Personal Protective Equipment

PPE Inspection Program

A PPE inspection program should typically involve the following: Inspection and operational testing of equipment from factory Inspection of equipment as it is issued to workers Inspection after use or training, or before maintenance Periodic inspection of stored equipment Periodic inspection when a question arises concerning the appropriateness of selected equipment Other considerations include proper storage and maintenance of clothing and respirators. A routine should be established for inspection and donning of ensembles. The fit of the equipment should be evaluated to ensure there is no restriction of movement. During equipment use, workers should report any malfunctions or problems. When doffing an ensemble, proper procedures must be followed to prevent contaminant migration from the work area.

Inspection and Donning of an Ensemble

A routine should be established and practiced periodically for inspecting and donning level A and level B suit/SCBA ensembles. Because these operations are difficult to perform alone, assist in donning and doffing. Solo efforts can increase the possibility of suit damage. The three tables on the upcoming screens list sample procedures for inspecting and for donning level A and level B suit/SCBA ensembles. These procedures should be modified depending on the particular type of suit and depending upon whether extra gloves or boots are used. The procedures on these tables are designed as a checklist for the worker who already has had previous training in SCBA use and in decontamination procedures. Once the equipment has been donned, its fit should be evaluated. If the clothing is too small, it will restrict movement. Restriction of movement increases the likelihood of tearing the suit and accelerating worker fatigue. If the clothing is too large, the possibility of snagging the material increases. Furthermore, the dexterity and coordination of the worker can be reduced. In either case, the worker should not be allowed to work in the suit until a better fit is provided.

Developing a PPE Program

A written PPE plan established at all hazardous waste sites should protect the wearer from safety and health hazards and prevent injury to the wearer from incorrect use and/or malfunction of the PPE. A comprehensive PPE plan should include: Hazard identification Medical monitoring Environmental surveillance Selection, use, maintenance, and decontamination of PPE Employee training (completed prior to actual PPE use in a hazardous environment) The PPE plan should be reviewed at least annually and the results of a program evaluation should be posted for employees to review.

Accessories

Additional accessories may be needed if specific hazards exist. Personnel working in areas where they could drown, for instance, may use life jackets, personal monitoring dosimeters, and flotation gear. Be sure to consider the added bulk and restricted mobility caused by these accessories. If noise protection is needed, earmuffs or ear plugs should be used. Reusable and disposable ear plugs are available. The use of ear plugs should be carefully reviewed by a health and safety professional because of the danger of introducing a route for chemical contamination into the ear. One must also consider the effect hearing protection has on the ability to communicate with a worker. The following accessories might be used with a PPE ensemble: Knife Flashlight or lantern Personal locator beacon Personal dosimeters Two-way radio Safety belts and lines

PPE: Face, Head, Foot, and Hand General Requirements 29 CFR 1910.132

As of 1994, the PPE standards in Subpart 1 of 29 CFR 1910 were updated to make them more consistent with the latest editions of ANSI standards. The following requirements are covered: PPE must be provided, used, and maintained when made necessary by the presence of hazards. PPE must be adequate. All PPE must be of safe design and construction. Employers must assess the workplace to determine hazards. Damaged or defective equipment must not be used. Employers must provide training.

Work Mission Duration

Before workers actually begin working in their PPE ensembles, the anticipated duration of the work mission should be established. Several factors limit mission length. These include: Air-supply consumption Suit/ensemble permeation and penetration by chemical contaminants Ambient temperature Coolant supply

Selection of Chemical Protective Clothing

Chemical protective clothing (CPC) is available in a variety of materials that offer a range of protection against different chemicals. The most appropriate clothing material will depend on the chemicals present and the task to be accomplished. Ideally, the chosen material resists: Permeation Degradation Penetration

Clothing Reuse

Chemicals that have begun to permeate clothing cannot be removed during decontamination. They can continue to diffuse through the material toward the inside surface, causing direct skin contact to the next person who uses the clothing. Where this can happen clothing should be checked inside and out for discoloration or other evidence of contamination (see upcoming paragraphs on PPE Inspection Program). This is particularly important for fully encapsulating suits, which are reused due to their high cost. Note, however, that negative test results (i.e., no chemical found) do NOT necessarily prevent the possibility that some absorbed chemical will reach the suit's interior.

