Special protective equipment skin protections

Specialized equipment can minimize exposure to the hazards of laboratory operations. Impact resistant safety glasses are basic equipment and should be worn at all times. They may be supplemented by face shields or goggles for particular operations, such as pouring corrosive liquids. Because skin contact with chemicals can lead to skin irritation or sensitization or, through absorption, to effects on internal organs, protective gloves are often needed. 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the term used for a variety of physical devices used to protect the body from hazards. Industrial hazards include impact, excess noise, heat, cold, and noxious chemicals of many different kinds and actions. The type of PPE we are concerned with here, of course, is equipment that can provide protection against hazardous chemicals. Protection may be required specifically for the face and eyes, skin, and the respiratory system, and each may need a different kind of safeguard. However, as previously stated, except in emergencies and special circumstances, PPE should not be relied on as the primary or sole approach to protection. Primary attack at the source by administrative and engineering means must always be considered paramount. 

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