Skip to main content

Personal Protective Equipment

The following is a list of items that can provide protection from toxins or other materials that can potentially be transmitted when handling chemicals:

  • Nitrile gloves - Nitrile gloves are ideal for situations that require both protection and dexterity. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that resists chemicals and has superior puncture, cut, and abrasion resistance. Suggested usage when handling solvents, acids, alcohols, electronics work, and maintenance.
  • Gloves 
    • Leather - Leather gloves provide durability, dexterity, mild heat resistance, and resistance to abrasions. When handling heavy or heavy-duty objects it is ideal to use leather gloves because they help protect the hands from cuts, scrapes, abrasions and punctures.
    • Latex - Latex gloves are used primarily for industrial or health care applications. Latex gloves can be disposed of after each use. Latex gloves allow the user to have a firm hold on both wet and dry objects. Latex gloves are suggested when handling solvents, alcohols, and laboratory use. Latex can also be used when food processing, putting together small parts into assembly, or pharmaceutical and janitorial applications.
    • Rubber - Rubber gloves are chemical resistant. They allow the user liquid proof protection against acids, caustics, and dyes. Rubber gloves are suggested for laboratory use, dry box or deep tank applications, food processing, maintenance and construction. Rubber gloves also are great for agricultural applications.
  • Shield Protection - Face shields shall be worn in any application where there is a chance of debris or hazardous chemicals to splash up into the eyes or facial area. Chemical face shields create a barrier against corrosive and harmful chemicals. Shield protection is recommended in any situation where mild acids, caustics, aromatic hydrocarbons or methylene chloride are applied. Face shields are also ideal for public utilities, metal processing, foundry use, mining, and construction.
  • Laboratory Coat - Laboratory coats protect from splashes that can occur on ones clothing. They protect the arms and legs from splashes or spills. Coats are recommended when dealing with any chemicals or materials that can potentially be spilled in an area other than the face or hands.
  • Eye Protection - Eye protection shall be worn at any time when hazardous materials are being handled. Safety glasses protect the eyes from any foreign objects that can be splashed into the eye. Eye protection should also have shields on the side of the glasses so that there is extra protection for the user. Glasses shall be worn in any area that requires their usage.
  • Respirators - Respirators provide respiratory protection from particulates, gases, and vapors. There are many different types of respirators for different applications. It is important that the respirator and the filter are appropriate for the type of work performed.

All Illinois State employees who wish to wear a respirator must be part of the ISU Respiratory Protection Program.

2017-11-08T10:15:13.363-06:00 2017