Page 42 - Occupational Health & Safety, August 2017

PROTECTIVE APPAREL
4. Durability:
Beyond comfort and fit, consider durability. While lab coats that are not built for durability typically have a lower up-front cost, more durable options will retain their protective properties more effectively over time and do not need to be replaced as often. In- vesting in durable lab coats helps to maximize safety and provides greater value in the long term. For optimal durability, look for products that are made from high-quality fabrics, constructed with double-stitched seams, and built to withstand industrial launder- ing, if needed.
5. Special Features:
Once you’ve weighed the aforementioned factors, you also may want to consider which additional features would improve the overall functionality of your lab coats. For instance, for added safety benefits, look for lab coats that feature knit cuffs. Compared to a standard open-cuff design, knit cuffs improve protection by helping to prevent sleeves from getting caught and liquids from ac- cidentally running down the arms.
Another key consideration is convenience. If storage space is a priority for your lab, look for lab coats that offer larger and/or more pockets. Additionally, you may want to select a lab coat that is designed with pass-throughs for easy access to inner clothing.
Finally, consider what type of front closure is ideal for your lab. A secure closure is important to ensure the lab coat does not ac- cidentally come open and expose the wearer’s clothing or skin to hazards. However, a few different closure types are available. While
many classic lab coats are made with button closures, a snap front closure allows wearers to put on and take off their lab coats more quickly and easily—which, again, can help improve compliance.
It’s All About Being Prepared
Choosing the right lab coats can make a significant difference in lab safety. To determine the best fit for your laboratory, consider the hazards and safety standards that apply to your environ- ment. Select lab coats that offer the types of protection—such as flame resistance or chemical-splash protection—necessary to address those hazards and regulations. Once you have deter- mined the types of protection your lab coats will need to pro- vide, a variety of other considerations come into play, including comfort, fit, durability, and special features. These other aspects can help further improve protection, better support perfor- mance of laboratory tasks, and increase the likelihood that the lab coats are worn compliantly.
Accidents happen, and it is important to be prepared. With the proper protective lab coats on hand, you’ll be one step closer to protecting your laboratory from becoming yet another cau- tionary tale.
Mark Saner has been FR Technical Manager for Workrite Uniform Company since he joined it in 2006. He is a voting member in a num- ber of national and international safety organizations. For questions related to safety requirements, product performance, and industry standards, contact him at 1-800-521-1888 or visit www.workrite.com.
Experience the WISE AdvantageTM
www.wisesafetyenv.com
Wise Safety is now an Authorized
3M | DBI-Sala® Service Center
– Harness Inspection
– Lifelines, Lanyards, and Rescue/Retrieval Products Repair
Save time and money by sending your DBI equipment to our midwest center for repair. We’ll send you email reminders when you are ready for your next routine maintenance.
Call Kevin Mantle for details 800-888-4642 Boston • Denver • Houston • Jacksonville • Kansas City • Little Rock • Louisville • St. Louis • Salt Lake City
π OVER 2,000 SAFETY PRODUCTS IN STOCK
SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS
ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING
COMPLETE CATALOG 1-800-295-5510
36
Circle 22 on card.
Circle 25 on card.