Why are Labcoats Necessary?

Hygiene wear is available in many forms within the food processing industry. Keeping the food pure and uncontaminated is of utmost importance. Labcoats are an indispensable product to ensure food is protected.

Labcoats act as a hygiene barrier between clothing and the task at hand. Many food production sites mandate labcoats. However, it’s hard to know which is preferable, disposable, or reusable. While both have advantages, the primary purpose is the same. It comes down to whether you prefer to purchase a uniform for your team members and are willing to launder it or choose to have disposable lab coats which cover your team’s usual clothes.

With disposable wear, don’t forget to purchase larger sizing to account for regular clothing underneath. Labcoats are designed to be efficiently made, so shaping is limited, this means bigger sizes can be comfortably worn. 

The primary purpose of a labcoat is to prevent any loose particles such as buttons, lint, threads, or dry skin from falling into the production line. A labcoat captures all particles and protects the food. If you have over-production walkways within your facility, a coverall would be the most advisable solution.

Another hygiene factor you need to consider is no pockets. While the ability to carry small articles in your pocket is typically valued for convenience, pockets are disapproved of in food production for the same reason. Pocket-less labcoats help control this by covering over pockets on clothes underneath.

The weight of the material is another consideration. Labcoats are another layer of material in an often-hot environment. While thickness means increased resistance to tear and abrasion, it can make your workers uncomfortable. A good quality lab coat is both durable, lightweight, and breathable.

Labcoats come in various colours; this is very convenient for differentiating between different roles or those contacting allergens. Using coloured lab coats is visual and easily identifiable.

Another major hygiene factor is cuffs on labcoats; the elastic around the cuff must be strong enough to hold the sleeve down.  Knitted cuffs are a new initiative which ensures the cuffs won’t move while also absorbing perspiration. This new option creates comfort while improving hygiene.

 It can be of great value to have some disposable labcoats on hand for visitors to allow them to view your production site safely. Even if you use reusable labcoats, it’s always convenient to have some disposable labcoats for new or casual staff until their uniform arrives.