Personal Protective Equipment

Why this section is important: Once you have identified the hazards and minimized the ambient concentrations of toxins, personal protective equipment may be necessary to make the workplace safe for entry.

Goals of Personal Protective Equipment

• Shield or isolate individuals from the chemical, physical, and biologic hazards that may be encountered on-site

• Prevent injury to the wearer from incorrect use and/or malfunction of the personal protective equipment (PPE)

Note: Personal Protective Equipment is to be used only after engineering controls and administrative controls are unable to lower the ambient concentrations below acceptable levels.

Level A Protection

Required when the greatest potential for exposure to hazards exists, and when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required.  Note the totally encapsulating (air-tight) suit.

Typical Level A Equipment:

• Positive pressure, full face-piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA

• Inner and/or outer chemical-resistant gloves

• Disposable protective suit, gloves and steel-toe boots

Warranted Level A Conditions

• Hazardous substances have been identified and require the highest level of protection for skin, eyes, and the respiratory system

• The atmosphere contains < 19.5 % oxygen

• Site operations involve a high potential for splash, immersion, or exposure to unexpected materials that are harmful to the skin

• Operations are being conducted in confined, poorly ventilated areas, and the absence of hazardous substances has not yet been determined

• Direct-reading instruments indicate high levels of unidentified vapors or gases in the air

Level B Protection

Typical Level B Equipment:

• Positive pressures, full face-piece SCBA or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA

• Inner and/or outer chemical-resistant gloves

• Face shield

• Hooded chemical resistant clothing

• Outer chemical-resistant boots

Warranted Level B Conditions

• The type and atmospheric concentration of substances have been identified and require a high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection than Level A

• The atmospheric contains < 19.5 % oxygen

• The presence of incompletely identified vapors and gases is indicated but they are not suspected of being harmful to the skin

Level C Protection

Typical Level C Equipment

• Full-face air-purifying respirators

• Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves

• Chemical-resistant clothing

• Disposable chemical-resistant outer boots

Warranted Level C Conditions

• The atmospheric contaminants, liquid splashes or other direct contact will not adversely affect or be absorbed by the skin

• The types of air contaminants have been identified and air purifying respirators can lower breathing zone concentrations to acceptable levels

• Oxygen concentrations are not < 19.5 % by volume

Level D Protection

Required when the least potential for exposure to hazards exists, and when the least level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required.

Typical Level D Equipment

• Gloves

• Coveralls

• Safety glasses

• Face shield

• Chemical-resistant steel-toe boots or shoes

Warranted Level D Conditions

• No contaminants are present

• Work operations preclude splashes, immersion, or the potential for unexpected inhalation of or contact with hazardous level of any chemicals

Chemical Protective Clothing

Non-elastomers (non-elastic, non-stretchable)

• Tyvek

• Nomex

Elastomers (elastic, stretchable)

• Polyethylene

• Saranex

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Neoprene

• Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) or Chloropel

• Butyl Rubber

• Viton

• Natural Rubber

• Nitrile

• Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA)

Sources of Contamination

• Permeation: The diffusion of gases through a material. Measured in permeation rates (ug/cm²/min) or breakthrough time (in minutes).   Breakthrough time is the time necessary for a chemical to permeate a protective barrier, such as a chemical protective suit.

• Penetration: The flow of liquids, gases, or vapors through pinholes, zippers, sticked seams, other imperfections, or the material.

• Degradation: Physical changes in a material from chemical exposure, wear and tear, and chemical decomposition.

Chemical Protective Equipment Inspection

• Determine that the clothing material is correct for the specified task

• Visually inspect for imperfect seams, non-uniform coatings, tears, malfunctioning closures

• Hold up to light and check for pinholes.

• Flex product and observe for cracks, observe for other signs of shelf deterioration. If the product has been used previously, inspect inside and out for signs of chemical attack for discoloration, swelling or stiffness.

Frequency of Inspection

• Before each use

• After each use

• Monthly for emergency response equipment

Suit Leak Test Methods

• Light Test - In a dark room, shine a light on the suit and look for light penetration.

• Carbon Monoxide Test - Place a carbon monoxide sensor in the suit, seal it and place in a room with a high concentration of carbon monoxide.

• Shower Test - Wear the suit and look for penetration.   Note: It is difficult to distinguish between penetration and perspiration so the reliability of this test is questionable.

• Soapsuds Test - Pressurize the suit and spray soapy water on the suit while looking for telltale bubbles.

• Pressure Retention Test - Pressurize the suit and monitor the pressure over time.  Compare to manufacturer's specifications.

Chemical Protective Equipment Storage

• Store separate from street clothing

• Segregate Personal Protective Equipment by type and material

• Always store according to the manufacturers directions.

Thought Questions (you do not need to respond):

info@oltrain.com

Phone:  1.877.OLTRAIN (877.658.7246) (US tollfree) or 1.813.655.5919 (International)

Fax:  1.888.457.6331 (US tollfree) or 1.813.354.4659 (International)

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