GUIDANCE ON SELECTION OF LAB COAT
A Lab Coat is worn to give you maximum protection in the following ways:
The lab coat must be able to absorb or deflect splashes or spills so that harmful materials are kept off
your skin.
Lab coats can serve a number of purposes – protection from chemical splash, fire resistance, or
clothing protection.
The lab coat should offer some protection against flash and fire so that even if the coat starts to burn
or char, you should escape without injury or with less serious injuries.
100% Cotton ‐ superior to synthetic blends for fire‐resistance, but inferior to those above. Advantages:
comfortable, cheaper than coats above. Disadvantages: rarely last more than a year with daily use; can
be degraded by acids.
Synthetic/Cotton Blends ‐ 100% polyester coats, or cotton/polyester blends are the most combustible
and are not considered appropriate for working with flammables. Good for clinical settings (hospitals,
clinical labs) and labs handling biological materials
Closures – Lab coats typically opened at the front and close using buttons, zippers or snap closures. Snap closures are
recommended since they can be removed quickly in the event of fire, chemical, radiological or biological
spills. Lab coats must be worn completed buttoned up.
Pockets – Coat pockets should be convenient placed preferably NOT with side‐slits that allow easy access to any pocket
worn underneath.
Sleeves – Lab coats are provided with long sleeves to protect the upper and lower arms. Lab coats should never be
worn with the sleeves rolled up. If there is a hazard with lab coat sleeves becoming entangled/catching on equipment lab coats with
knitted/elasticated cuffs may be purchased.
Short sleeved lab coats should NOT be used in laboratories.
Length – Lab coats should extend to or slightly below the knee. Any exposed skin below the lab coat must be covered.
We are a leading Manufacturer and Suppliers of Hospital Lab Coat & Apron etc. in many Industries and export too.
Thank you very much!
