Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The main function of PPE is to
protect personnel from a hazard while performing rescue or emergency control
operations. Protective clothing for protection against heat radiation or those hav-
ing high resistance to chemical assault (acid suits) are typically used by response
personnel. The most important pieces of protective equipment in both fire and
toxic release events are the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Personnel performing tasks that require prolonged exposure to a toxic envi-
ronment such as smoke or toxic vapors typically use SCBA. The use of SCBA
requires training. It is also important to remember that personnel performing
any such containment or control operations must be trained in accordance with
the appropriate levels of emergency response mandated by 29 CFR 1910.120
(q).
3
The PPE and SCBA should be stored in strategic locations throughout the
plant, for example in control rooms, EOCs, the firehouse, special plant units,
and the emergency supply storage area. A compressor is required for refilling
the cylinders. The SCBA should be inspected and serviced periodically through
a preventive maintenance program.
In addition to protective clothing, there are a variety of instruments available
to monitor the conditions surrounding emergency response personnel. Portable
gas detectors that are intrinsically safe for service in hazardous environments are
available. These devices can be supplied with sensors that can monitor methane,
lower explosive limits, toxic gases, chlorine gas, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monox-
ide, oxygen deficiency and other hazardous concentrations. Also, portable gas
chromatographs are available that can provide compound-specific data on the
concentrations of gases in the breathing zone as well as preliminary information
on contaminated soil or water.
Other important PPE items are personnel respirators and escape hoods. Both
can selectively reduce exposure to toxic gases or particles. All require training
to be properly used. There are several different types of respirators and escape
hoods, including the following:
Escape respirators for quickly leaving a dangerous area to a safe one
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Particulate respirators that only protect against particles but not against gases
or vapors
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Chemical cartridge or air purifying respirators that trap chemical gases and
possibly particles from the breath air
•
Powered air purifying respirators use a fan to blow air through the filter to
the user
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There are some important questions one should ask about any respirator or
escape hood:8
What protection (which chemicals and particles, and at what levels) does
the respirator or escape hood provide?
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Is there more than one size?
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