6.1.3 Safety Equipment (Primary Barriers)
- Special containment devices or equipment, such as biological safety cabinets, are not generally required.
- Protective laboratory coats, gowns or uniforms are recommended to prevent contamination of personal clothing.
- Wear protective eyewear when conducting procedures that have the potential to create splashes of microorganisms or other hazardous materials. Persons who wear contact lenses in laboratories should also wear eye protection.
- Gloves must be worn to protect hands from exposure to hazardous materials. Glove selection should be based on an appropriate risk assessment. Alternatives to latex gloves should be available. Wash hands prior to leaving the laboratory. In addition, BSL-1 workers should:
- Change gloves when contaminated, integrity has been compromised, or when otherwise necessary.
- Remove gloves and wash hands when work with hazardous materials has been completed and before leaving the laboratory.
- Do not wash or reuse disposable gloves. Dispose of used gloves with other contaminated laboratory waste. Hand washing protocols must be rigorously followed.