Environmental science
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LevelsofProtection141.pptLevels of Protection
Introduction
- The US EPA has defined four levels of protection for PPE ensembles.
- The selected level of protection should be based on the type and measures concentrations of chemical substances in the air and their associated toxicity and potential for inhalation or direct contact.
Level A Protection
- The chemical substance has been identified and requires the highest level of protection based on:
- Measured or potential for high concentrations of atmospheric vapors, gases, or particulates;
- Work functions or site operations involve a high potential for splash, immersion, or exposure to unexpected vapors, gases, or particulates of materials harmful to the skin or capable of being absorbed through intact skin.
Level A Protection (Continued)
- Substances with a high degree of hazard to the skin are known or suspected to be present and skin contact is possible.
- Operations must be conducted in confined, poorly ventilated areas.
- Until the absence of conditions requiring Level A protection is determined.
Level A Equipment
- Pressure demand, full facepiece SCBA or pressure demand SAR with escape SCBA.
- Fully encapsulating, chemical resistant suit.
- Inner chemical resistant gloves.
- Chemical resistant safety boots/shoes.
- Two-way communications.
- Optional: cooling unit, coveralls, hard hat, disposable gloves and boot covers.
Level B Protection
- Chemical substance and atmospheric concentrations have been identified. These require a high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection.
- Includes IDLH atmospheres and conditions not suited to APRs.
- Atmospheres containing less than 19.5% oxygen.
Level B Protection (Continued)
- Presence of incompletely identified vapors or gases as indicated by direct-read instruments, but the concentrations are not suspected of being harmful to the skin or being absorbed through the skin.
Level B Equipment
- Pressure demand, full facepiece SCBA or pressure demand SAR with escape SCBA.
- Chemical resistant clothing
- Inner and outer chemical resistant gloves.
- Chemical resistant safety boots/shoes.
- Hard hat
- Two-way communications
- Optional: coveralls, disposable boot covers, faceshield, long cotton underwear.
Level C Protection
- The atmospheric contaminants, liquid splashes, or other direct contact will not adversely affect exposed skin.
- The types of air contaminants have been identified and measured, and a canister is available that can remove the contaminant.
- APR criteria must be met.
Level C APR Criteria
- The identity and concentration of airborne contaminants are known.
- The oxygen content is at least 19.5%.
- The contaminants have adequate warning properties.
- Approved canisters/cartridges are available for the contaminants and concentrations present.
- IDLH values are not exceeded.
- Proper fit testing completed.
Level C Equipment
- Full face APR (canister or cartridge).
- Chemical resistant clothing
- Inner and outer chemical resistant gloves.
- Chemical resistant boots/shoes.
- Hard hat.
- Two-way communications.
- Optional: coveralls, disposable boot covers, faceshield, long cotton underwear, and escape mask.
Level D Protection
- The atmosphere contains no known hazard.
- Work functions preclude splashes, immersion, or unexpected inhalation or contact with hazardous levels of any chemicals.
- Types of air contaminants have been identified.
Level D Equipment
- Coveralls
- Safety boots/shoes
- Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles
- Hard hat
- Optional: gloves, faceshield, escape mask.
Reasons to Upgrade PPE
- Known or suspected presence of dermal hazards.
- Occurrence or likely occurrence of gas or vapor release.
- Change in work tasks that will increase potential contact with hazardous materials.
- Request of the individual performing the work.
Reasons to Downgrade PPE
- New information indicating that the situation is less hazardous than originally believed.
- Change in conditions that decreases the hazard.
- Change in work tasks that reduces contact with the hazardous material.
