EHS is partnering with Cintas to offer an automated lab coat distribution and collection program to researchers working in laboratories at Princeton. Lab Coat TypesLab coats are assigned based on the hazards present and the specific research activities conducted by each researcher.Princeton offers two types of lab coat, a flame resistant lab coat (blue) and a standard polyester-cotton blend (white). In addition to the two lab coat types, polyester barrier coats are offered for IBC registered biological research (BSL-1 & BSL-2). Barrier coats are provided as a second garment to be worn exclusively in controlled biological research spaces.The construction and use scenarios are listed for each below.Lab Coat TypeConstructionUse ScenarioFlame Resistant chemical-splash protection (FRCP)Nomex™ IIIA Fabric – Westex® ShieldTECLarger quantities (> 500 ml) of I-B/I-C flammable liquids (such as ethanol, isopropanol, methanol) or(> 100mL) of highly flammable I-A flammable liquids (such as acetaldehyde, ethyl ether, pentane)Flammable, pyrophoric, reactive, or oxidizing gasesAir or water reactive materialsStrong oxidizersOpen flame or equipment operating at temperatures > 400°C Polyester-Cotton80% polyester – 20% cottonGeneral low-hazard laboratory researchBarrier100% polyesterBiological research control areas (IBC registered research)Program DescriptionInstituted in December 2024, the automated Lab Coat Program provides distribution and collection of lab coats at several locations on campus. Users individually select lab coats using their TigerCard (you must be listed as a lab member in SHIELD). Inventory tracking assures lab coats are always available for distribution. After used garments are returned to the unit, they are pickled up, laundered and individually polybagged for re-distribution.Cintas has a video detailing how the system works. The video depicts the use of the machine generally; our system is slightly different and EHS will be creating a video specific to Princeton. Use of Lab Coat MachinesYou must be added as a lab member in SHIELD to use the lab coat machines. EHS will assign the lab coat you need based on the hazards present in your lab.Go to the location on campus closest to your work area to check out a coat using your TigerCard.Select the “lab coat” button to choose your size and click the green arrow at the bottom right corner of the screen to dispense lab coat.To return your coat, simply tap your TigerCard and place your lab coat into the hatch after making sure pockets are empty. Close the door and wait until the light turns off.At this point you will be able to get another coat from any dispenser machine.Note: users can use any of the machines to obtain/return a lab coat; however, your size/type of coat may not be available at all sites.Distribution and Collection Sites The following distribution and collection sites will be maintained on campus. Researchers can bring old lab coats to the collection locations for removal and disposal. DistributionLewis Thomas, Ground LevelFrick, B LevelE-Quad E WingCollectionLewis Thomas, Ground LevelMoffett, 100 LevelPNI, B-C LevelFrick, B LevelE-Quad E WingBowen, Receiving AreaHoyt, Dock Area Staff Steve ElwoodDirector for Research Safety609-258-6271Stanley HowellSr. Program ManagerChemical Safety609-258-2711 Lab Coat Program FAQs How are new researchers added to the campus lab coat program? Additions to the lab coat program are executed in a two-step process. First, new researchers are added to their lab’s Member List within SHIELD and assigned SHIELD Job Activities corresponding to the tasks and laboratory hazards they experience.The second step of the process is submitting a request to [email protected]. In the request, include the researcher’s name, NetID and the 6-digit ProxID from the back of the individual’s TigerCard. The ProxID is the six numbers that follow the ‘4*’ immediately below the black magnetic stripe. Where do I place my soiled lab coat when returning for laundering? Lab coats are collected and tracked for return by way of automated collection equipment. Return units are located throughout the research neighborhoods to facilitate convenient/hygienic returns. Scan your TigerCard and follow the on-screen instructions to return your soiled lab coat for cleaning. Upon returning the lab coat a token will be reissued to your TigerCard allowing for a new lab coat to be issued.Make sure to check all of the coat pockets prior to returning to avoid losing items accidentally left in the pockets. How often should I return my lab coat for laundering? Lab coats should be laundered on a regular basis to ensure hygiene and to maintain the lab coat’s protective properties. EHS recommends that researchers return their lab coat for laundering 1-2 times per month, or whenever the coat is known to have been contaminated; e.g., you experience a splash or other contact with contamination. If lab coat is grossly contaminated, it should NOT be returned to the coat collector. See instructions below on packaging the contaminated lab coat for EHS assessment. What is considered acceptable or routine contamination to be placed on soiled lab coat? Soiled lab coats are garments that have been worn for a period of time without specific contamination incident and are considered free from