Which guidelines should be followed to protect your skin in the chemistry lab?

• A. Wear gloves when appropriate to do so
• B. Wear a lab coat
• C. All of the above
• D. Wear clothing that covers most of your body

Answer: (C)

Protecting skin in the lab comes from layering protections, not relying on a single measure. Wearing gloves provides a barrier for the hands against chemicals, and choosing the right glove material for the chemical and inspecting them for damage helps ensure they stay effective. A lab coat adds an extra protective layer over your clothes and skin, so splashes don’t reach your torso or forearms and you can remove it quickly if contamination occurs. Wearing clothing that covers most of your body reduces skin exposure from splashes and airborne aerosols that could contact exposed skin on arms or legs. When these practices are used together, they address different routes of exposure and areas of skin, giving the best overall protection.