Final answer:
Protective gear like masks and eyewear should be worn by laboratory technicians and housekeeping personnel whenever there is a risk of exposure to harmful substances, which can occur during patient interaction or while handling hazardous materials, not during lunch breaks or in the presence of supervisors. It ensures personal safety and prevents contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the appropriate times for laboratory technicians and housekeeping personnel to wear protective gear in a working environment. According to general safety guidelines, protective masks and eyewear, or face shields, should be worn when there is a risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances or biological hazards. This does not include during lunch breaks, but rather when there is an active risk, such as when interacting with patients, handling cultures or chemicals, dealing with broken glass, or working under conditions that pose a safety hazard. Furthermore, if the laboratory environment is considered high-risk, like a BSL-4 facility with lethal pathogens, additional protective suits with their own air supply, as mentioned in figure 13.2, might be necessary.
Maintaining safety protocols, including the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), is not solely for personal safety but also to uphold the integrity of the laboratory work and to prevent cross-contamination. It is vital that technicians and housekeeping staff follow directions carefully and adhere to the safety regulations at all times during work hours when risks exist.