gross, visible/measurable contamination and have only seen incidental splashes or splatters; i.e., generally soiled. The laundry vendor exercises standard precautions assuming a minimal/low level of contaminants and operates their facility in a manner that protects their workers and the environment from exposure to chemical and biological agents. This includes barrier coats used in campus BSL-2 containment areas.See What should I do if I grossly contaminate my lab coat? for instructions on handling non-routine contamination. How do I get access to a reusable barrier coat for IBC registered biological work in addition to my standard lab coat? Contact [email protected] and request that a barrier be added to your lab coat account. Be sure to include the name of your PI/lab group and the use scenario. What does it mean if the lab coat machine indicates “Unauthorized User” error message when I scan my TigerCard? The lab coat system utilizes the ProxID programmed to each researcher’s TigerCard. In the event an individual receives a new TigerCard, a new ProxID is assigned and must be updated in the lab coat system. Reach out to [email protected] if you receive an error or are otherwise unable to obtain a lab coat. What should I do if my lab coat becomes damaged? Discontinue use of your lab coat immediately anytime you discover it to be damaged or contaminated. Damaged lab coats will be removed from circulation during the inspection and laundering process performed by the vendor. Place your lab coat in the soiled return equipment and obtain a replacement. What should I do if I grossly contaminate my lab coat? If your lab coat is significantly/grossly contaminated with chemical, biological or radiological material, place the coat in a plastic bag, label the contaminant and contact EHS immediately at 609-258-5294 to report the incident. Consider the type of contaminant when placing contaminated coat in a bag. Simple polyethylene bags (the plastic commonly used for food storage bags) will be resilient to many laboratory materials; however, they may react or be degraded by lab solvents. Lab coats can typically be folded into a 1-gallon bag, but there are also larger HDPE bags that can be requested from the EHS Safety Supply Store.Laboratory coats contaminated with air- or water-reactive materials should be isolated in a laboratory fume hood without placing in a bag. What actions must I take if I can’t locate my lab coat? Lost or misplaced lab coats must be reported to EHS immediately to facilitate replacement in a timely manner. How can I get more than one lab coat if I work in two separate locations? Contact [email protected] to request additional resources. In cases where researchers perform experiments in more than one location, additional lab coats can be issued to accommodate the need. What can I do if my research changes and I need a different type of lab coat (e.g., fire resistant vs. standard polyester-cotton)? Contact [email protected] to request a different lab coat or to request a hazard assessment to determine the best lab coat for your situation. How do I determine if my research requires the use of a fire resistant lab coat? FR/CP coats will be assigned to those who work with hazards that present an elevated fire risk, including:Larger quantities (> 500 ml) of I-B/I-C flammable liquids (such as ethanol, isopropanol, methanol) or(> 100mL) of highly flammable I-A flammable liquids (such as acetaldehyde, ethyl ether, pentane)Flammable, pyrophoric, reactive, or oxidizing gasesAir or water reactive materialsStrong oxidizersOpen flame or equipment operating at temperatures > 400°C What should I do if my size is no longer available/out of stock? Generally, the use of the next size larger is recommended should the size you’ve been assigned not be available at the time of vending. Users can obtain their lab coat at any of the three equipment locations (LTL Ground Level, Frick Chemistry B-Level, EQuad C-Wing 100-level).Contact [email protected] or 609-258-5294 during business hours for assistance. Can I share a lab coat with another member of my lab? No. Every researcher is eligible to receive a lab coat. If a researcher doesn’t have access to the lab coat program contact [email protected] for assistance. What is the cost to my lab/department to participate in the lab coat program? There is no cost to the researcher. The lab coat program is centrally funded through the EHS office. What should I do with my coat if I am leaving the University? Prior to leaving the University, researchers must return any/all lab coats assigned to their possession via the soiled lab coat return. Contact [email protected] with questions. What if my lab coat becomes soiled with radiological contamination? Remove the soiled garments in the radiological usage area and contact [email protected] or 609-258-5294 for assistance. Why is there different PPE used in the animal vivaria? Research Animal Programs (RAP) maintains PPE for use in vivarium facilities and satellite housing rooms. This PPE is intended for use only in the areas designated by RAP. Lab coats and barrier garments provided by the Campus Lab Coat Program are not intended to replace the garments used within the vivarium facilities and satellite housing rooms and are not permitted to be used in those spaces.