Clothing

"Simple cloth garb, such as lab coats or scrub suits are commonly used for convenience, appearance, and to prevent routine soiling of street clothes, rather than for personal protection from the risk of bloodborne infection.  It should be made clear that use in this manner (rather than to comply with the provisions of this standard) is not required and if permitted by the employer, does not impose a duty on the employer to supply or clean the garments." Summary p.58

"It is not the intent of this provision to obligate employers to provide general work clothes to employees, however, the employer is responsible for providing personal protective equipment." Summary p.58

"If an item of Clothing is intended to protect the employee's person or work clothes against contact with blood or OPIM then it would be considered as personal protective equipment and must be provided by the employer." p.58

"...PPE will be considered 'appropriate' only if it does not permit blood or OPIM to pass through to or reach the employee's clothes, street clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time which the protective equipment will be used." Summary p.58

"Provision of PPE is based, therefore, upon the existence of occupational exposure which, by definition, is 'reasonably anticipated' skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blook or other OPIM that may result from the performance of an employee's duties." Summary p.58

"The CDC recommends, therefore, that personal protective equipment should be used to protect not only skin..but also to prevent contamination of clothing." Summary p.61

"...the Agency (OSHA) has concluded that requiring provision of PPE to prevent work clothes, street clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes from contact with blood or OPIM is justified and appropriate." Summary p.62

Also see Personal Protective Equipment  Gowns