Rank: Forum user 
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Hello all,
I am responsible for a lab in Holland, and they are enjoying a glorious summer so far, with temperatures regularly over 30 degrees. The problem is that it is an old building without air conditioning, and with barely a breeze with the windows open, working conditions can be very uncomfortable as they need to wear long sleeved lab coats, gloves as standard, and obviously can't have open toed shoes, bare legs etc.
Clearly, the most important thing is that they are protected from the chemicals that they handle, so short sleeves, no gloves etc are not an option. Does anybody have any recommendations for suitable brands/fabrics, or anything more out of the box that I could look into as a compromise? I have come over to take a look, and it is really uncomfortable. Add to that no drinking in the lab, and they will need to take breaks every 10 minutes to remain hydrated and able to work unless something can be done.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated - thanks!
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Rank: Forum user
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You could retro fit air con or supply portable fans to aid air movement.
Failing that move to a suitable premises
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Rank: Super forum user
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If they are working in a south facing room the first thing you could you look at would be shading of the windows - using blinds or a proprietry film.
Can you also review the PPE to look at maybe lightweight disposable all in one suits - the type of thing you see UK crime scene forensics wearing. You could probably get away with wearing the bare minimum under these.
You would need to consider changing room arrangements though.
PS: Why is it that lots of Dutch stereotypes have just filled my head? Must be the thought of going commando and mixed changing rooms. Cue the badly dubbed 70's music and away you go.
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Rank: Forum user
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Interesting - I'm based in Belgium at the moment and have responsibility for our Dutch offices too. The Workplace regs apply to the Netherlands and are pretty well along the same interpretation lines as ours in the UK. You can probably find the help you need in there! An interesting point though - if they're using chemicals where is the adequate ventilation which is also a requirement in The Netherlands? Don't let anyone in the company tell you "it doesn't work like that here" because I can assure it should!!
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Rank: Super forum user
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What does the lab activity involve--Is there a central fume-cupboard air supply and extract system or do you use re-circulatory filtering fume-cupbaords or do not use FC's at all??
Also, what chemicals are being handled and how are the chemicals handled and what quantities?
OK, Lab coats, safety spectacles and shoes with uppers that shed a spill are standard in most labs, but based on the answers to the above, there may be some scope to be flexible--for example using disposable aprons instead of labcoats!
It may be better to place some portable air-cooling units than to lower establised PPE standards.
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Rank: Forum user
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Why not get yourself a copy of a safety shop catalogue. If you have a good rep they will sort you with one. A good one will have many clothing options for your people. Obviously cotton is a light material favoured in hot climes that would work and the catalogue sloutioins will also conform to safety standards.
For those of you now leaping to your keyboards to type the words "chemical spill", "cotton" and "bad idea" I would point out that that's what safety showers are for and no clothing, except the rubber suits, is going to protect you completely.
Also try purchasing fans, you might even get an "Ex" type if solvents are an issue.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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As has been the case in most of the labs I've worked in, and is happening now in my own lab, the boys and girls are stipping down to....the bare minimum.... under their lab coats when the temperature becomes so high. We have no constraints on bare legs.
They find that much more comfortable and we have no problem with providing separate and suitable changing areas over and above the locker room.
Many lab coats have a slit at the hip that allows you to reach into a trouser pocket - these were sewn up to avoid embarassment, or are we avoiding temptation?
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Rank: Forum user
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Hello - sorry for being so rude, I only received an email notification for the first reply, but didn't realise anyone else had answered until just now when I checked - so thanks very much for all of your advice.
We use fume cupboards and LEV to deal with the fumes from crude and other solvents that are used in the lab. Crude is used in fairly large quantities. The other chemicals - samples etc are usually in smallish bottles of around 250ml or below, but there is a large variety and pretty much every CHIP label is accounted for.
I have already written a proposal to try and get some "proper" solutions in place, so I am hoping that Management will support replacing the windows, and installing proper air-con etc. The building is old and not really suitable, but they are going to need to invest some money to get these, and other issues resolved. However, my question was based really on what I can offer them as a solution in the mean time, as obviously these things cannot get done overnight, and it was really uncomfortable while I was there. The labs are all open plan, so portable air-con wouldn't really be effective - at least in my experience, as the ones I have seen need to be in a fairly small room with the door closed to make any difference. Unless anyone can recommend a specific type?? We are using portable fans to try and cool the air, but they don't seem to make much difference either.
Bare legs and open shoes are prohibited in the labs, so we have decided to go with summer coveralls designed for use in hot weather that we use offshore and in our warehouses in other locations. It means that they are fully covered and protected, but at least are not wearing layers over layers, which should help a bit. I have also advised them to take regular breaks from the lab to drink cold water, and regular glove breaks to let the skin breathe, which was really all I could think to do in the meantime.
This was my first post on here, so thanks very much for getting back to me - I appreciate it.
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Rank: Super forum user
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One of the problems with the type of gloves that your workers will be wearing (occlusive) is the hyperhydration that will occur underneath the gloves. This will be exacerbated due to the heat. In time this can lead to irritant contact dermatitis.
One proven method of reducing this is the wearing of separate cotton gloves underneath the protective gloves. These should be changed at regular intervals but can be rinsed, dried and reused to save money.
If dexterity is an issue, this can be maintained by simply cutting off about 1cm from the tip of each finger of the cotton glove.
When hands are removed from the gloves it will help if they are rinsed in lukewarm/cold water and dried. This will help to restore normal skin hydration levels.
Chris
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