NIA Intramural Research Program
Summer Program |
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| Policy and Procedure for Use of Personal Protective Equipment |
| NIA Intramural Research Program - Safety Office |
| 1.0 Purpose: To define the responsibilities and proper procedure for utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in a laboratory setting. |
| 2.0 Scope: This Guideline applies to all laboratory staff who work for the NIA IRP and require the utilization of PPE. Specific guidance is also provided when in hallways, elevators and break areas. |
| 3.0 References: Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart I, Sections 1910.132 through 1910.140. |
| 4.0 Precautions and Limitations: |
| 4.1 All laboratory staff shall select the appropriate PPE for the work being performed. If there is any question as to the appropriateness of the PPE selected, staff shall contact the NIA IRP Safety Office for guidance and/or recommendations. |
| 4.2 This policy applies to the utilization of the following PPE: |
- Lab coat.
- Gloves.
- Safety glasses or prescription glasses with shatter resistant lenses and side shields (appropriate for work being performed, such as solvents, liquid reagents, bleach, acids/bases).
- Closed toe shoes.
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| 4.3 Safety glasses shall be required when hazardous materials are being utilized or the laboratory protocol indicates a risk of eye injury. |
| 4.4 Laboratory staff, when walking through the building and corridors shall not wear gloves on both hands. If an item cannot be carried through the building with only one gloved hand, then the item should be placed in an additional container with enough absorbent to contain the material if spilled. |
| 4.5 Gloves shall not be worn when entering offices, break rooms, elevators and bathrooms. Lab coats shall not be worn when entering break rooms and bathrooms. |
| 4.6 The effectiveness of PPE increases when the appropriate personal apparel is worn. Laboratory staff are encouraged to wear long pants or slacks with lab coats. |
| 5.0 PPE Policy: |
| 5.1 All laboratory staff, while engaged in an experiment or working in a hood shall wear at a minimum, lab coat, gloves and closed toe shoes. Safety glasses shall also be worn when hazardous materials are being utilized or the laboratory protocol causes a significant risk of eye injury. |
| 5.2 Laboratory staff found not to be in compliance shall be identified and requested to correct the situation immediately. |
| 5.3 The NIA IRP Safety Office staff, Principal Investigators, and members of the NIA IRP Safety Committee are responsible for monitoring compliance with this procedure. The PPE Evaluation Form shall be generated and distributed to the individual and respective Lab or Branch Chief identifying the deficiency. |
| 6.0 Records: All records shall be maintained by the NIA IRP Safety Office for the duration of the individuals employment and for a minimum of three years after termination. |
