Laundering protective clothing

Overalls special requirements (flame retardant, antistatic), frequency of laundering Protective clothing suits, spats, armlets, helmets, gloves for specific applications, footwear (industrial and/or antistatic)... 

There is no OSHA requirement stipulating that employers must purchase a washer and dryer to launder protective clothing. It Is an option that employers may consider. Another option is to contract out the laundering of protective clothing. Employers may also choose to use disposable personal protective clothing and equipment. 

The employer shall inform in writing any person who cleans or launders protective clothing or equipment of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to lead. The employer shall ensure... 

Decon, cleaning, laundering, maintenance, or replacement of protective clothing and equipment [OSHA Reference... 

Wear a complete set of protective clothing to include gloves and lab coat, apron, boots, and plastic coveralls other protective clothing and equipment should be available to prevent contact with skin or clothing remove contaminated clothing immediately do not wear clothing until it has been properly laundered. 

Protective clothing worn in an area of special risk should not be worn outside it, and should be laundered in such a place and manner that contamination is contained. 

Besides the traditional cotton/polyester muslin gown, other reusable gowns should be tested because the demand for reusable gowns is predicted to increase as employers are required to provide protective clothing for their workers (2). Residues and abrasion from the laundering process are reported to compromise the liquid barrier properties of the gown fabric over time and should be investigated. 

Protective laboratory coats, gowns, smocks, or uniforms are to be worn while in the laboratory. This protective clothing is to be removed and left in the laboratory before leaving the laboratory for non-laboratory areas (e.g., cafeteria, library, administrative offices). All protective clothing is either disposed of in the laboratory or laundered by the institution it should never be taken home by personnel. 

Who Employees who may be exposed to airborne 4,4 -Methylenedianiline (MDA) at or above its action level or where dermal exposure to MDA can occur. (Note the standard does not apply to finished articles that contain MDA or to materials in any form that contain less than 0.1% MDA by weight or volume.) Also, this standard incorporates by reference 1910.38, 1910.1200, and 1910.134, which have additional training requirements. Also, any person who cleans or launders contaminated protective clothing is to be informed of the hazards of exposure to MDA. In addition, the employer must provide specified information to the physician who is conducting medical surveillance, and the employee is to receive a copy of the physician s written opinion within fifteen days after the employer receives it. 

For protective clothing to achieve its objective it needs to be regularly cleaned or laundered and replaced when damaged. 

Cleaning and replacement ) The employer shall provide the employee with clean protective clothing and equipment. The employer shall ensure that protective work clothing or equipment required by this paragraph is cleaned, laundered, repaired, or replaced at intervals appropriate to maintain its effectiveness. 

Personai protective ciothing and equipment. (i) Protective clothing and equipment shall be decontaminated, cleaned, laundered, maintained or replaced as needed to maintain... 

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