PPE Maintenance

For lab coats that need minor repair or alterations, Medico can service the following:

• Damaged or missing buttons/snaps (lapel or cuffs)
• Collar
• Cuff
• Torn pockets or fabric
• Sleeve alterations (e.g., repairs or adjustment to length)
• Logo repair or replacement

Alteration Fees: Each of the above services is charged at a fee of $4 per unit.

To request a lab coat repair, follow instructions at RFID a Lab Coat.

NOTE: Severely damaged lab coats (e.g., major rips, fabric degradation, or damage beyond repair) will require a new lab coat purchase. Follow the instructions here: Purchase a New Lab Coat.

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It is highly recommended that clean lab coats are stored on coat racks in a designated lab area free of hazardous materials or contamination.

Always maintain eyewear and face shields according to the manufacturer’s requirements. Manufacturers recommend that protective eyewear and face shields be inspected frequently and equipment that has been impacted or shows other signs of damage (e.g., scratches) be removed from service and immediately replaced. NOTE: Damaged or scratched safety eyewear is a safety hazard and can impair vision and strain eyes.

Remember to:

• Clean protective eyewear and face shields after each use especially if they are shared.
• Inspect protective eyewear for damage, scratches prior to each use.
• Replace damaged eyewear immediately.

Most manufacturers recommend that eyewear and face shields be cleaned with mild, soapy water and dried in open air. The use of solvents is not recommended for cleaning and may reduce the strength of the protective lens; however, if a solvent is deemed necessary to remove greasy material then isopropanol is the safest and the most polymer-compatible option. DO NOT use acetone, hydrocarbons, or chlorinated solvents as they will likely damage the eyewear. Always consult the cleaning directions provided by the manufacturer. Contact the manufacturer for further direction, if needed.

Typical cleaning steps:

1. If loose dirt or debris is present on the lens, gently wipe with damp tissue paper (avoiding scratches) or pre-wash under running water.
2. Rinse or submerge the eyewear in cool to warm water (not to exceed 120 °F (49 °C)) containing a small amount of mild detergent (e.g., dish soap).
   • Don’t use saliva, abrasive cleaners, hand sanitizers, or moisturizer-containing hand soap (e.g., containing silicones, lanolin, or other oils), or use clothing to clean protective eyewear.
3. Wipe with a non-abrasive cloth.
4. Rinse then dry the eyewear using a safety wipe or microfiber cloth. Note: Paper towels tend to leave streaks and are not recommended.

Suspected biohazardous contamination of eye protection

Routine low-level disinfection of PPE is best achieved using 70% isopropanol or a quaternary ammonium disinfectant. These options are unlikely to damage polymers and are the least hazardous to health. Ensure all cracks and crevices are reached by the disinfectant. After disinfection, make sure the PPE is thoroughly rinsed and dried before use. Refer to manufacturers’ guides for more detailed instructions, e.g., 3M PPE cleaning and disinfection guide.

Phenolic disinfectants may damage some polymers and are not recommended for PPE.

Seek expert advice before attempting high-level disinfection on PPE.

Note: High-level disinfectants which are carcinogenic and sensitizing (e.g., formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, phthalaldehyde, and ethylene oxide) are not suitable for use on PPE in research lab environments.

When not in use, eye protection should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry, clean place. Avoid areas where heat, oil, hazardous materials (or their vapors), or other degrading elements may be present. If PPE is stored for long periods of time, inspect the equipment for signs of damage prior to use. Retire and replace products showing signs of damage.

Helpful reference: Eye and Face Protection – Selection and Use Guide published by iSEA (International Safety Equipment Association).

• Single-use only – Shall never be reused!
• Inspect before use – Check for pinholes, tears, or discoloration
• Review proper removal technique – Prevents contamination of skin and surfaces
• Disposal procedures – Discard in designated waste bins, depending on type of potential contamination

• Reusable chemical protective (e.g., neoprene, butyl, and reusable nitrile)
  • Regular cleaning
    • Wash exterior surface with appropriate detergents or disinfectants as designated by the manufacturer before doffing.
    • After removal, air dry inside and out thoroughly to prevent material degradation (i.e., do not immediately transfer gloves to an airtight container).
• Reusable non-chemical protective (e.g., cotton, glass fiber, and leather gloves used for thermal protection)
  • As a general rule, these gloves should be protected from contamination. If they do become contaminated, disposal in the appropriate hazardous waste stream (chemical, biohazardous, radiological) is the appropriate response.
  • Attempts at decontamination are unlikely to be effective and may damage the gloves.
• Inspect before each use
  • Check for cracks, holes, stiffness, or thinning material.
  • Discard if structural integrity is compromised.
• Proper storage
  • Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and hazardous materials that can degrade material.
  • Store in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent potential mold and deterioration.

• Select the right glove material for the task by completing a risk assessment and consulting manufacturers’ guides on chemical resistance and other protective properties (e.g., cut resistance, maximum temperature, etc.).
• Follow manufacturer recommendations and the chemical’s safety data sheet (SDS) to determine proper glove use and lifespan.
• Maintain a regular inspection schedule for reusable gloves.
• Keep a supply of gloves readily available for replacement.

Improper glove maintenance may lead to a loss of barrier protection. Tears or punctures expose the wearer to hazardous materials and chemical permeation occurs faster in gloves which have been mechanically damaged or softened by prior exposure to incompatible solvents. Glove degradation may also lead to skin irritation or subsequent allergic reaction.

Proper disposal and cleaning, where appropriate, is essential to prevent cross contamination. Using contaminated gloves may spread harmful hazardous materials to equipment, surfaces, and other areas. Thus, reuse of disposal gloves is not permitted as it increases the risk of personal contamination.