals or less than 0.1% of a known or suspected human carcinogen.

Staff required to wear latex gloves should receive training on the potential health effects related to latex. Hypoallergenic, non-powdered gloves should be used whenever possible. If a good substitute glove material is available, then use nonlatex gloves. A general purpose substitute for disposable latex gloves are disposable Nitrile gloves.

See the appendix for a list of recommended gloves for specific chemicals, definitions for terms used in glove selection charts, glove materials and characteristics, and a list of useful references.

3.5 Protective Clothing

In addition to baseline laboratory attire and PPE, protective clothing such as aprons, boots, shoe covers, Tyvek® coveralls, and other specialized garments may be required based on the hazards present. These items provide additional protection against chemical, biological, and physical hazards and help prevent contamination of personal clothing.

The selection of protective clothing should be based on the specific hazards and conditions of use. Factors to consider include:

The type of hazard(s) present and the level of protection required (e.g., chemical, biological, radiological, thermal, or physical hazards)
The material of the clothing and its resistance to the hazard(s)
Proper fit to ensure adequate coverage without creating additional hazards from loose clothing
Comfort and usability, which affect consistent use
Whether the clothing is disposable or reusable, including cleaning and maintenance requirements
The ability to remove the clothing quickly in an emergency (e.g., preference for snap closures over buttons for lab coats)

Laboratory personnel planning work that may require specialized protective clothing, or who have questions regarding appropriate selection, should contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu for guidance.

3.6 Respirators

Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respiratory Protection includes all NIOSH approved respirators: Filtering Facepieces (Disposable respirators, N95’s, Dust Masks), Tight Fitting Half and Full Face Respirators, and Powered Air Purifying Respirators. Engineering controls, such as dilution ventilation, fume hoods, and other devices, which capture and remove dust, vapors, fumes, and gases from the breathing zone of the user are preferred over the use of respirators in most laboratory environments.

Please see the Cornell University Respiratory Protection Program web page for more information.

3.7 Hearing Protection

Employees who are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace are at risk for developing noise‐induced hearing loss. Noise‐induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable but once acquired, hearing loss is irreversible.

Please visit the Cornell Noise and Hearing Conservation Program web page for more information.

3.8 Foot Protection

As part of baseline laboratory attire, personnel working in or entering laboratory spaces, laboratory support areas, and other hazard-present environments must wear footwear that fully encloses the foot (toe, heel, and sides) and provides a barrier to liquids. Footwear must be selected to minimize the potential for exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards, including spills, splashes, and dropped objects.

Footwear that leaves any portion of the foot exposed (e.g., sandals, open-heeled shoes) or that is constructed of highly permeable materials (e.g., mesh or similar fabrics) is not appropriate for laboratory use.

Baseline laboratory footwear is considered part of laboratory attire. Additional, task-specific foot protection may be required as personal protective equipment (PPE) based on hazard assessment.

Examples of situations requiring additional foot protection include:

Chemically resistant boots or shoe covers when working with large volumes of hazardous chemicals or where significant splash or spill potential exists
Protective footwear (e.g., safety-toe shoes) when handling heavy equipment or materials with potential for impact injuries

Selection of footwear and any additional protective equipment should be based on the hazards present and the nature of the work being performed. For assistance in selecting appropriate protective footwear, contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu.

Environment, Health and Safety