Hi,
I have a question about this--I think it's a great idea, but am wondering 
what the specified lab coat(s) is/are in undergraduate synthetic lab 
courses....do you handle those by microscale work or ???
thanks,
Margaret


>>> "Kohler, Chris E"  8/11/2009 8:20 AM >>>
Here at this institution we have labs that run the gamut from those that 
have an incidental use of less-hazardous chemicals to those that utilize 
large quantities of flammable liquids and reactives. 

We understand that this was not the only issue surrounding the tragic 
accident but after UCLA we examined the fabric of the lab coats being 
utilized and found that (rather than cotton) most existing lab coats are 
60-80% polyester and were selected for the price, lightness, and permanent 
press qualities. 

One of the things that we could accomplish immediately was reinforce our 
training program to specifically instruct and require research scientists 
in high-hazard laboratories (those that use flammable liquids and reactive 
chemicals) 1) not to wear synthetic clothing into the labs and 2) utilize 
all cotton lab coats. 

We also have a door sign program in which we can specifically require 
cotton or even fire resistant lab coats for specific labs if necessary.

Has anyone else examined this issue and what were your conclusions?

Thanks,

Chris