What footwear is permitted for daily work in the laboratory?

Especially in summer, laboratory workers might consider wearing open shoes such as sandals or even flip-flops. Possibly even without socks. But open mules or clogs could also be interesting in winter simply for the sake of comfort. Employers and employees are therefore often faced with the question of which footwear is actually permitted in the laboratory. Unfortunately, the Biological Agents Ordinance does not contain any information on this. It is only in TRBA 100 "Protective measures for activities involving biological agents in laboratories" that you can find under 5.4 "Personal protective equipment/protective measures" that closed shoes should be worn at protection level 3. Specifications regarding footwear in the laboratory can be found in the basics and practical aids of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) "Safe Working in Laboratories". It states that only sturdy, closed and non-slip footwear may be worn in laboratories. This is also stated in TRGS 526 "Laboratories". This usually means closed outdoor shoes or laboratory shoes. In addition to providing firm support for the foot and protection against slipping (cf. open mules and clogs), this also provides protection against dripping or falling hazardous substances (e.g., acids). Following this logic, wearing socks would also always be a good idea, as they could offer the skin some additional protection against hazardous substances. Since biological agents can also be absorbed through the skin, it could therefore be deduced that the feet should also be protected against dripping or falling biological agents. A closed shoe contaminated with biological agents could also be easier to wipe down and disinfect. However, according to the German Employers' Association for the Raw Materials and Chemical Industry, special safety shoes (with an additional toe cap) are not normally required as standard footwear in the laboratory. For accident prevention reasons alone, only sturdy, closed shoes should be worn in the laboratory. These also provide better protection against falling biological agents. Open mules, clogs, or even open flip-flops offer no protection in this case. The employer should provide information on the required footwear in the operating instructions.