Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:13:36 -0500
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From: List Moderator <ecgrants**At_Symbol_Here**UVM.EDU>
Subject: 4 more on Re: [DCHAS-L] Lab Coat Options

From: "paracelcusbombastusvon**At_Symbol_Here**jun o.com" <paracelcusbombastusvon**At_Symbol_Here**jun o.com>
Date: February 16, 2010 4:27:05 PM EST
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Lab Coat Options


In three labs I worked (two as the supervisor) there were no exceptions.  You wore the coat since it was a part of PPE.
Lynn Knudtson

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From: "Herriott, Carole" <Carole.Herriott**At_Symbol_Here**weyerhaeu ser.com>
Date: February 16, 2010 4:39:54 PM EST
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] 10 RE: [DCHAS-L] Lab Coat Options


I too am a person who hates to wear lab coats=85my solution is to wear nursing scrubs=85they are cheap, easy to launder, and 65% polyester which is acid resistant unlike cotton.
I always understood lab coats were originally worn to protect the dress shirts and ties scientists used to wear, not as PPE.  Wearing a lab coat will not protect you from splashes=85you should be wearing an apron or chemical suit if the risk of getting doused is high.
Carole Herriott 
Technician III 
Weyerhaeuser Technology Center 
32901 Weyerhaeuser Way S 
Mailstop: 1B22(office) 
Federal Way, WA 98003 
(253) 924-5401 (office) 
(253) 249-6709 (cell) 


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From: Alan Hall <ahalltoxic**At_Symbol_Here**msn.com>
Date: February 16, 2010 5:07:55 PM EST
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Lab Coat Options


Danielle,

 

This is sort of like the room temperature issues in an office complex.  At any given time, if you ask all the employees, about half will say it's too hot and the other half will say it's too cold.

 

As for the lab, it would be at least worthwhile checking room temperatures over a few days and asking your HVAC guys to see that a reasonably acceptable temperature is maintained consistent with ongoing processes.

 

Unless this researcher has some reason to be personally hyperthermic such as taking certain medications which in themselves might constitute a health/safety hazard or has some medical condition such as inadequately controlled hyperthyroidism or chronic infection(s), then I'd say that wearing proper PPE is a condition of employment, and if he can't stand the heat, perhaps he'd better get out of the kitchen!  A referral to your occupational medicine consultant for a review of medications/medical conditions might be in order.  Despite the ADA, a person's medical condition that poses a health risk to him/her-self should be properly evaluated and treated.  Then, if indicated, reasonable accommodation may be in order.

 

However, I find no good excuse for anyone not wearing proper PPE in a lab or any other environment where chemical exposure may occur.  When I was in clinical practice, I wore a lab coat in the office/clinic/emergency department, even when the ambient temperatures were well above 100 degrees F, because it was the right thing to do (however sometimes uncomfortable).

 

Alan
Alan H. Hall, M.D.
TCMTS, Inc.
Laramie, WY
Colorado School of Public Health
Denver, CO 

 

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From: "Weber, Alice K CIV USA AMC" <alice.weber**At_Symbol_Here**us.army.mil>
Date: February 16, 2010 4:55:44 PM EST
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Lab Coat Options (UNCLASSIFIED)

Just reviewing the string of comments.  Regarding medical conditions, I
would recommend sending the individual to a physician and request a
medical evaluation in writing to be sure there are no medical issues
going on, and to get a written recommendation for the same.  If the
person is medically fit, then proceed with all other suggestions.

Alice Weber
ECBC Safety and Health Office





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