Over the years I’ve had many conversations with lab managers and pathologists about their role in lab safety. I have often stressed that lab leadership needs to be a role model of safety every day. These folks walk through the lab several times a day for various reasons, and they may not be aware, but they are being watched very closely by the staff working in the area.

How long does a person need to be in the lab area before they need to put on a lab coat? Is there a five minute rule? While there is no time limit mentioned in any of the lab safety regulations, a look at what is the best practice is important. Here are some general guidelines about the PPE needs for those who may not be performing testing, but who are frequently in the lab for other purposes.

Are you just passing through the lab to speak to someone for a moment? You can probably get away without PPE, but if the conversation will be long or if you will be sitting down for it, you need a lab coat. Are you conducting a huddle or a staff meeting in the lab? You should wear a coat for that as well. If you will be doing work in the lab- paperwork, using a computer or phone- a lab coat should be worn. If you will be using a phone or computer that staff uses while wearing gloves, you need gloves as well.

Phlebotomists who come into the lab area to process the patient samples they have collected need to use PPE as well, and that PPE needs to be removed before leaving the lab.

As a leader, you have many things on your mind as you go through your day in and out of the lab. You might be in a hurry, and lab safety might not be on your mind at the time, but when you come into the lab and fail to follow safety behaviors, here are the possible messages being sent to staff:

-Safety is not important to lab leadership here.

-Lab Safety is not important anywhere.

-I am a leader/went to medical school and I know I am safe without PPE.

-I am above the rules.

Sending these messages may not be your intent, but they can do untold damage to your lab safety culture, and the repairs will be much more difficult to make.

Do you need help? The easiest person to change is you. Then try to find a safety champion – perhaps a pathologist- who can partner with you to make the safety improvements you’re looking for.