Levels of Chemical Protective Clothing

Chemical protective clothing is divided into four categories, A through D. A provides the highest level of protection, and D provides the least. Important factors for protective clothing include resisting permeation, penetration and degradation.

Types

• Chemical protection clothing includes items such as hard hats, gloves, boots, a chemical protective suit, coveralls and respirators. The amount of protective gear depends on the particular hazards encountered or anticipated and the duties of the worker.

Identification

• Level D consists of coveralls, protective footwear and gloves, if necessary. Level C consists of a mask and respirator, inner and outer gloves, chemical resistant suit, boots and boot covers, hard hat, escape mask, face shield, two-way radio and cloth coveralls. Level B includes the same as C except that the respirator must be a positive pressure and self-contained breathing apparatus. Level A is the same as B, but the chemical suit must be fully encapsulating.

Considerations

• Level A is the required level of chemical protective clothing when skin, eye, mucous membrane and respiratory protection is required at the highest level. Level B is when less skin and eye protection is required, but the highest level of respiratory protection is needed. Level C is when skin and eye exposure is unlikely and the respiratory system needs monitored and responded to appropriately. Level D is when only a work uniform is required for nuisance contamination.