Several types of protective gear are essential in a histology lab:
1. Lab Coats: Lab coats protect the skin and clothing from spills and splashes. They should be made of fluid-resistant material.
2. Gloves: Nitrile or latex gloves are commonly used to protect hands from chemicals and biological samples. They also prevent contamination of the specimens.
3. Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles shield the eyes from harmful splashes and aerosols that can occur during slide preparation and staining.
4. Face Masks or Respirators: Depending on the risk of inhalation of hazardous substances, face masks or respirators are necessary to protect the respiratory tract.
5. Face Shields: For added protection, especially during procedures that can generate splashes or aerosols, face shields are used in conjunction with goggles or masks.
6. Aprons: In addition to lab coats, aprons made of rubber or other impermeable materials provide an extra layer of protection.