Are You Properly Dressed and Equipped for Lab work? Regardless of the level of one's experience in the laboratory, it is wise to be prepared for the worst in terms of accidents. Proper preparation starts with proper protection for yourself and your co-workers. a number of common accessories should be used as needed Lab coat Most laboratories require the wearing of a lab coat, but even when not mandatory, a lab coat is a good idea. Protection of cloth ing and, more important, the skin underneath, is worth the effort and (perceived)inconvenience For those working with microbes, clothing can be permanently fouled by a spill of almost any microorganism. Even a small break in the skin can serve as a portal of entry for a seemingly innocuous microbe that can result in a serious infection if the microbes gain access to the circulation in sufficient numbers. For those working with flames, such as Bunsen burner, some institutions require a lab coat of flame retar- dant material. This ensures an added level of protection should there be a spill of a flammable liquid followed by ignition at the lab bench Closed footwear n The open-toed shoe, sandal, or"flip-flop, even while wearing s, provides easy access to the foot for sharps, hazardous chemicals, and infectious agents. The protection afforded by closed-toe shoe against these assaults could provide an important level of safety. When choosing between fashion, or even comfort and protection, protect your feet! Eye Protection 4. It is strongly suggested to wear some form of eye protection when handling large volumes of microorganisms to protect against splashing during handling. Even a nonpathogen can set up infec tion when introduced in large numbers on the conjunctiv Eyeglass(but not contact lens) wearers are afforded reasonable protection in these circumstances, but more safety is provided with the larger protective surface afforded by safety goggles or glasses, which can fit over conventional eyeglasses if necessary. For indi viduals working with pathogenic organisms, it is essential to wear eye protection at all times Conventional safety glasses are suitable against BSL-1 BSL-2 class pathogens For BSL-3 pathogens, a full-length Haidaris and BrownlowAre You Properly Dressed and Equipped for Lab Work? Regardless of the level of one’s experience in the laboratory, it is wise to be prepared for the worst in terms of accidents. Proper preparation starts with proper protection for yourself and your co-workers. A number of common accessories should be used as needed. Lab Coat Most laboratories require the wearing of a lab coat, but even when not mandatory, a lab coat is a good idea. Protection of cloth￾ing and, more important, the skin underneath, is worth the effort and (perceived) inconvenience. For those working with microbes, clothing can be permanently fouled by a spill of almost any microorganism. Even a small break in the skin can serve as a portal of entry for a seemingly innocuous microbe that can result in a serious infection if the microbes gain access to the circulation in sufficient numbers. For those working with flames, such as a Bunsen burner, some institutions require a lab coat of flame retar￾dant material. This ensures an added level of protection should there be a spill of a flammable liquid followed by ignition at the lab bench. Closed Footwear The open-toed shoe, sandal, or “flip-flop,” even while wearing socks, provides easy access to the foot for sharps, hazardous chemicals, and infectious agents. The protection afforded by a closed-toe shoe against these assaults could provide an important level of safety. When choosing between fashion, or even comfort, and protection, protect your feet! Eye Protection It is strongly suggested to wear some form of eye protection when handling large volumes of microorganisms to protect against splashing during handling. Even a nonpathogen can set up infec￾tion when introduced in large numbers on the conjunctiva. Eyeglass (but not contact lens) wearers are afforded reasonable protection in these circumstances, but more safety is provided with the larger protective surface afforded by safety goggles or glasses, which can fit over conventional eyeglasses if necessary. For indi￾viduals working with pathogenic organisms, it is essential to wear eye protection at all times. Conventional safety glasses are suitable against BSL-1 and BSL-2 class pathogens. For BSL-3 pathogens, a full-length pro- 118 Haidaris and Brownlow