The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) protection levels and broken them into four categories. This information assists employers in ensuring that their employees are both prepared and compliant during hazardous material incidents.

Selecting the appropriate PPE for any given scenario is paramount and not an easy process. Employers must be familiar with the four PPE levels and understand how to apply them correctly with procedures in place. Our HAZWOPER training courses cover these levels as anyone working on a job site with hazardous materials must be prepared and have the correct PPE and be appropriately trained.

Levels of PPE:

Level A

OSHA states that Level A PPE is to be selected when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required based on either the measured (or potential for) high concentration of vapors, gases, or particulates that are highly toxic and hazardous. Level A PPE is characterized by the following:

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. Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves.
5. Boots that are chemical-resistant with a steel toe and shank.
6. Hard had to be worn under the suit.
7. Disposable protective suit. The gloves and boots, depending on suit construction, may be worn over the totally-encapsulating suit.

 

Level B

Level B PPE should be used when the highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but the skin is at less risk, with less protection needed for it. Level B PPE is characterized by the following:

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. Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket; coveralls; one or two-piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemical-resistant overalls).
3. Coveralls.
4. Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves.
5. Boots that are chemical-resistant with a steel toe and shank.
6. Outer boot-covers that are chemical-resistant and disposable.
7. Hard hat.
8. Face shield.

 

Level C

Level C PPE is selected when the concentrate(s) and type(s) of airborne substance(s) is known and the criteria for using air purifying respirators are met. Level C PPE is characterized by the following:

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.
4. Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves.
5. Boots that are chemical-resistant with a steel toe and shank.
6. Outer boot-covers that are chemical-resistant and disposable.
7. Hard hat.
8. Escape mask.
9. Face shields.

 

Level D

Level D PPE is a work uniform with minimal protection and is used for nuisance contamination only. It is suitable when there is no known hazard. Level D PPE is characterized as follows:

1. Coveralls.
2. Gloves.
3. Boots or shoes that are chemical-resistant with a steel toe and shank.
4. Outer boots that are chemical-resistant with a steel toe and shank.
5. Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.
6. Hard hat.
7. Escape mask.
8. Face shields.

 

OSHA’s PPE standards protect workers and employers from dangerous situations on all types of job sites. Training courses in HAZWOPER will cover PPE information in detail. At www.hazwopercenter.com , one can choose from an 8-hour hazwoper refresher, a 24-hour hazwoper course, or a 40-hour hazwoper course to meet safety training needs that comply with OSHA Standard 1910.120 for hazardous waste operations and emergency response. PPE is an important element of each hazardous material situation and is vital for a safe response.