Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
LEVEL C:
Support Function Protective Garment (meets NFPA 1993)
Full-facepiece, air-purifying, canister-equipped respirator
Chemical resistant gloves and safety boots
Two-way communications system, hard hat
OPTIONAL: Faceshield, escape SCBA
Protection Provided: The same level of skin protection as Level B, but a lower level of respiratory protection. Liquid
splash protection but no protection to chemical vapors or gases.
Used When: Contact with site chemical(s) will not affect the skin. Air contaminants have been identified and
concentrations measured. A canister is available which can remove the contaminant. The site and its hazards have
been completely characterized.
Limitations: Protective clothing items must resist penetration by the chemical or mixtures present. Chemical airborne
concentration must be less than IDLH levels. The atmosphere must contain at least 19.5% oxygen.
Not Acceptable for Chemical Emergency Response
LEVEL D:
Coveralls, safety boots/shoes, safety glasses or chemical splash goggles
OPTIONAL: Gloves, escape SCBA, face-shield
Protection Provided: No respiratory protection, minimal skin protection.
Used When: The atmosphere contains no known hazard. Work functions preclude splashes, immersion, potential
for inhalation, or direct contact with hazard chemicals.
Limitations: This level should not be worn in the Hot Zone. The atmosphere must contain at least 19.5% oxygen.
Not Acceptable for Chemical Emergency Response
Figure 7.10
Continued.
Respirator, PAPR, N95 mask, or High-
Efficiency Particulate Aerosol, HEPA-filter
mask) in addition to a splash resistant, hooded
chemical suit.
Level D
consists of standard barrier nursing garb.
tamination facilities This distinction is important
because it helps define the maximum amount of
contaminant to which healthcare workers might be
exposed (i.e., the quantity of material on living
victims and their possessions when they arrive at
the hospital). Horton et al. (2003) stated that, during
victim decontamination procedures, the hazard to
healthcare workers is strictly from secondary exposure
and “depends largely on the toxicity of the substance
on the victims' hair, skin, and clothing; the concen-
tration of the substance; and the duration of contact
[first receivers have] with the victim”. [10]
7.10 Skin Protection
A key factor supporting OSHA's PPE best prac-
tices is the limited amount of toxic substance to
which first receivers might be exposed. Many recent
sources note that the quantity of contaminant on
victims is restricted. For example, OSHA has made a
clear distinction between the site where a hazardous
substance was released and hospital-based decon-
Butyl rubber gloves are the standard for
protection for hands
advocated my military
