How can you train lab personnel to use personal protective equipment for your specific research needs?

1 Assess your risks

Before you start training your lab personnel, you need to identify and evaluate the potential hazards and risks associated with your research activities. You can use a risk assessment tool, such as the Laboratory Risk Assessment Tool (LRAT), to help you determine the types and levels of PPE required for each task and scenario. You should also consult the relevant safety guidelines, standards, and regulations for your field and institution, such as the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

2 Choose your PPE

Based on your risk assessment, you should select the appropriate PPE for your lab personnel. The PPE should provide adequate protection against the specific hazards and risks, without compromising comfort, mobility, or performance. You should also consider the availability, quality, and cost of the PPE, and ensure that you have enough supplies and backups. The PPE should include items such as gloves, goggles, masks, respirators, lab coats, gowns, aprons, boots, and hats, depending on the level of exposure and protection needed.

3 Train your personnel

Once you have chosen your PPE, you should train your lab personnel on how to use it correctly and safely. You should provide both theoretical and practical training, covering topics such as the purpose, function, and limitations of the PPE, the proper way to wear, adjust, remove, and dispose of the PPE, the maintenance and storage of the PPE, and the signs and symptoms of exposure and infection. You should also demonstrate and practice the correct PPE procedures with your personnel, using realistic scenarios and simulations. You should evaluate and document the competency and performance of your personnel, and provide feedback and reinforcement.

4 Monitor and update

After you have trained your personnel, you should monitor and update your PPE program regularly. You should conduct periodic inspections and audits to ensure that the PPE is used correctly and consistently, and that it is in good condition and functioning properly. You should also review and revise your risk assessment and PPE selection as your research activities change or new hazards emerge. You should communicate and consult with your personnel about any issues or concerns regarding the PPE, and provide refresher training and education as needed.

5 Promote a safety culture

Finally, you should promote a safety culture in your laboratory, where the use of PPE is seen as a norm and a value. You should set a good example by using the PPE yourself and encouraging others to do the same. You should also recognize and reward the compliance and improvement of your personnel, and address any non-compliance or resistance promptly and constructively. You should foster a positive and supportive environment, where your personnel feel comfortable and confident to use the PPE and report any problems or incidents.

Using PPE is a vital part of laboratory safety and security, but it is not enough to simply provide it to your personnel. You need to train them to use it effectively and appropriately for your specific research needs, and to maintain and update your PPE program regularly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your personnel are well-protected and well-prepared for your research activities.