TYPES OF LABORATORY MASKS:

Respirators, such as N95, FFP2, or the equivalent - Are made to produce a very tight fit on the
face and highly effective airborne particle filtering. The respirator's borders are intended
to create a seal around the mouth and nose. Healthcare professionals (HCP) who require
protection from fluid and airborne threats are advised to utilize surgical N95 respirators,
which are often used in healthcare environments. These employ a mesh filter made of
tightly woven fibers that can inhibit aerosol particles from entering the lungs by
impaction, interception, and diffusion. They are 95% effective in blocking particles as
small as 0.1 micrometers (microns).
Dust particle mask (yellow) - should be used when weighing out powders.
Charcoal mask - protects against organic solvent fumes. It should be worn when changing or
pouring solutions.
TYPES OF LABORATORY HAND GLOVES:

Latex, Rubber, or Plastic Gloves - The most typical environments for using these gloves are
hospitals or laboratories. They often give protection against biohazards, chemicals,
solvents, and other dangerous substances while being form-fitting to allow for mobility.
Specific examples:
Nitrile gloves (N-Dex®) - are resistant to formaldehyde and solvents. Additionally, they offer up
to five minutes of acid protection for the wearer. When handling chemicals or reagents,
nitrile gloves have to be used.
Latex gloves (surgical) - should be used while working with tissue samples. Working with tissue
samples that have undergone paraffin processing doesn't require gloves unless the
material is a recognized biohazard. For up to 14 minutes, latex gloves offer protection
against biohazards and formaldehyde.
REFERENCES:

Chemical exposures. N95 respirators and toxic gases or vapors - Chemical Exposures - Articles -
Health & Safety - Massachusetts Nurses Association. (n.d.). Retrieved August 17, 2022,
from https://www.massnurses.org/health-and-safety/articles/chemical-exposures/p/
openItem/1318#:~:text=N95%20respirators%20use%20a%20filter,micrometers
%20(microns)%20in%20diameter.

Histology laboratory - university of Utah. (n.d.). Retrieved August 17, 2022, from
https://webpath.med.utah.edu/HISTHTML/MANUALS/SAFEQUIP.PDF
Resources, E. H. S. I. (n.d.). Types of gloves to protect your hands from Hazardous Chemicals.
EHS Software. Retrieved August 17, 2022, from
https://www.ehsinsight.com/blog/examining-the-different-types-of-work-safety-gloves