Chemical Protective Clothing
Dec 17, 2015
Principal Objective
Participants leave with an appreciation for the selection and use of protective clothing
Specific Objectives
Describe the factors to consider in selecting protective clothing
Recognize categories of hazards Identify exposure routes List regulations and standards
affecting selection of protective clothing
Specific Objectives
Know differences among degradation, penetration, and permeation
Read and interpret a permeation chart
Select the appropriate protective clothing for a specific situation
Problem Scope
BLS: skin disease is #1 NIOSH: one of the top 20 H&S
issues Large surface area: opportunity
Site of direct injury Route of entry
Skin Disorders
About 1/3 of all reported occupational illnesses
Classifications Contact dermatitis Photosensitivity Occupational acne Pigmentary abnormalities Cancers Burns
Industries By Incidence
Agriculture / Forestry / Fishing Manufacturing Others
Construction Services Transportation Mining
Industries By Processes
Machine Tools: Cutting Oils and Coolants Plastics Manufacturing Rubber Manufacturing Food Processing Leather Tanning and Finishing Agriculture Metal Plating and Cleaning Construction
Factors to Consider in Selecting Protective
Clothing Hazards - physical, chemical,
biological Exposure duration Regulations and standards Level of protection required - EPA Material properties Garment design
Considerations: SelectingProtective Clothing
Availability of Technical Data Storage, Maintenance, Inspection,
Testing Requirements Decontamination Issues - reuse,
disposal Reusable or Limited Use Disposability
Considerations: SelectingProtective Clothing
Shelf Life Availability Cost Human Factors Environmental conditions
Hazard Control Hierarchy
Administrative: Operating procedures, e.g., work/rest regimes
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective apparel (clothing) Respiratory protection Eye and face protection Hand protection Foot protection Head protection
Definitions
Toxicity The inherent ability of a substance to
cause harm if there is significant exposure
Hazard The probability that a substance will
harm when it is used in a particular quantity and manner
Hazard Categories
Chemical Hazards Particulates, fibers Metal Fumes Toxic/Inert Gases Solvent Vapors
Corrosives Flammables Explosives Chemical warfare
agents
Hazard Categories
Physical Hazards Cold/Hot Surfaces Cold/Hot Ambient
Temperature Heat Stress Steam Sharp edges, sharp
points
Slippery Surfaces Uneven Terrain Low Visibility Nip points, pinch
points
Hazards Assessment Process
Select and have affected employee(s) use properly fitted PPE as indicated
Certify in writing that a workplace hazard assessment has been done
Chemical Hazard Group
Carcinogens/Cancer Teratagen/Developmental Toxin Mutagen/Reproductive Toxin Irritants Narcotics Sensitizers Corrosives Asphyxiants
Hand Protection: Gloves
Gloves are made from many polymers Butyl Isobutylene-
isoprene rubber Natural rubber Neoprene,
Chloroprene Nitrite, Acrylonitrite-
butadiene rubber
Polyethylene Polyvinyl Chloride Polyvinyl Alcohol Polyurethane Viton Polylaminate
Hand Protection: Gloves
Gloves for physical hazards Cotton Leather Synthetic fiber Synthetic film Steel yarn
Protection Level History
In early 1980’s, EPA established protection levels for PPE for hazardous chemical remediation
In 1990, OSHA adopted EPA levels as part of final rule for hazardous waste operations and emergency response
Levels now frequently used to describe full body clothing
EPA Levels of ProtectionLevel Types of PPE When Used
A Totally encapsulating suit Self-contained breathing apparatus Chemical resistant gloves/boots
Unknown situations; highest level of dermal, respiratory protection
B Chemically resistant splash suit Self-contained breathing apparatus Chemical resistant gloves/boots
High respirator hazards, moderate skin hazards
C Chemically resistant splash suit Air-purifying respirator Chemical resistant gloves/boots
Moderate respirator, skin hazards
D Coveralls, hardhat, safety glasses Optional gloves/footwear
No contaminants expected
Quick Selection Guideto Chemical Protective Clothing
• Almost 800 chemicals with CAS number and risk codes • Approximately 1000 more/corrected selection recommendations in 96 of the total 99 chemical classes/subclasses (ASTM F-1186)• 19 representative barrier materials• A new feature is the Trade Name Table containing single and multi-layer generic materials vs. 22 test chemicals (ASTM F-1001/EN374-1)