Heat Transfer Characteristics

Clo value is a measure of the capacity of CPC to dissipate heat loss through means other than evaporation. The larger the clo value, the greater the insulating properties of the garment and the lower the heat transfer. Considerations should be evaluated before workers begin work in their PPE ensembles such as job duration, air-supply consumption, ambient temperature, and coolant supply. Some special conditions require special PPE, such as fire, explosion, or radiation. Accessories may also be needed such as a life jacket or knife, depending on the situation.

Storage

Clothing and respirators must be stored properly to prevent damage or malfunction from exposure to dust, moisture, sunlight, damaging chemicals, extreme temperatures, and impact. Procedures must be specified for both pre-issuance warehousing and, more importantly, post-issuance (in-use) storage. Many equipment failures can be directly attributed to improper storage.

Durability

Does the material have sufficient strength to withstand the physical stress of the task(s) at hand? Will the material resist tears, punctures, and abrasions? Will the material withstand repeated use after contamination or decontamination?

Doffing an Ensemble

Exact procedures for doffing (i.e., removing) fully encapsulating suit/SCBA ensembles must be established and followed to prevent spreading contaminants from the work area to the wearer's body, the doffing assistant, and others. Doffing procedures should be integrated with the decontamination program (presented in a later lesson). They require a suitably attired assistant. Throughout the procedures, both worker and assistant should avoid any direct contact with the outside surface of the suit.

Special Conditions

Fire, explosion, and radiation are hazards that require special protective equipment. Unique problems are associated with radiation, and it is beyond the scope of this manual to discuss them properly. A qualified health physicist should be consulted if a radiation hazard exists. Special protective equipment may NOT protect against chemicals; therefore, additional CPC may be necessary.

Foot Protection

Foot protection must comply with ANSI Z41-1991. Safety shoes and boots must provide both impact and compression protection. Special foot protection may be necessary on a waste site.

Levels of Protection part 2

For each situation determine the most appropriate level of protection. There are four levels of protection: A, B, C, and D. Level A - Maximum skin and respiratory protection Level B - Maximum respiratory with some skin protection Level C - Limited level of respiratory protection and skin protection from airborne hazards Level D - No respiratory protection and limited skin protection from airborne hazards

Permeation and Degradation

Guidelines for the Selection of Chemical Protective Clothing is a great guide that explains compatibility between clothing materials and over 300 chemicals. No clothing material protects against all chemicals. Permeation rate and breakthrough time (the time from initial exposure until hazardous material is detectable on the inside of the CPC) depends on several factors including: Clothing material Manufacturing method Concentration of hazardous material Temperature, pressure, and humidity Solubility of the chemical through the clothing material

Heat Stress

Heat stress is a common hazard when wearing PPE. Some methods of prevention include wearing cooling vests, taking rest periods, and drinking fluids. Below are some common conditions, symptoms, and treatments for heat-related illnesses. A heat rash is a tiny raised blister-like rash. A heat rash decreases one's ability to tolerate heat. Treatment includes keeping the skin clean as well as dry and cool. Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen occurring during or after heavy exertion. Treatment includes salt replacement through liquids and food. Heat exhaustion occurs when fluid loss causes headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and heavy sweating. Treatment includes moving to a cooler environment and elevating feet. Heat stroke is life threatening. Symptoms include very small pupils, confusion, unconsciousness, and a very high body temperature. In the event of heat stroke, medical help should be summoned immediately.

Other Considerations

In addition to permeation, degradation, penetration, and heat transfer, several other factors must be considered during clothing selection. These factors affect not only chemical resistance, but also the worker's ability to perform the required task. The following checklist summarizes these considerations.

