Lab coats protect wearers from hazardous chemicals and infectious materials in a laboratory setting. They are made from cotton, polyester blends, or disposable paper cloth and should be worn correctly to prevent leaks. Lab coats also offer fire protection and should be replaced if severely stained or torn.
Lab coats are protective clothing designed to protect the wearer from direct exposure to hazardous chemicals and infectious materials. They are primarily used by medical professionals, research chemists, and others who have to work with hazardous materials in a laboratory setting. Most are made from tightly woven cotton, cotton/polyester blends, or disposable paper cloth.
While some may argue that lab coats are just to keep doctors from being confused with patients, they actually serve several vital purposes. Should a dangerous chemical or infectious sample splash onto the cloak, the wearer’s skin is mostly protected by the tightly woven structure. If a hand becomes saturated, however, it loses its effectiveness and must be immediately removed. Lab coats should never be cleaned in home washers or general purpose laundromats. Only specialists in hazardous waste cleaning techniques should handle them.
Another important function of these garments is fire protection. While most lab coats aren’t designed to be flame retardant, they can be removed quickly to isolate flames.
Like any other safety equipment, lab coats must be worn correctly to provide any real benefit. Every snap, button, or zipper on your coat should be used to prevent stray leaks. The sleeves should also extend past the wrists, not rolled up for comfort or ventilation. Some lab coats have openings for access to trouser pockets, but this can compromise the safety of the wearer. Dirty hands can transfer dangerous or infectious agents through openings in the coats themselves.
Lab coats can also be made from disposable materials such as Tyvex. Hospitals and laboratories routinely order single-use versions in large quantities from approved contractors. Those made with a blend of polyester and cotton should have no less than 35% cotton content for maximum benefit. The 100% cotton versions may be more durable and washable, but most non-disposable lab coats rarely last more than a year with regular use. A severely stained or torn coat is a hazard and should be replaced immediately.
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