B. General Guidelines for Dress in the Laboratory Loose fitting, frilly, or highly flammable clothing should not be worn in the laboratory. Ties should be tucked into shirt or removed. Sandals, open-toed shoes, and shoes with canvas or mesh uppers should not be worn in the laboratory. Long hair and loose clothing or jewelry must be confined when working in the laboratory. Finger rings should not be worn while working with reagent chemicals or equipment that has moving parts.
Rings can react with chemicals or puncture laboratory gloves.
Chemicals can get trapped under rings and irritate the skin. C. Protective Apparel Aprons Aprons should be worn during all chemistry laboratory work. Rubber-covered muslin aprons provide good protection from corrosive or irritating liquids. A plastic apron can accumulate a considerable charge of static electricity and should be avoided in areas where flammable solvents or other materials could be ignited by a static discharge. Gloves Gloves should be worn whenever it is necessary to handle corrosive materials, rough or sharp-edged objects, very hot or very cold materials, or whenever protection is needed against accidental exposure to chemicals.