In college, having to buy lab coats for class is just one more expense on top of everything else we need to pay for. But not only is it fairly easy but its totally possible to not spend anything at all on your lab coat for next semesters classes. Yea, I am talking about a free lab coat. And there are a couple different ways you can go about it!
Why do we need lab coats?
Lab coats are required in any laboratory that is working with possibly dangerous chemicals or undergoing scientific procedures. Lab coats act as a crucial barrier, shielding researchers (aka us!) from potential hazards such as chemical spills, splashes, and accidental contact with substances that may cause skin irritation or burns. Beyond personal protection, lab coats contribute to maintaining a controlled and contamination-free environment by preventing the transfer of substances from personal clothing to experiments and equipment. Plus, in the case of a chemical spill or burn, lab coats allow you to quickly cut them away or pull them off so you can minimize dangers from the spilled substance. Basically, lab coats are an essential component of responsible laboratory practices, promoting safety, and hygiene for everyone in the lab.
Places to Find Free Lab Coats
Check with Your Institution
This is how I found my lab coat for my chemistry labs! Just go to the chemistry departments office and ask if they have lab coats you could borrow for the semester. Often these coats have been turned in by other students and have been washed and are ready to be reused! I even got a pair of free googles like this.
Check With Your Lab Instructor
Oftentimes lab instructors know places to get a free lab coat. They may have one you could use themselves or direct you to someone who does.
Ask Upperclassmen
If you’re at a university or college, ask students who have already taken your lab if they have spare lab coats or if there are any programs where students pass down lab coats to underclassmen.
Community Resources
Check if there are community organizations or charities that provide science-related equipment or support for students. They may be able to assist you in obtaining a lab coat.
Online Platforms
Explore online platforms where individuals may give away items for free, such as community forums, classified ads, or social media groups. Post a request explaining your situation and see if someone is willing to donate a lab coat.
Check with Research Labs
Research laboratories, especially those associated with educational institutions, may have surplus lab coats. Contact lab managers or researchers to inquire if they have any extra coats available. This is also a great way to start building a relationship with someone who runs a lab on your campus, which is especially important if you want to work in or intern in that lab in the future.
Science Clubs or Organizations
Some science clubs or organizations on campus may have resources to provide students with lab coats, so it would be worth asking!
Tips for picking a great lab coat
Here are things to look for when selecting a lab coat.
- Elastic cuffs, this prevents your sleeves from rolling over your gloves and soaking up fluid or chemicals that may be on them.
- Fits well, you don’t want to be limited by a coat that is too small or working around extra fabric that may get in the way if its too big.
- Buttons up, Some lab coats are made with traditional buttons, but these take a long time to get on and off. If you can find a snapping button up coat, it is not only safer but is easier to put on and take off.
- Covers most of your leg, to protect yourself from spills. Look for a coat that goes down to your mid ankle or knee.
You can also look at a lab coat that is highly rated to give you ideas. This lab coat on Amazon has everything above. Read the comments and check out what people are saying so you can find out whats important!
What to do when you are done using your lab coat
If you won’t need your coat again, you should consider giving back to other students so they can get a free lab coat as well.
Before you go about that though, make sure your lab coat is safe to give away. This means:
- No tears or holes in the coat that can leave the next person at risk
- The coat hasn’t gone through any harm chemical spills or burns
- Wash your coat before donating
After you’ve cleared that your coat is good to be donated again, there are a couple places you can go to do so.
- The chemistry department, often they will take old coats to be reused with someone else.
- Research labs, just reach out to the lab manager and ask if you can donate the coat to the lab for another student.
- Community donation centers, or really anywhere you can donate clothes and such to. They often have a system to organize clothes donated into sections and will have other labs coats.
- Underclassmen, you might know someone in your major who is going to be taking the labs you just finished after you, reach out and see if they would like to take yours!
There are tons of things you can do to not only get but to give away a free lab coat. I hope this has been helpful!
