What type of protection does a lab coat provide?

A lab coat is primarily designed to protect the wearer from splashes and spills of hazardous materials. In a laboratory setting, various chemicals, biological agents, and other potentially harmful substances are used, and a lab coat serves as a protective barrier to shield the skin and clothing from these hazards. When spills or splashes occur, the lab coat can help prevent direct contact with the hazardous substances, thereby reducing the risk of skin exposure and contamination.

In terms of the other options, while lab coats may offer some degree of insulation from heat, they are not designed as protective gear against extreme heat situations. Additionally, lab coats do not prevent slips and falls, nor do they offer any protection from chemical ingestion, as these concerns fall outside the primary function of a lab coat. Thus, the correct understanding of a lab coat's role highlights its effectiveness in guarding against splashes and spills from hazardous materials.