Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
How does one know if the gas mask or escape hood will fit the user?
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What type of training is needed?
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Has the respirator or escape hood been tested against claims for protec-
tion such as biological agents, chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial
chemicals, and radioactive dust particles?
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Who performed the testing, what were the tested levels, and test durations?
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Is the respirator or escape hood certified by an independent laboratory or
government agency?
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Are there any special maintenance or storage conditions?
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Will the user be able to talk while wearing the respirator?
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Does the hood restrict vision or head movement in any way?
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Can one carry the device in the trunk of an automobile?
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Is a training respirator available?
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Can one use the same device more than one time?
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Can children wear the respirator or escape hood and get the expected
protection?
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Finally, EPA identifies four levels of PPE ensembles for responding to chem-
ical spills:
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Level A
protection is used when contaminants are present that require the
highest possible degree of both respiratory and skin protection. Includes the
use of an atmosphere supplying respirator such as a self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) and a totally encapsulating chemical protective (TECP)
suit.
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Level B
is used when contaminants are present that require the same degree
of respiratory protection as Level A, but require a lesser degree of skin
protection, such as a splash suit that is not totally encapsulating or gas tight.
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Level C
involves the same degree of skin protection as Level B, but a lesser
degree of respiratory protection. Oxygen levels and chemical concentration
levels must be known in order to use the air-purifying respirators in the
Level C ensemble.
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Level D
provides protection only against “normal” workplace hazards and
is not designed to protect against chemical hazards. Includes safety glasses,
hard hats, steel-toe boots, and leather work gloves.
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Firefighting Facilities, Equipment, and Supplies
Medium-sized and large plants usually have some type of firefighting capabil-
ity. Fire pumper trucks are the most important units. National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) standards provide details on the equipment to be carried on
pumpers and on ladder trucks. For example, NFPA provides guidelines for the use,
maintenance, and service testing of fire department ground ladders.
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