Protective Clothing

In this manual, personal protective clothing is considered to be any article offering skin and/or body protection. Personal protective clothing includes: Fully encapsulating (i.e., enclosing) suits Non-encapsulating suits Aprons, leggings, and sleeve protectors Gloves Firefighting protective clothing Proximity, or approach, garments Blast and fragmentation suits Cooling garments Radiation-protective suits

Level of Protection

Individual components of clothing and equipment must be assembled into a full protective ensemble. The ensemble must protect the worker from site-specific hazards; yet it must not create hazards and drawbacks. Always assess the four major route(s) of entry of each known or potential chemical so that the worker is properly protected. If the primary concern is inhalation, then proper respiratory equipment must be emphasized. If the concern is skin/eye contact or absorption, then compatibility of the chemical protective suit must be emphasized. Although injection is not common, it can occur in an accident. Protection from punctures, accidental cuts, and pressure-injected materials is necessary through the use of abrasion-resistant gloves, steel shanked boots, protective clothing, and proper handling of pressurized equipment.

Reasons to Upgrade PPE

Known or suspected presence of dermal hazards Occurrence or likely occurrence of gas or vapor emission Change in work task that increases contact or potential contact with hazardous materials Request of the individual performing the task

Body Size

Larger individuals generally consume air at a higher rate than smaller individuals, thereby decreasing the SCBA operating time.

Reasons to downgrade PPE

New information indicating that the situation is less hazardous than was originally thought Change in site conditions that will decrease the hazard Change in work task that will reduce contact with hazardous materials

PPE Considerations

PPE can offer a high degree of protection only if it is used properly. The following section provides pictures and descriptions of the four levels of ensemble attire. Individual components of clothing and equipment must be built into a full protective ensemble. The ensemble must protect the worker from site-specific hazards; yet it must not create hazards and drawbacks for wearers.

Permeation Rate

Permeation rates and breakthrough time (the time from initial exposure until hazardous material is detectable on the inside of the CPC) can vary depending on these factors: Clothing material type and thickness Manufacturing method The concentration(s) of the hazardous substance(s) Temperature, pressure, and humidity The solubility of the chemical in the clothing material The diffusion coefficient (established through testing of the permeating chemical in the clothing material)

Personal Protective Equipment: Clothing and Ensembles

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is intended to shield individuals from chemical, physical, or biological waste site hazards. OSHA regulations in 29 CFR Part 1910 require the use of PPE. A combination of PPE should be used in conjunction with other protective methods. The use of PPE can itself create worker hazards such as heat exhaustion, impaired vision, and reduced mobility. Anyone entering a hazardous waste site must be protected against potential hazards. The purpose of personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) is to shield or isolate individuals from waste site hazards. The hazards may be chemical, physical, or biological. Careful selection and use of adequate PPE should protect the respiratory system, skin, eyes, face, hands, feet, head, body, and ears. The use of PPE can itself create significant worker hazards, for example: Heat stress Physical and psychological stress Impaired vision and reduced mobility (ability to move around) Difficulties in communicating In general, the greater the level of PPE protection, the greater the associated risks. Overprotection and under-protection are both hazardous, so these should be used cautiously.

Fitness

Physically fit individuals generally use oxygen more efficiently and can extract more oxygen from a given volume of air (particularly for strenuous tasks) than do unfit individuals. This significantly increases the SCBA operating time.

Eye and Face Protection - 29 CFR 1910.133

Protective eye and face devices must comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989. Particular care should be taken when fitting eye protection devices.

Breathing Patterns

Quick, shallow, or irregular breaths use air more rapidly than do deep, regularly spaced breaths. Heat-induced anxiety and lack of acclimatization (i.e., adjustment to the work climate) can induce hyperventilation, resulting in decreased SCBA operating time. (See Heat Stress later in this lesson.)

Hand Protection

Selection must be based on evaluation of the performance characteristics in relationship to required tasks. It is very important to select the most appropriate glove for a particular task, and the glove material must be compatible with chemical hazards present.

Work Rate

The actual in-use duration of wearing SCBAs can be reduced by one-third to one-half during strenuous work. This holds, for instance, during considerable drum handling and lifting, or any task requiring repetitive speed of motion.

