There could also be a factor that the equipment the chemist is using, such as hot plates, etc. is adding heat directly in the work area around the chemist making them uncomfortable. In one room of our lab where we have several plates and our dissolution baths, the thermostat is set to 68F, but the room is actually closer to 73-75F which can be more uncomfortable in the winter if you have heavier clothing under a lab coat.
Regards,
Chris
Danielle,
----- Original Message -----
From: Norwood, Brad <mailto:Brad.Norwood**At_Symbol_Here**ARISTALABS.COM>
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 3:36 PM
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Lab Coat Options
Danielle,
************** D i s c l a i m e r ***************
Personally, I consider wearing proper PPE to be a condition of continued employment. I do not believe that the company will be required to make any “reasonable accommodation” at the risk of the liability that would be incurred.
I would tell the individual they have two choices. Wear the labcoat at all times required by your established protocols and boundaries OR seek employment elsewhere.
Dr. Bradley K. Norwood
Laboratory Director
Arista Laboratories
1941 Reymet Road
Richmond, VA 23237
(804) 271-5572 ext. 307
(804) 641-4641 (cell)
brad.norwood**At_Symbol_Here**aristalabs.com <mailto:brad.norwood**At_Symbol_Here**aristalabs.com>
This e-mail message is confidential and may contain legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute, disclose or otherwise use the information in this e-mail. Please also telephone us (804-271-5572), or fax us (804-271-5594), immediately and delete the message from your system. E-mail may be susceptible to data corruption, interception and unauthorized amendment, and we do not accept liability to such corruption, interception or amendment or the consequences thereof.
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Danielle Boren
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 2:20 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Lab Coat Options
Does anyone have experience with chemists that state they are too hot to wear lab coats? For the most part, all scientists in my company comply. One exception – he flat out refuses to wear the lab coat because he says it makes him so hot he feels like he’s going to pass out.
Since the whole point of wearing a lab coat is to protect against spills and splashes, wearing a thinner coat does not seem like a viable option.
I would like to find a solution that is workable for the employee, but also protects the company from liability.
Thank you.
Danielle M. Boren
Laboratory Safety Manager
Senomyx, Inc.
4767 Nexus Center Dr. San Diego, Ca 92121
858-646-8357 office
858-404-0752 fax
858-401-2374 mobile
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