24 Laboratory Safety Manual Environmental Health and Safety Hand Protection Hand protection must be worn to prevent chemical skin absorption, lacerations, abrasions, chemical burns, punctures, or thermal burns from harmful temperature extremes. Elastomeric gloves used for chemical resistance must be constructed of elastomers resistant to the material used. Selection is based on elastomer thickness, permeation breakthrough time (in minutes), permeation rate and resistance to degradation. Several glove selection guides can be found here. Hearing Protection Hearing protection is recommended when laboratory operations produce noise levels of 85 decibels or greater and is required when noise levels of 90 decibels or greater are encountered. Respiratory Protection Respiratory protection may be required to prevent exposure to airborne contaminants when engineering controls (biological safety cabinets, fume hoods, etc.) prove inadequate. A medical exam, fit test, and specialized training are required before using a respirator. Iowa State University employees whose job description requires them to wear respiratory protection, including dust masks, must participate in the ISU Respiratory Protection Program. For more information see the Respiratory Protection Program Manual. Safety Glasses Safety glasses with side shields protect the eyes from flying projectiles and constitute minimum eye protection when working in laboratories. All eye and face protection must be approved by ANSI standard Z87.1 Safety Goggles Safety goggles (unvented or indirectly vented) are required in laboratory operations where there is potential for chemical vapors, splashes, mists, sprays, or airborne dust exposure to the eyes. Additional Resources • Hearing Conservation Manual • PPE webpage
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