Protective gowns in genetic engineering facilities – a perennial favorite!

The current version of the GenTSV stipulates that lab coats or other protective clothing must be worn in the workrooms of genetic engineering facilities from safety level S1 laboratory area (Annex III A 17). Far too often, the discussion arises as to whether it might be possible to do without lab coats for certain activities. However, there is actually no leeway here. Unfortunately, in the course of these discussions, it is often not taken into account that this protective clothing is intended to protect employees and that, for this reason, certain rules must be observed. It is therefore important to ensure that protective coats are stored separately from street clothes. Furthermore, protective clothing should only be worn in workrooms and not outside. It must be ensured that the coats do not all hang on top of each other to prevent the inside of the outer coats from being contaminated by the outside of the coats worn lower down. It is therefore important to have sufficient space with sufficient fastening options for storing the coats. Experience shows that the willingness to have better storage options also increases employees' willingness to wear protective clothing.