Ambient Temperature

The ambient temperature has a major influence on the work mission duration as it affects both the worker and the protectiveness of the ensemble. Heat stress, which can occur even in relatively moderate temperatures, is the greatest immediate danger to a worker in a totally encapsulating ensemble. Hot and cold ambient temperatures also affect: Valve operation on suits and/or respirators The durability and flexibility of suit materials The integrity (i.e., condition) of suit fasteners The breakthrough time and permeation rates of chemicals The concentration of airborne contaminants

Air Supply Consumptions

The duration of the air supply must be considered before planning any SCBA-assisted work activity. The anticipated operating time of a SCBA is clearly indicated on the equipment. This designated operating time is based on a moderate work rate (e.g., some lifting, carrying, and/or heavy equipment operation). In actual operation, however, several factors can reduce the rated operating time. When planning an SCBA-assisted work mission, the following variables should be considered, and work actions and operating time should be adjusted accordingly: Work rate Fitness Body size Breathing patterns

Maintenance

The technical depth of maintenance procedures varies. Manufacturers frequently restrict the sale of certain PPE parts to individuals or groups who are specially trained, equipped, and "authorized" by the manufacturer to purchase them. Only individuals having manufacturers' specialized training should perform PPE maintenance. Explicit procedures should be adopted to ensure that the appropriate level of maintenance is performed. The following classification scheme divides maintenance into three competency levels: Level 1: User or wearer maintenance, requiring a few common tools or no tools at all. Level 2: Shop maintenance that can be performed by the employer's maintenance shop. Level 3: Specialized maintenance that can be performed only by the factory or by an authorized repair person.

Introduction

The use of PPE can itself create worker hazards such as heat exhaustion, impaired vision, and reduced mobility. While intended to shield a worker from chemical, physical, or biological harms, psychological stress and difficulty communicating can result, so training is essential before actual usage in a hazardous environment. Operating time and fitness level are also important elements, as well as ambient temperature and durability of the protective gear, whether chemically protective or not. One must also factor in the weight or drag of life jackets or flotation devices, when such equipment is required. The bottom line is that in eliminating one hazard, resultant others should not be created. In other words, a full protective ensemble should not also create hazards and drawbacks of its own.

In Use Monitoring

The wearer must understand all aspects of the clothing operation and its limitations. During equipment use, workers should be encouraged to report any perceived problems or difficulties to their supervisor(s). These malfunctions include, but are not limited to: Degradation of the protective ensemble Perception of odors Skin irritation Unusual residues on PPE Discomfort Resistance to breathing Fatigue due to respirator use Interference with vision or communication Restriction of movement Personal responses such as rapid pulse, nausea, and chest pain

Protective Clothing 2

This reference is set up as a table (i.e., matrix), of clothing materials and approximately 300 chemicals. The compatibility of the chemicals with certain clothing materials is based on the evaluation of permeation and degradation data. The data has been drawn from independent tests, vendor literature, and raw material suppliers. Charts indicating the resistance of various clothing materials to permeation and degradation are also available from manufacturers and other sources.

Head Protection

Three classes of helmets provide different types of protection. They are: Class A helmets Impact and penetration resistant Electrical protection (2,200 volt) Class B helmets Impact and penetration resistant Electrical protection (20,000 volt) Class C helmets Impact and penetration resistant No electrical protection

Training

Training in PPE use is strongly recommended. Respirator training is required by OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910 Subparts I and Z. Such training: Allows the user to become familiar with the equipment in a non-hazardous situation. Instills confidence of the user in his/her equipment. Makes the user aware of the limitations and capabilities of the equipment. Increases the efficiency of operations performed by workers wearing PPE. May increase the protective efficiency of PPE use. Reduces the expense of PPE maintenance.

Coolant Supply

Under warm or strenuous work conditions, adequate coolant (i.e., ice or gel packs) should be provided to keep the wearer's body at a comfortable temperature and to reduce the potential for heat stress. If coolant is necessary, the duration of the coolant supply will directly affect mission duration. After shifts, workers must replace body fluids by drinking ample water to prevent dehydration.