by Chris Pearman and Colette Faiella
At the University of Missouri, our laboratories are spaces of innovation and discovery — but also environments where safety must be prioritized. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a fundamental part of that safety equation. Whether you're pipetting hazardous chemicals, analyzing samples under high pressure, or just walking through a lab space, your PPE choices matter — not only for your safety, but for the broader research community.
Minimum PPE Requirements for Laboratories
All individuals entering a lab space where hazardous materials are present must meet the university’s minimum PPE expectations:
Lab Clothing: Clothing must fully cover the torso, full-length pants must cover the legs, and closed-toe, closed-heel footwear is mandatory. Shorts, skirts above the ankle, and open-toe or open-heel shoes (like sandals or clogs) are not allowed.
Lab Coats: A properly sized lab coat must be worn, fully buttoned, and with sleeves extending to the wrists. The coat must provide full coverage of the torso.
Protective Eyewear: All lab personnel must wear ANSI Z87-certified safety glasses or goggles. Standard prescription glasses without side protection do not meet this standard, however prescription safety glasses can be ordered.
These are the standard minimum requirements for every space where hazards are present and/or being used, if the Permitted Individual requires workers/etc. to have additional PPE when in the space, that is at the discretion of that PI.
When PPE Is (and Isn't) Required
While PPE is expected during nearly all lab activity, EHS recognizes there are specific situations where not wearing PPE is permissible. These include:
Clean Zones: Designated areas approved by the PI where hazardous materials are not handled.
Brief, No-Contact Visits: When someone enters a lab momentarily without interacting with materials or equipment.
Inactive Labs: When no hazardous materials are in use and the lab poses no present risk.
Even in these cases, individuals must remain vigilant and don appropriate PPE if conditions change.
Compliance and Accountability
To foster a consistent safety culture, PPE usage is monitored during routine laboratory inspections. Compliance observations are recorded at the Principal Investigator (PI) level, meaning:
If all lab occupants meet PPE standards, the PI is marked as compliant.
If any individual is out of compliance, the PI receives a non-compliant observation.
These results are shared directly with PIs and rolled up to academic leadership, including Deans and the Provost, to encourage accountability and institutional support for lab safety.
Remember: PPE is not just a box to check — it’s the last line of defense between you and serious injury. At Mizzou, we’re committed to protecting your health while supporting world-class research.
Let’s make safety a habit — not an afterthought.
Support and Resources
Need help selecting PPE or sourcing safety glasses and lab coats? The EHS team is here to help. Visit https://ehs.missouri.edu/program-areas/personal-protection for guidance on:
Choosing the right lab coat and eyewear
Ordering PPE through Mizzou’s approved vendors
Signage, training tools, and more
For questions or consultation, email: labsafety@missouri.edu