University of Arkansas dispenses wellness throughout research labs

The University of Arkansas chemistry and biology research programs foster academic excellence and drive scientific discoveries in lab settings that accommodate 2,200 students per year. Ensuring safe environments by offering accessible and clean lab coats for students and staff is part of their commitment to improved lab-safety standards.

Problem

Prior to 2018, the University of Arkansas Safety Office reviewed strategies to implement a program that would supply protective lab coats to research students. However, mounting questions and obstacles hindered the university’s start-up plans.

How and where do students launder the lab coats? Will the coats be laundered regularly to reduce contamination? How does the university manage inventory and laundry care? How will this program affect school budgets? Neither a simple nor comprehensive solution was determined.

David McNabb, Associate Dean of Research and Infrastructure in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, stated, “Safety for our students is extremely important. That was the starting point of all conversations. A few years ago, we weren't using lab coats at all, and students were responsible to buy and launder their own coats. It would have been a problem for us to manage the coats. There has been a push to educate students about safety, and providing clean, available lab coats is very much a part of that.”

An efficient solution that would save time, improve student satisfaction, enhance safety and address lab-coat inventory and care was pursued.

Solution

To overcome the challenges that university students, staff and school leaders faced, the college coordinated efforts in 2018 to adopt an integrated, end-to-end system that fulfilled everyone’s expectations.

“Our Vice Chancellor of Research worked with Cintas to set up two garment-dispensing machines, stocked with lab coats, in our chemistry lab and biology lab. With Cintas dispensing machines, it's a seamless process,” noted Associate Dean McNabb.

To ensure lab operations run smoothly, Cintas works directly with the research department representative to adapt to changing inventory counts and size quantities. They set a schedule for coat delivery, pickup, laundry, repair and restocking as part of consistent cycle of care.

Students pay a lab fee and receive an identification card to use the units. Prior to lab work, they swipe their card, get a lab coat, attend lab sessions and return the coat right after class. McNabb asserted, “I think students like the way it makes them feel. They don't spill on their clothes. They can put on lab coats and feel more protective of their clothing.”

Adapting to changing student enrollment is a known challenge, but workarounds are planned and utilized on demand. The university projects a 5% student increase next year and the following year for lab-coat use.

“The department is adding another higher-capacity dispenser. We are growing and using more coats and adding compacting units. The compacting units alleviate problems when we can’t accept more dirty coats,” McNabb commented.

With each passing semester, Cintas and the University of Arkansas strengthen their partnership, collectively advancing the work of the research students.

Associate Dean McNabb concluded, “The lab-coat dispensing system was relatively easy to implement, and it’s also easy to use. Cintas has been great with service and with recommendations about the future while being respectful of costs. Our dedicated representative has been extraordinarily helpful. And the service team has been great. Setup was not a trivial task. Installation went smoothly. Cintas is very supportive of our goals.”