Department of Biology
Gloves
- Disposable gloves should be worn when considered necessary:
- to protect workers against some biological hazards
- to protect samples from contamination e.g. tissue culture work
- Disposable gloves must not be used if their use increases the overall risk of harm arising e.g.
- gloves should NOT be worn when working in close proximity to a naked flame (e.g. using a Bunsen burner when applying aseptic technique for microbial work) as their use increases the chance of burn injuries if the glove melts
- unnecessary, excessive wearing of disposable gloves for low risk activities can lead to skin irritation and potentially cause allergy e.g. to latex
- Disposable gloves should not be worn in communal areas. They should be removed before leaving laboratory areas, avoiding causing concern to the casual bystander (real or not) that gloves are spreading contamination around the Department
- The use of gloves should not be required when transporting materials from one laboratory area to another- any hazardous materials should be adequately contained (double containment required), presenting no risk to you or others. If gloves are considered necessary, only one glove should be used (the other, 'clean' ungloved hand, is used to open doors on route between laboratories.).