The humble laboratory gown is an essential part of personal protection when handling delicate substances and materials, as workers do in research and medical institutions everywhere. It stops spills from harming their skin and clothes, thereby preventing any damage that could have been caused, whether a stain or something more severe, like a burn. It also keeps contaminants (such as blood and other bodily fluids) from touching the worker's body and keeps the worker from accidentally contaminating a lab sample. This guide is written to help select a lab gown that meets one's needs perfectly.
Dispose of or reuse
Lab gowns typically come in disposable and reusable variants. Disposable gowns are usually made of polypropylene (PP) or chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and come in unisex cuts and universal sizes. They are necessary for fields where personal protective equipment cannot be reused for sanitary reasons, such as medicine and epidemiology. They are also convenient to use when cleaning harsh chemicals out of protective wear isn't easy to manage, and the wearer regularly comes into contact with the same. Disposable gowns are available in "levels" by thickness and protection offered.
Reusable gowns are better for more general-purpose laboratory use. In fact, they are overwhelmingly preferable unless disposables are absolutely necessary, as they have a much smaller impact on natural resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and a massive advantage when it comes to waste generation.
Going to different lengths
Most lab gowns come in two lengths: more general-purpose knee-high types and full-length ones for higher-risk situations. They universally have long sleeves to protect clothes and skin on the arms, but if the worker does most of their work seated or standing at a table, full-length gear isn't necessary. Reusable gowns tend to come in broad sizes, so picking the right size is crucial to ensuring one's safety in the laboratory.
Secure and well-fitting
Most laboratory gowns, particularly disposables and those designed for use in medical fields, fasten backward. They are secured with ties: disposables may have just one waist tie for easy and rapid removal, while quality reusable gowns may have up to three to ensure a comfortable fit. Avoiding buttons and front-facing closures can help reduce the risk of snags and gaps around buttons. Finger loops help keep the sleeves on disposable gowns down to their full length. Look for knitted cuffs as they keep contaminants from entering the sleeves.
Categories Simillar to Lab Gowns includes Safety Jackets, Safety Pants and Safety Shirts