Laboratory Coat Selection Guide

Questions? Contact Environment, Health and Safety

Overview

Choose the correct kind of lab coat

The UCSF Personal Protective Equipment (PPE Policy) requires lab coats to be worn when handling hazardous materials or when working adjacent to someone working with hazardous materials work. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered as the last line of defense against hazards. PPE includes all clothing and accessories. It is vital that you choose the appropriate body protection for the hazards that you will encounter.

Cal OSHA Title 8 Section 3380 requires the employer to select PPE that properly fits each employee. It is important to buy lab coats that are comfortable and well fitting. Size selection is critical to ensure proper range of motion and flexibility. Your lab coat must not be too tight or too restrictive and it needs to cover exposed parts of your body.

Completing your LHAT will determine the appropriate type of lab coat that should be provided to you. LHAT determines the appropriate protection based on the laboratory hazards you work with. This guide provides the definitions, measurements and ordering information.

All purchases can be made through BearBuy or contact the PPE Coordinator for more information

Please use the information provided below to help you select the appropriate PPE (brands, fitting, and purchase):

Traditional Lab Coat

Barrier Lab Coat

Style: Designed with knit cuffs to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. These barrier coats are compliant with Cal/OSHA standard 3380.

Medline brand: Women's Barrier lab coat image/size chart

Medline brand: Men's Barrier lab coat image/size chart

Flame Resistant Lab Coat

Designed to provide a superior level of protection against flash fire, electric arc, and other dangerous conditions. These Flame-Resistant (FR) lab coats provide numerous applications in both laboratory and production settings. (6 oz/yd Nomex IIIA)

Preferred Manufacturers: Workrite, Bulwark

Straight fit flame retardant lab coat size chart

Tapered fit flame retardant lab coat size chart