You must store your lab coat/shirt in a fully enclosed container (Ziploc bag or larger Tupperware) and it may only be worn in lab. Lab coats help protect you and your clothing from lab hazards, and th...You must store your lab coat/shirt in a fully enclosed container (Ziploc bag or larger Tupperware) and it may only be worn in lab. Lab coats help protect you and your clothing from lab hazards, and they help to confine potential hazards to the lab. This is because lab coats are kept in sealed containers only to be opened in the lab. All students are required to either purchase a lab coat or bring in a long-sleeved shirt to use for the semester in lab.