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Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 14:08:31 -0500
Reply-To: List Moderator <ecgrants**At_Symbol_Here**UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: List Moderator <ecgrants**At_Symbol_Here**UVM.EDU>
Subject: 4 Re: [DCHAS-L] Shorts and Skirts in Labs
Note that a separate, but related, issue is raised below: use of
contacts in labs...
- Ralph
From: "Peters, Joseph"
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 10:59:21 -0500
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Shorts and Skirts in Labs
Larry,
I manage a research facility that has both bench and pilot scale
chemical process equipment as well as analytical laboratories.
Our current clothing policy is as follows:
1. NO shorts or skirts are allowed when working in areas with
hazardous materials or operations.
2. Pants: 100% cotton jeans or chinos. The feeling is that
synthetics would potentially melt with exposure to high temperatures.
Denim is also very durable and cut resistant.
3. Shirts: Long sleeved cotton blend with a collar. This gives some
level of protection in the event of an accidental splash. The collar
keeps us closer to the overall company policy of business casual.
4. Shoes: Steel toed safety.
5. Safety glasses with side shields.
This policy was formally set during an EH&S audit of the facility
several years ago. However, we have followed it since as far back as
I can remember. Realize that this is basic protection. We have a
full array of PPE that allows us to suit up thru Level B if necessary.
This policy also applies to my co-ops from a local university. I tell
them as we go through safety training that the last call I want to
make is to a parent or significant other that they have been hurt.
The long sleeves are a bit uncomfortable during the summer but people
understand that it's for their own protection and also not an option.
I have children that have gone thru college and one just about ready
to go. They think, of course, that they are invincible, know
everything and will not get hurt.
I think each organization needs to set the dress policy that best fits
the environment. However, asking the students to buy in is a non
starter. They do not have the training or wisdom to make that decision.
Joe
My comment to anyone who questions the policy
==
From: Vaiju.Bagal**At_Symbol_Here**emdchemicals.com
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 10:59:21 -0500
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Shorts and Skirts in Labs
Hello Larry -
This appears to be primarily an academic lab, but in our industrial
chemical lab, there is no way that anyone is allowed to work with
sandals, skirts, or shorts in the laboratory. Our safety manual and
chemical hygiene plan state that is not allowed,. More significantly,
experienced and educated lab personnel consider it common sense that
one would not expose great lengths of skin in a chemical environment.
This is a laboratory, not a kitchen.
Of course, our workplace is not so casual as to let employees wear
shorts in the office. However, women do wear capris and open toe
sandals - in the office only. In Savannah here, it gets quite hot, so
we do have a comparison to California.
The students need to be aware that these are common expectations in
the workplace.
I have to say, I don't understand what's meant by "provocative or
distracting clothing or make-up" and how that relates to laboratory
safety.
Vaiju
Ujjvala (Vaiju) Bagal
EMD Chemicals
110 EMD Blvd
Savannah, GA 31407
Home: www.emdchemicals.com
==
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 11:05:39 -0400
From: Ken Simolo
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Shorts and Skirts in Labs
"* Contact lenses should not be worn in the lab since vapors can
be trapped between the lens and the eye."
Contrary to what I would have naively believed, I believe the data
supports contact lenses being worn as actually being safer. We were
always concerned about a splash or fumes getting under the lenses and
so we had banned them. However, studies showed it was actually safer
to use contact lenses so we lifted the ban years ago. If this is not
correct, i would appreciate knowing.
Ken
===
From: PhilF45**At_Symbol_Here**aol.com
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 13:03:22 EST
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Shorts and Skirts in Labs
Suggest writing up accident reports for near accidents as well as
accidents. A hole in fabric from a corrosive is a near accident. If
the number of reports justifies it, institute a protective uniform
policy (or perhaps a full length apron).
Phil Flor
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