PI and Supervisor Questions

What types of lab coats are available and who determines what type is needed? 

Lab coat type selection is based on the hazards encountered in the course of a lab member's work. A lab member's immediate supervisor or PI must evaluate the hazards of the lab member's work and decide which type of lab coat is needed. Supervisors may use the lab coat type chart as a reference or reach out to EHS for assistance. 

What is the process for requesting barrier or flame resistant coats? Can I use a single form for multiple lab members?

To request blue barrier or flame resistant coats, PIs or supervisors first fill out the blue lab coat approval form once per year for each lab member needing a blue coat. The lab member can fill out the lab request form after EHS approves the blue coat approval form. 

EHS will only check out blue lab coats to people who have a current approval on file. Approvals must be renewed annually for lab members still needing blue coats. 

We recognize this is an additional step for labs needing blue coats, but necessary for EHS to continue to provide lab coat rentals for free. Coats provided by this program are rented through UniFirst, and EHS pays a monthly rental fee per coat. Blue coats are substantially more expensive to rent than the general use white coats and our inventory is limited. We must ensure that these coats are only going to lab members who need them for the hazards of their work. 

Can a lab manager or PI check out several coats for the lab to share?

If a lab shares a few coats between everyone or needs a blue coat to share for occasional specialty work, please contact EHS to discuss your needs. Otherwise, we assign each coat to an individual in our system so that a single person is responsible for keeping track of and returning the coat. 

Are lab coats with cuffs available for cell culture work?

Unfortunately we do not have a sufficient supply of cuffed barrier coats to give one out to everyone doing cell culture work and must prioritize these coats for use with biohazardous materials. One solution is to purchase disposable arm sleeves with cuffs or disposable gowns/lab coats with cuffs for cell culture work. 

Some examples of disposable lab coats and cuffs:

• VWR® Basic Disposable Sleeve
• VWR® Advanced Disposable Sleeve
• Ansell Swing Sleeves
• Kimtech™ A7 Certified Liquid Barrier Gown
• Tronex AAMI® Level 2 Chemotherapy Gowns

Will a white lab coat provide sufficient protection? Is there additional PPE that should be used with this coat?

A lab member's immediate supervisor or PI must evaluate the hazards of the lab member's work and decide what type of lab coat is needed. 

The white lab coats are an 80/20 cotton/polyester blend, which provides light splash resistance. They are appropriate for the vast majority of lab experiments conducted here at the UO. 

Please remember that a lab coat (like all PPE) should be considered the last line of defense against chemical exposure and may not be sufficient protection for some hazards. A lab coat is not a substitute for engineering controls such as fume hoods, glove boxes, or biosafety cabinets. 

For experiments with high risk of splashing and/or high hazard chemicals, consider a chemical apron and/or chemical-resistant gloves for additional arm and torso protection. For hot work (welding, brazing, autoclaves, etc.) use heat resistant insulated PPE appropriate for this work. Flame resistant lab coats do not insulate against heat. 

Please consult with EHS or your supervisor if you are unsure about what PPE you need for your lab work. 

General Questions

Can I request multiple lab coats for my lab work?

With our limited inventory, EHS is only able to provide one coat per person. It is the lab's responsibility to provide additional coats if someone needs more than one. Science Stores and other lab suppliers sell disposable coats, which can be a good option. Exceptions are made for graduate teaching assistants to have one coat for their teaching lab and one coat for their research lab. 

My lab coat was lost or stolen!

Please remember this is a rental program. The lab will need to pay a replacement fee for any coats that are not returned or that are stained, soiled, or damaged beyond repair/washing. We encourage lab members to periodically return the coat for washing to prevent it from becoming so dirty that routine cleaning is insufficient. 

Can I write my name on my lab coat?

No, do not mark or deface the lab coats in any way. Labs will have to pay replacement fee for any coat that is soiled or damaged beyond repair or normal washing. EHS recommends writing your name on a piece of tape and attaching the tape to the lab coat chest pocket or coat hanger. EHS has spare coat hangers if needed. 

Can someone else pick up my lab coat for me?

Yes, you may pick up coats for someone else once they receive a ready to pick up email.