Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1 Clothing protection | 2 Gloves | 3 Masks | 4 Safety Glasses | 5 Other

Clothing protection

Name	Details	Guidelines	Example

Name	Details	Guidelines
Lab coat - cotton	Chemistry Lab; Biochemistry Lab; Other labs on request *not suitable for all chemicals	Wear: When preferred If SDS specifies When required on approved EA Only wear in the lab; use only one for the duration (unless contaminated); check pockets and return any items when finished and place in dirty linen basket
Lab gown - cotton	All biological labs; Other labs on request *not suitable for all chemicals	Wear: When preferred When using a biosafety cabinet When required on approved EA Only wear in the lab; use only one for the duration (unless contaminated/change required); when finished place in dirty linen basket
Lab gown - disposable	Chemistry lab; All biological labs; Other labs on request *not suitable for all chemicals	Wear: When preferred When splash-proof is required When using a biosafety cabinet When required on approved EA Only wear in the lab; use only one for the duration (unless contaminated/change required); dispose when finished
Apron - long-sleeve, waterproof, disposable	IMBL; Other labs on request *not suitable for all chemicals	Worn when maximum splash-proof protection is required When required on approved EA
Apron - disposable	Chemistry labs; Other labs on request *not suitable for all chemicals	Worn to protect clothing When required on approved EA
Sterile disposable surgical gown *On advanced request only	IMBL; Other labs on request *not suitable for all chemicals	Worn for aseptic procedures When required on approved EA

Gloves

Name	Details	Guidelines	Example

Name	Details	Guidelines
Nitrile, Single Use	S - M - L - XL 0.06mm thickness All Labs NOTE: May become brittle when exposed to light for too long (even if in date); check integrity when donning or double glove for added protection	Gloves for single use Can be worn under shared gloves or using glovebox Dispose of in lab waste bags *Double-glove when required - many chemicals now require 0.11 thickness - check your SDS and approved EA
Nitrile, Heavy Duty, long-cuff (Green)	One size *thickness *product code Chemistry Lab	Suitable for use with stronger acids and bases Wear cotton or nitrile gloves underneath Clean when finished & return If damaged, notify lab staff as soon as possible
PVA - Polyvinyl Alcohol (Red)	One size ***product code Chemistry Lab	Suitable for strong organic solvents Wear cotton or nitrile gloves underneath Clean when finished & return If damaged, notify lab staff as soon as possible
ChemiPro Neoprene & Rubber (Blue/Yellow)	One size ***product code Chemistry Lab Note: Contains rubber latex	Suitable for variety of chemicals Wear cotton or nitrile gloves underneath Clean when finished & return If damaged, notify lab staff as soon as possible
Ansell AlphaTec™ 58-530W	One size AlphaTec™ 58-530W Chemistry Lab	Suitable for variety of chemicals Wear cotton or nitrile gloves underneath Clean when finished & return If damaged, notify lab staff as soon as possible
Cryogenic Protection (Blue)	S - M - L Chemistry lab; IMBL, Tissue culture; Other labs on request	Wear when handling cold/ frozen items Must be worn with Liquid Nitrogen, Dry Ice & handling items from ULT freezer (-80) Use cotton gloves or single use nitriles underneath If damaged, notify lab staff as soon as possible
Thermal, Heat Protection	One size Chemistry lab; IMBL, Tissue culture; Other labs on request	Wear when handling hot items Must be worn with autoclaves, ovens, furnaces, high temperature incubators Use cotton gloves underneath If damaged, notify lab staff as soon as possible
Cotton *Not for chemical handling	S - M - L Chemistry lab; IMBL, Tissue culture; Other labs on request	Can be worn under shared gloves or using glovebox Worn for work requiring no fingerprints / smudges etc. Re-use for duration unless replacement is required Dispose in lab waste bag when finished
Latex, Surgical/Sterile *On advanced request only	6 - 7 - 8 - 9 IMBL; Other labs on request	Worn for aseptic work and surgery Single use only Disposal into clinical waste
Nitrile for Cytotoxic (Purple) *On advanced request only	S - M - L - XL IMBL; Other labs on request	Wear for cytotoxic work Dispose in cytotoxic bag or container only Note: Must be discussed in advance to ensure suitable for the specific chemical (does not cover all cytotoxic compounds) - otherwise, users will need to supply a suitable alternative
Washing up	Size 7 Chemistry lab; Other labs on request	Wear for washing up in sink only Not for general chemical handling in lab *usually, staff only

Masks

Name	Details	Guidelines	Example

Name

Details

Guidelines

Example

Dust mask

3M

Wear when required or specified on approved EA

Wear when using ball mill / dusty chemicals or samples / as specified on SDS

Re-use where possible during beamtime, dispose in lab waste bag when finished

Face shield

Wear when required or specified on approved EA

Wear if feeling unwell

Dispose in lab waste bag when finished

P2 mask

3M

Wear when required or specified on approved EA / as specified on SDS

Wear if sick / symptoms

Dispose in lab waste bag when finished

Safety Glasses

Name	Details	Guidelines	Example

Name	Details	Guidelines
Safety Glasses: Standard fit	Safety glasses are designed to fit snugly on the face, but with additional protective features to protect the eyes.	They typically have side shields or wrap‑around lenses to protect against lateral hazards. They fit close to the face, forming a protective barrier against debris, splashes, and particulates. Intended for users who do not wear prescription glasses (or who use contact lenses).
Safety Glasses: Over-glasses fit	Over-glasses are designed specifically to fit over a person’s existing prescription spectacles without compromising protection or comfort.	Larger, deeper frame that sits over the top of regular glasses, creating a cavity around them. Side arms flare outward to avoid pressing on the arms of the prescription eyewear. Provides full front and side protection, including around the prescription frames.
Goggles	Chemistry lab; Other labs on request	Wear when required or specified on approved EA Wear when using hazardous chemicals/ specified on SDS Wipe over with 80% ethanol to clean after use
Full face shield	Chemistry lab; Other labs on request	Wear when required or specified on approved EA Wear when using hazardous chemicals/ specified on SDS Wipe over with 80% ethanol to clean after use

Other

Name	Details	Guidelines	Example

Name	Details	Guidelines
Ear muffs	Chemistry Lab; Biochemistry Lab; Other labs on request	Wear when required or specified on approved EA Required if using sonicating probe
Ear Plugs	Chemistry Lab; Biochemistry Lab; Other labs on request	Wear when required or specified on approved EA
Hair Nets	Hairnets provided are a disposable mesh and are a single-use item. Worn to contain hair and prevent contamination of clean equipment, or in sterile/controlled environments.	Hairnets must: Fully cover all hair from hairline to nape. Keep every strand contained, including fringe, neck hair, and hair behind ears. Be worn in combination with beard restraints where needed. Be clean, undamaged, and correctly fitted.
Shoe Covers *On request only	Provided Surgical shoe covers are a disposable, single-use protective covering worn over footwear in sterile or controlled environments. They are designed to prevent contaminants (such as dirt, debris, microorganisms, or fluids) from being tracked into sterile zones such as operating theatres, procedure rooms, cleanrooms, and laboratory spaces.	How to Use Perform hand hygiene before donning PPE. Place each shoe cover over the full foot, ensuring the elastic secures around the shoe to prevent slipping. Ensure the cover is intact, with no tears or weak seams. Replace immediately if damaged or visibly soiled. Remove shoe covers before exiting the sterile/controlled area unless otherwise specified by local protocols. Removal (Doffing) Avoid touching the exterior surface; grasp from the heel area and pull off gently. Discard into clinical waste. Perform hand hygiene after removal.