Lab coats#

Each person entering the laboratories must be trained on proper lab coat use and waste disposal protocols to maintain the integrity of the laboratory environment and protect himself/herself and the community from the chemical and biological hazards present in the laboratories.

Wear the right lab coat in the right area#

The general rule is that BSL1 lab coats must be worn in all BSL1 laboratories and may be used across different BSL1 labs. However, BSL2 lab coats must be worn only in dedicated BSL2 laboratories and must not be transferred between labs, in order to prevent cross-contamination. Each researcher must have a separate, dedicated BSL2 lab coat for each BSL2 lab they work in.

Lab coat mandatory#

• All BSL1 and BSL2 laboratories
• Storage Rooms: Chemical Storage/ cryostorage/ LCSB stock
• For all users, visitors, technicians

Lab coat forbidden#

• Offices and open offices
• Kitchen, Coffee Points (red flooring)
• Toilets

Lab coat allowed#

APPLIES ONLY FOR BSL1 LAB COATS

• Lift
• Staircases
• Corridor to the stairs/lift
• Corridor to the Support Team zone BT2 1st floor (trolleys/ fridges) BUT not the Support Team offices

Lab coat rules#

To ensure compliance with biosafety rules while allowing everyone to carry out their duties effectively, specific lab coat usage guidelines have been established depending on the work that is done.

Always pay attention to cross contamination and specific risks!

You must wear the lab coat corresponding to the highest biosafety level of the labs you will enter, unless you are only passing through or performing non‑exposure tasks for <5 minutes.

Crossing BSL1 Labs#

In the BSL1 laboratories, it is tolerated to not wear a lab coat when only crossing the lab. For example, entering the BSL1 lab to go directly in a BSL2 lab or crossing the open lab in BT1 to go or to leave the office areas.
In case of any stop, for working, checking a parameter or for a discussion, a lab coat MUST BE worn.
This supports smooth circulation without compromising safety.

Where can I find a new clean lab coat?#

BT1#

Clean lab coats are stored in the cupboard of the room BT1-E05-502, on the 5th floor. They are sorted by Biosafety Level (BSL1 and BSL2) and sizes. For the larger sizes, you can find them with extra lengths on the sleeves (+15cm).

BT2#

Clean lab coats are stored in the cupboards of the MUF room, on the 1st floor, close to the Support Biotech Team offices. They are sorted by Biosafety Level (BSL1 and BSL2) and sizes. For the larger sizes, you can find them with extra lengths on the sleeves (+15cm).

What should I do with my dirty lab coat?#

On a regular basis you should put your dirty lab coat in the tissue bag present on each floor in BT1 and BT2.

Remove the pins and empty the pockets.

Someone from the Support Biotech Team will take care to send the lab coats for cleaning.

Pins#

To identify your lab coat as yours, do not forget to put your pin on it.

Create a ticket to request your pins.

Help needed?#

Any question regarding lab coats, safety glasses or other PPE? Please send a ticket.