PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It includes items and pieces of equipment worn to protect against hazards in the workplace or other environments. PPE is essential for preventing injuries and illnesses in various industries, including healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. PPE should be used in accordance with safety guidelines and regulations to ensure maximum protection for workers. Employers are responsible for providing appropriate PPE and training on how to use it correctly. It is important for workers to understand the importance of wearing PPE and to always use it when necessary to stay safe on the job. PPE should be appropriate for the work conditions must be worn when working with laboratory hazards. At minimum this must include:
- Laboratory coats (or other protective clothing such as aprons, scrubs, coveralls, etc.)
- Safety glasses or splash goggles
- Gloves appropriate to the hazard
- Masks such as (surgical or N95)
- Fully enclosed footwear (no sandals, flip-flops or ballet shoes).
For more detailed information and specific guidelines on PPE in clinical laboratories, you can refer to the following resources:
1. Centers of Disease control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/safelabs/resources-tools/PPE_Use_What_Who_Why_When_How_Call_Materials.html
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Personal Protective Equipment: https://www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment
Please note that these links provide general information on PPE guidelines and may not be specific to clinical laboratories. It is important to consult with your institution's safety protocols and guidelines for more detailed information.
