Have fun and earn cash using your creativity to ensure the video addresses the following notions. The winning video must address all these points either verbally or visually. More info on lab coat safety at MIT can be found at https://labcoats.mit.edu.
Using a Lab Coat
- It is the Institute’s policy to wear lab coats when working with hazardous materials, unsealed radioactive materials, and biological agents at a BL2 or greater. Individual labs , departments or centers may have stricter rules in place.
- Why people should we wear lab coats:
- Provide removable barrier if a hazardous substance spills or splashes
- Provide protection from incidental contact and small splashes
- Prevent spread of contamination outside the lab
- Lab coat use is one piece of overall best lab practice:
- Important to use other personal protective equipment such as goggles, face shield, and gloves as necessary as well as proper “street” clothing (ex: long pants and closed toe shoes) under the coats.
- Engineering controls such as fume hoods may be necessary, even when wearing a lab coat
- Soiled lab coats must be sent to a laundering service or discarded . . . A lab coat should never be washed at home!!!
- Accidents happen – if a lab coat is contaminated, take it off and treat it has a hazardous material. In case the lab coat catches on fire, stop drop and roll then seek an emergency shower. Please be creative if demonstrating flame –no need for a real fire-.
Selecting a Lab Coat
- Many lab coat styles are available so people can find the one best for them.
- The material of the coat can be selected based on the hazard to be encountered – ex: poly/cotton, flame resistant cotton or Nomex, fluid resistant materials.
- Variety of style options – not just the “classic” lab coat design – ex: tight cuffs to prevent contamination of wrists, snaps for easy removal.
- Always make sure the lab coat fits properly and is the correct size for the user.
- Keep the lab coat closed when in use.
- A hazard assessment can be performed with the assistance of EHS if unsure about the proper lab coats to use.
Action Items
- Recommend that viewers contact their EHS rep if they do not have a lab coat.
- List the websites to go to for further information
- EHS website for the lab coat guidance document
- SmartBuy site for information on how to get a lab coat.