As a researcher working with infectious diseases and other biohazards, having the proper protective equipment is absolutely essential for staying safe and healthy. Here is an overview of the key protective gear I use in my work with biohazards:
Lab Coat
A lab coat is the first line of defense when working with biohazards. A long-sleeved lab coat protects my clothes and arms from accidental spills or splashes when handling infectious samples in the lab.
Some key factors I look for in choosing a lab coat for biohazard work:
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Material – My lab coats are made of fluid-resistant or fluid-proof fabrics like polyester or treated cotton that resist penetration from splashes.
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Long sleeves – I ensure my lab coats have long sleeves that fully cover my arms. Loose sleeves that can dangle into samples are dangerous.
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Front closure – I prefer lab coats with snap or zippered fronts. This allows me to securely close my coat. Open front coats are more prone to flapping open.
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Thicker fabric – For added protection, I choose coats made of heavyweight, tightly woven fabric. This creates an extra barrier against splashes.
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Fitted – My lab coats are sized to fit me properly, not too baggy. This helps avoid snagging sleeves on equipment.
I always wear a long-sleeved lab coat fully buttoned/zipped when working in biohazard areas. I remove my lab coat before leaving the lab to avoid carrying contaminants out.
Gloves
Since infectious agents can enter through cuts or punctures, I always double glove with two layers when handling biohazards.
For primary gloves, I wear nitrile exam gloves or latex gloves. Nitrile provides strong resistance from breaking. Latex has natural anti-microbial properties.
Over the primary layer, I add puncture-resistant outer gloves made of materials like Kevlar or woven stainless steel. These protect against needle sticks or sharp instrument punctures.
Other glove guidelines I follow include:
- Powder-free gloves to avoid contaminating samples
- Frequent glove changes every 30-60 minutes
- Proper technique for glove removal to avoid contamination
- No reuse of disposable gloves
Double gloving provides an extra level of hand protection when handling viral samples, bodily fluids, or contaminated equipment.
Eye and Face Protection
My eyes and face are vulnerable exposure points for infectious droplets or aerosols. To protect them, I always work with biohazards using:
- Safety goggles that form a tight seal around my eyes
- Face shield that fully covers my face from forehead to below chin
For higher risk scenarios, I also use:
- Safety glasses with side eye shields as an extra layer under goggles
- A surgical mask or N95 respirator to protect my nose and mouth
When inspecting open vessels containing viruses under a biosafety cabinet, I lean in while wearing my goggles and face shield. This allows me to look directly at the samples while keeping my eyes and face protected.
I sanitize my eye and face protection regularly since infectious agents can contaminate their surfaces. Proper protection helps me work safely with viruses, bacteria, and other biohazards.
Protective Body Covering
To further protect my body, I wear:
- A disposable gown over my lab coat to create another fluid barrier
- Shoe coverings like booties to prevent contamination of shoes that I wear outside the lab
- A hair bonnet to cover and contain my hair
For working at biosafety level 3 or 4 with very hazardous agents like Ebola, I would need a full positive pressure suit with a self-contained breathing apparatus. This would fully isolate me from exposure to deadly pathogens.
The proper protective gear forms a crucial barrier protecting me from dangerous infection when working closely with viruses, recombinant DNA, necropsy samples, or other high consequence biohazards. I meticulously follow protocols for putting on and removing protective gear to avoid contamination.
Following Biosafety Level Requirements
I ensure my protective gear meets the standards for the Biosafety Level I work under:
- BSL-1 – Gloves, lab coat for minimal risk agents like baker’s yeast
- BSL-2 – Eye protection, face mask added for moderate risks like Hepatitis
- BSL-3 – Sealed suit, respirator for serious risks like tuberculosis
- BSL-4 – Maximum containment for deadly agents like Ebola
I consult my lab’s biosafety manual for specific PPE required when handling various biohazards. The right protective gear for the risk level helps keep me safe.
Proper protective equipment is the first line of defense when working with potentially infectious materials. A tailored set of lab wear, gloves, goggles, respirator, and protective clothing suited to my experiments ensures I stay protected from dangerous exposures. I treat lab safety gear as essential for every day I work around viruses, recombinants, specimens, or other biohazards.
