White coat
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A white coat or more often called laboratory coat (abbreviated to lab coat) is a knee-length overcoat/smock worn by professionals in the chemical and medical work fields. The coat protects their underneath street clothes and also serves as a simple uniform.
General
Lab coats are in general white, though colored versions also exist. They are commonly made of cotton, linen or polyester. White coats have several pockets, usually three, two near the hip level, and one on the left breast, where the lab worker can place pencils or other equipment. Lab coats come in various lengths, some are short, while others reach the knee level. Longer lab coats also offer some protection to the legs.
Availability
White coats can be bought from most medical stores, and can sometimes even be found in clothing stores.
Always have at least two lab coats in your lab.
Safety
White coats used in the chemistry lab should not be made from synthetic fibers, like nylon or polyester, as they lack good chemical resistance to solvents and corrosive vapors. Also, in the event of a fire, the synthetic fibers will melt and stick to the skin, causing severe burns. Cotton or linen lab coats are preferred, as in contact with a flame they will char rather than melt, and thus you won't get a severe burn.
Always use a lab coat with metal snap fasteners rather than buttons, Velcro or zipper, as in the event of a fire, snaps can be removed immediately, while Velcro and zippers will melt, and buttons cannot be removed immediately.
