Page 39 - OHS, April 2021

as safe as possible. It becomes especially imperative, that plant managers thoroughly understand the on-site dangers associated with their facilities and select and stock PPE and detection devices accordingly.
OSHA offffers guidelines for selecting PPE, divided into four levels (A, B, C and D) based on operations being performed and risk of exposure. It’s important to note that the guidelines do not fully address the performance of the specific PPE material in relation to the specific hazards at the job site, and that PPE selection, evaluation and reselection is an ongoing process until sufficient information about the hazards and PPE performance is obtained.
Level A PPE should be selected when the greatest level of skin, respiratory and eye protection is required. This could involve environments where toxic chemicals, noxious gases or airborne particles are present and some degree of exposure is difficult to avoid.
1. Positive pressure, full face-piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
2. Totally-encapsulating chemical-protective suit 3. Coveralls
4. Long underwear
5. Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant
6. Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant
7. Boots, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank
8. Hard hat (under suit)
9. Disposable protective suit, gloves and boots (Depending on
suit construction, may be worn over totally-encapsulating suit.) Level B PPE is called for when the highest level of respiratory protection is necessary, but a lesser level of skin protection is needed. Examples might include workspaces where paint is being sprayed or where toxic vapors could irritate the eyes or nose, but
would not cause serious injury to skin.
1. Positive pressure, full-facepiece self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA), or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA (NIOSH approved)
2. Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long- sleeved jacket, coveralls, one or two-piece chemical-splash suit, disposable chemical-resistant overalls
3. Coveralls
4. Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant
5. Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant
6. Boots, outer, chemical-resistant steel toe and shank
7. Boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable)
8. Hard hat
9. Face shield
Level C protective equipment is appropriate in environments
where concentrations and types of airborne substances is known and the criteria for using air purifying respirators are met. Respirators, as their name suggests, protect the respiratory system along with the sensitive membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. Respirators are often beneficial, and even necessary, during Confined Space Entry (CSE).
1. Full-face or half-mask, air purifying respirators (NIOSH approved)
2. Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls, two-piece chemical-splash suit, disposable chemical-resistant overalls)
3. Coveralls
Industrial workers must maintain a great deal of knowledge, training and responsibility.
.
nuisance contaminants only. 1. Coveralls
2. Gloves
3. Boots/shoes, chemical-resistant steel toe and shank 4. Boots, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable)
5. Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles
6. Hard hat
7. Escape mask
8. Face shield
PPE Products for Hazmat Protection
Protective Clothing. Hazmat suits provide body protection from head to toe. Suits are ideal when protecting personnel from industrial chemicals, biological agents and other hazardous substances. Hazmat suits are made to be reusable or disposable and can also be worn with other PPE equipment such as facemasks and cooling vests.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). When the risk of exposure to hazardous materials or lack of oxygen is present on-site, workers should use a SCBA. SCBA provide personnel with breathable air from a compressed air cylinder or through a pneumatic system connected with hoses. When selecting SCBA, it’s important to consider that workers need as much protection as necessary with as little weight as possible so they can get the job done without impediment.
For special operations teams—like hazmat, technical rescue, rapid intervention teams, etc.—systems that allow automatic verbal interaction while leaving both hands free to focus on the task are ideal. For industrial fire brigades and firefighters, the NFPA 2018 approval is required.
Masks and Filters. When working in an environment where hazardous materials may be present, wearing the correct respiratory protection is critical. After having performed an atmospheric hazard analysis in SCBA gear, if it is determined that the environment is safe for long-term work and meets OSHA’s hazardous substance Time Weighted Average (TWA)
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5. Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant
6. Boots (outer), chemical-resistant steel toe and shank
7. Boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable)
8. Hard hat
9. Escape mask
10. Face shield
Level D PPE affords minimal protection and is used for
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APRIL 2021 | Occupational Health & Safety 35