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Dress Code

What you wear at ITAC is a function of where you are working that day. The office is casual; the production floor is governed by safety requirements that exist for good reason. The expectations below are the minimum, and host facilities may impose stricter requirements that take precedence.

In the Office

Casual dress is fine in the office. Dress comfortably and appropriately for a shared academic workspace. There is no need for business attire on regular workdays.

If you are joining a video call with a client, dress one notch up from your usual office attire (think polo instead of t-shirt).

On-Site

Industrial facilities are not casual environments. The dress code for site visits exists to keep you safe around moving equipment, hot surfaces, and electrical hazards.

Required attire for every site visit:

  • Closed-toe shoes. Sturdy, flat-soled shoes that cover the entire foot. No sandals, no canvas sneakers, no open backs. Many facilities require steel-toe or composite-toe footwear, and ITAC will provide overshoe toe caps when needed.

  • Long pants. Jeans, khakis, work pants, or similar. No shorts, no skirts, no athletic leggings.

  • No loose clothing. Avoid baggy sleeves, untucked drawstrings, scarves, or anything that could be caught in moving equipment.

  • No dangling jewelry. Remove necklaces, long earrings, bracelets, and watches with loose bands before entering the floor. Wedding bands and small studs are generally fine.

  • ITAC or university-branded clothing. A branded shirt, polo, or jacket identifies you as part of the assessment team and signals to plant staff that you have been escorted in. Branded apparel is provided. See Apparel for details.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear all PPE required by the host facility for the duration of the visit. This typically includes safety glasses and hearing protection, and may include hi-vis vests, gloves, a hard hat, or face shields depending on the area. PPE is provided by ITAC or by the host. If you are not sure what is required, ask the assessment lead before entering the floor.

Consequences of Arriving Unprepared

If you arrive at a site visit without the required attire or PPE, you may be sent home. The host is under no obligation to find you loaner gear, and the rest of the team will not delay the visit while you go change.