Levels of PPE

Question 1

Level A protection includes:

Answer 1

Fully encapsulated chemical protective protection suit (full body protection)
Positive pressure demand full face Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Inner and outer chemical resistant gloves
Chemical resistant safety boots

Question 2

When is Level A protection used?

Answer 2

Level A is utilized when hazardous substances have been identified and have a high level of hazards to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. The substances present when using this level of protection are usually known or suspected to cause skin toxicity or carcinogenicity. This ensemble provides the highest available level of respiratory, skin, and eye protection from hazardous substances in a solid, liquid, or gaseous phase.

Question 3

Level B protection includes:

Answer 3

Hooded chemical resistant clothing or suite
Positive pressure demand full face Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Inner and outer chemical resistant gloves
Chemical resistant safety boots

Question 4

When is Level B protection used?

Answer 4

This level is used when the hazardous materials have been identified but do not require a high level of skin protection.
The only difference between Level A and Level B protection is the type of protective suit. The Level B protection suit provides liquid splash protection but no protection against vapors. Level B provides the same respiratory protection as Level A but less skin or outer body protection.

Question 5

Level C protection includes:

Answer 5

Hooded chemical resistant clothing or site
Full or half mask air purifying respirator
Inner and outer chemical resistant gloves
Safety boots

Question 6

When is Level C protection used?

Answer 6

This ensemble is used when contact with site chemical(s) will not affect the skin and when air contaminants have been identified and levels have been determined. Also, the respirator canister can remove the contaminant and the site hazards have been completely characterized. Level C is not allowed by OSHA for a chemical emergency response.
Level C protection has the same level of skin protection as Level B, but a lower level of respiratory protection. The chemical protective suit offers liquid splash protection but no protection to chemical vapors or gases.

Question 7

Level D protection includes:

Answer 7

Coveralls
Safety boots/shoes
Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles

Question 8

When is Level D protection used?

Answer 8

This level of protection is used when an atmosphere contains no known hazard.