When should you wear gloves in the lab?

Wearing gloves in the lab is essential whenever there is a potential risk associated with handling chemicals or biological materials. This protective gear serves as a barrier between your skin and hazardous substances, helping to prevent chemical burns, skin irritation, or exposure to infectious agents. Proper use of gloves is a fundamental aspect of laboratory safety protocols, as it ensures that you are minimizing your risk of contamination and protecting both yourself and the integrity of your experiments.

The idea of only wearing gloves when working with solid materials, feeling like it, or only during formal presentations fails to address the inherent risks associated with various lab activities. Chemicals and biological materials can pose dangers regardless of their physical state, and safety should always be prioritized in the laboratory environment. By adhering to the guideline of wearing gloves when handling risks, you contribute to a safer and more controlled lab atmosphere.