Why wear safety goggles?

• To protect  the eyes from chemical splashes
• Normal glasses are  not sufficient
• Contact lenses are  not permitted in the laboratory: they make it impossible to rinse the eye

When should you wear safety goggles?
As soon as chemicals are used. Even under the  fume hood.
Safety goggles should be worn  whenever  chemicals are handled in the laboratory.

Why wear a hygiene cap?

• Hygiene caps  prevent chemicals  from coming into contact with the hair
• If the cap is  not compulsory hair must be  tied back

When should you wear a hygiene cap?

• When it is  required  by the laboratory’s safety rules
• Otherwise, remember to  tie  your hair up in a bun

Why wear a protective mask?

• Protection against particles that might enter the lungs

When should you wear a mask?

• Masks are not  compulsory
• You are advised to wear one when handling  fine powders

In chemistry
The lab coat is the first barrier between skin and chemicals. It is useful for protecting both your clothes (that you wear the whole day) and yourself. In chemistry, it has to meet the following criteria:

• It must cover you from the neck to the knees
• The sleeves must be long
• Fabric: 100% cotton
• Recommended: press-stud fasteners (easier to open)

​Other cases:
In other cases, lab coats may have different features from those required in chemistry.

• Biology: short sleeves (when handling flames)
• Medicine: short lab coat (down to the waist)

Lower body

Full coverage
Besides the compulsory protective equipment, the individual’s clothing must cover as much of the body as possible for maximum protection.

Clothing that covers the lower body (skirt, trousers) must be long in order to protect the individual from any splashes.

Short garments such as shorts or short skirts are forbidden in the laboratory, even if the weather is very hot.