Environmental Health & Safety
Dress Code in Laboratories
With the warm weather finally here, the Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to remind Faculty, Staff, and students that, for your personal safety, appropriate attire that covers the entire leg and feet is still required per the University's Chemical Hygiene Program.
As a University of Rochester Employee, it is your responsibility to be dressed for the research and/or clinical laboratory environment. This means wearing clothing and attire appropriate to lab activities, including, but is not limited to: wearing pants that cover the entire leg (no shorts, short skirts, or Capri pants), securing long hair, not wearing clothing that has dangling laces/straps or is loose fitting, not wearing dangling jewelry, and wearing only completely enclosed shoes (no sandals, clogs, crocs, high heels or light-weight slipper shoes).
This requirement complements the common additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may be required for your location (lab coats, surgical gowns, shoe covers, aprons, etc.).
In order to meets the requirements while remaining comfortable, the Laboratory Safety Unit recommends that you:
- Dress in layers
- Bring spare clothes and shoes to change into before and after work
- Wear light-weight, semi-loose fitting, breathable shirts with wicking capabilities, especially if you are required to wear multiple layers of PPE
- Notify Facilities if your laboratory is not maintaining a comfortable and/or consistent temperature
Please read a previously published newsletter for "8 real world examples of how proper laboratory attire can keep you safe!" - http://www.safety.rochester.edu/labbiosafe/pdf/WhatsNewPublishing053013.pdf
If you have any questions or concerns for your laboratory please contact Environmental Health and Safety at 275-3241 or email questions@safety.rochester.edu.
QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 5/23/2018. Disclaimer.
