HAZWOPER Chemical Protective Clothing
Chemical protective clothing is often required when responding to emergencies involving hazardous materials. This module describes the various types of chemical protective clothing used during hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
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Learning Objectives
• List and describe the four levels of chemical protective clothing • Identify and describe the protective equipment required for each protection level • Determine the correct protection level based on the hazards that are present • Describe the limitations of each type of protective clothing • Describe the applicability of firefighter protective clothing
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | 29 CFR 1910.120(g) |
Key Questions
When is Level A clothing used?
Level A clothing provides the highest level of skin and respiratory protection from solids, liquids, and gases.
When is Level B clothing used?
Level B suits provide skin protection against chemical splashes but not gases. Respiratory protection is the same as level A.
When is Level C clothing used?
Level C clothing provides the same level of skin protection as Level B, but less respiratory protection. It can be used when skin and eye exposure is unlikely and airborne hazards are known, concentrations are measured, and the use of an air-purifying respirator is acceptable.
When is Level D clothing used?
Level D clothing consists of regular work clothes, safety boots, safety glasses, and any other typical PPE. Level D is the minimum protection available and should only be worn when there are no known respiratory hazards and no potential for contact with hazardous chemicals.
Does firefighter turnout gear provide adequate chemical protection?
Firefighter turnout gear protects against heat, hot water, and some particles, but it does not protect skin against chemical vapors or liquid splashes. It is equivalent to Level D protection even when an SCBA is used.
Sample Video Transcript
OSHA has established four levels of protection – A, B, C, and D – and defined specific requirements for their use. Level A protective clothing provides the highest level of skin and respiratory protection from solids, liquids, and gases. Level A protection consists of: • Vapor-tight, encapsulating chemical suit which protects against dust, gases, vapors, and liquid splashes. • Positive-pressure, full-face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air respirator (SAR) with an escape bottle. Respirators must be approved by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) • Chemical resistant gloves that are integral or detachable (a second pair of overgloves is often used for extra protection against chemicals and physical damage) • Chemical safety boots that are integral or detachable, or overboots designed to be worn over standard boots • Two-way radio communication
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