Lab coats / glasses

[KingsleyShacklebolt]

DS starting next week has just announced he'll need a lab coat and safety glasses for practical work. Seems a bit OTT given he's also been told he's going to be in a total of three times until January, but there you go.

Are lab coats / glasses fairly standard in that can we just order online, or do universities prefer a specific type? They do sell them in the university shop I think but they are very expensive and that would involve an unnecessary trek into town too.

[ClerkMaxwell]

DS2 uni had specific requirements (chemistry). You could order directly from dept (cheaper than online as they must have got a bulk discount) and pick up before the first labs or buy 2nd hand from the older students.

[CraftyGin]

They are easy to buy online.

[KingsleyShacklebolt]

Uni does sell them, but they are embroidered with the Uni logo and cost £26.

Standard online price appears to be £15-£20. What I really need to know is if a "lab coat" is a pretty standard item, or if there is a particular style/brand I need to be looking for?

[kshaw]

i would recommend buying a 'howie' style lab coat (means it has cuffs on the sleeve) which are standard practice. safety specs are pretty standard.

[CraftyGin]

What is the style of the uni ones?

[KingsleyShacklebolt]

The uni ones are just the standard white coat with covered buttons but with the uni logo which DS didn't want. I confused myself thoroughly looking on Amazon where there are so many choices and quality is so variable.

So I have just ordered a slightly more expensive one from Alexandra Workwear, they are supposed to be decent quality so should last him his whole degree rather than having to shell out for a new cheap one each year.

[ClerkMaxwell]

DCs for chemistry was really thick cotton but no logo. Lasted 4 years (probably because he was good at washing it) and he passed on.

[Etulosba]

We provide all safety equipment: lab coat, boots, glasses etc.free ( as in included in the fees). Are you sure that isn’t the case at your son’s establishment.

[KingsleyShacklebolt]

@Etulosba

We provide all safety equipment: lab coat, boots, glasses etc.free ( as in included in the fees). Are you sure that isn’t the case at your son’s establishment.

They have been told they have to provide their own. Because of Covid. We are in Scotland though, we don't pay fees.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Pure cotton lab coats aren't great for acid/alkali resistance IME. I'd go for polycotton.

[ClerkMaxwell]

Polycotton wasn't allowed at DSs Scottish uni (open alcohol burners) but unis differ.

[kshaw]

If using Bunsen's they won't be allowed as polycotton is flammable. I buy from Alexandria a bit so should be fine.
Also, it's not OTT the labs they will be using will also be used for research I should imagine, you've no idea what will be left on benches etc. Or they could be doing a prac that is dangerous. It's all about keeping them safe

[KingsleyShacklebolt]

The one the uni sells is polycotton, so that should be fine. We are getting DS some clippy pens to put in his breast pocket so he looks the part.

[didireallysaythat]

Chemistry or biology? Requirement for cuffs, buttons up to the neck, lightly fire retardant etc - the one they provide should meet their criteria. Safety specs - does he wear glasses? Lots of choice even if you need a pair that goes over the top. Amazon is as good as anywhere (I like Bolle ones) and personally I think safety specs are incredibly useful to have at home when doing DIY, gardening, cycling, anything where there is a chance you'll end up with something poking into your eye - £10 to protect your sight doesn't seem to much to me. The lab coat isn't so useful at home I admit.

[RampantIvy]

I'm pretty sure that DD's university provided her lab coat and safety glasses. She is studying biomedical sciences and her lab coat has ribbed elastic cuffs on the sleeves and a high neckline. She is pretty well covered up when she does labs.