Lab coats#

Which lab coat should I wear? Where do I get a new lab coat and where do I dispose a dirty one? 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 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.

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.

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#

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

Specific Cases#

To ensure compliance with biosafety rules while allowing the cleaning team, infrastructure and external personnel, and Support Biotech Team to carry out their duties effectively, specific lab coat usage guidelines have been established for BSL2 laboratories. These exceptions are designed to balance safety with operational efficiency and are distinct from the general rules applied to regular lab staff.

Cleaning Team#

The cleaning team is not permitted to touch anything other than chairs and must wear a BSL1 lab coat. This lab coat may be used across all BSL2 laboratories, as requiring changes between rooms would pose a greater risk of contamination. This exception ensures safety while maintaining practical cleaning workflows.

External People (Infrastructure, Technical Checks Only)#

External personnel, such as infrastructure teams performing basic checks, must wear a lab coat or disposable lab coat. These may be used across multiple rooms, provided they are disposed of immediately after completing their tasks.

External People (Interventions or Repairs)#

For any intervention or technical repair, external personnel must wear a dedicated BSL2 lab coat or a disposable lab coat that is restricted to a single room. This precaution is essential to avoid cross-contamination between laboratories.

Support Biotech Team (Routine Checks)#

Similar to the cleaning and infrastructure teams, members of the Support Biotech Team performing routine, non-invasive checks (e.g., monitoring parameters) must wear a BSL2 lab coat. One dedicated cupboard per floor is assigned for storing these coats. Team members may move between BSL2 labs and across the Open Lab without removing their lab coat during such checks.

Support Biotech Team (Interventions, Experiments or Repairs)#

When involved in active interventions, experiments, or repairs, Support Biotech Team members must wear a dedicated BSL2 lab coat specific to each room they work in. This protocol is crucial to minimize contamination risks between laboratories.

Crossing BSL1 Labs#

In BSL1 zones where lab corridors must be used to access offices, the general rule applies: no lab coat is required if no lab work is being performed. 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 close to the vending machine on the ground floor in BT1 or 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.