Modified from NIOSH/OSHA/USCG/EPA: Occupational Safety and Health guidance manual for hazardous waste site activities, Washington, DC, 1985, Department of Health and Human Services.
Highest available level of protection for:
Respiratory
Skin and eye
Liquid splash
Chemical vapors/gases
Recommended:
Pressure-demand, full face piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure-demanded, supplied-air respirator (SAR) with escape SCBA
Fully-encapsulated, vapor protective suit (meets National Fire Protection Association, 1991)
Inner chemical-resistant gloves
Chemical-resistant safety boots/shoes
Two-way radio communication
Optional:
Cooling unit
Hard hat
Outer gloves and boot covers
Two-way radio communication
The chemical substance has been identified and requires the highest level of protection for skin, eyes, and respiratory systems based on:
Measured (or potential for) high concentration of atmospheric vapors, gases, or particulates; or
Substances with high degree of hazard to skin are known or suspected to be present, and skin contact is possible
Operations must be conducted in confined, poorly ventilated areas
Highest available level of protection for:
Respiratory
Eye
Less protection than level A for:
Skin
Liquid splash
No protection against:
Chemical vapors/gases
Recommended:
Pressure-demand, full face piece SCBA or pressure-demanded, SAR with escape SCBA
Liquid splash protective suit (meets National Fire Protection Association, 1992)
Inner chemical-resistant gloves
Chemical-resistant safety boots/shoes
Hard hat
Optional:
Cooling unit
Outer gloves and boot covers
Two-way radio communication
The type and atmospheric concentration of substances have been identified and require high level of respiratory protection but less skin protection; this involves:
Atmosphere with an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) concentration of specific substances that does not represent a severe skin hazard; or
Atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen
Presence of incompletely identified vapors or gases (but not suspected of containing high levels of chemicals harmful to skin/capable of being absorbed through skin)
Level B is the minimum level recommended for initial site entries until the hazards have been identified
Same level of protection as level B for:
Skin and eye
Less protection than level B for:
Respiratory protection
Liquid splash
No protection against:
Chemical vapors/gases
Recommended:
Full-face piece, air-purifying, canister-equipped respirator
Support function protective garment (meets National Fire Protection Association, 1993)
Chemical-resistant gloves and safety boots
Two-way radio communication
Hard hat
Optional:
Escape SCBA
Face shield
The atmosphere contains no known hazard
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