Wear gloves protect against skin absorption of chemicals, chemical burns, thermal burns, lacerations, and cryogenic liquid exposure.  Choosing the appropriate hand protection can be a challenge in a laboratory setting.  Wear gloves when handling hazardous materials, chemicals of unknown toxicity, corrosive materials, rough or sharp-edged objects, and very hot or very cold materials.  Disposable nitrile or neoprene gloves are usually appropriate as protection from incidental splashes or contact with lab chemicals.  However, the SDS should be consulted to verify chemical compatibility with the gloves being used. Protective coveralls were created to ensure a high level of protection during work activities. They cover or replace personal clothing and their main purpose is to protect the worker from chemical, biological, mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic and electrical hazards Masks should be worn when making solutions and cleaning up small spills. Two types of masks are used in the histology laboratory: • The dust particle mask (yellow) should be used when weighing out powders. The charcoal mask protects against organic solvent fumes.