In this guide, we delve into the world of protective garments, unveiling the significance of each level. From Level A suits offering maximum protection to Level D providing basic defense, we explore the features, limitations, and recommended applications of each level.
Different Classification Systems for Chemical Protecting Suit
Understanding the diverse classification systems for chemical protective clothing is crucial when selecting the right gear.
US Standard (OSHA): Setting strict requirements, the OSHA standard provides a comprehensive system ensuring safety measures.
European Standard (EN): Renowned for its detailed classification and testing methods, the EN standard offers the most comprehensive framework for chemical protective clothing.
ISO Standard: The ISO standard integrates elements from both OSHA and EN systems, providing a holistic approach to ensure global compatibility and effectiveness.
Chinese Standard (GB): Introduced in 2009 and referencing OSHA and EN standards, the GB standard is gaining prominence in China. However, there is still a need for further development in terms of testing capabilities.
OSHA’s Classification System for Protective Clothing
In the field of Chemical Resistant Clothing, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) employs a four-level classification system to ensure adequate protection.
Level A: Air-Tight Protective Suits
General Requirements: Must be used in conjunction with respiratory devices, chemical-resistant boots, and gloves.
Main Application: Used when respiratory and skin hazards are present or in unknown hazardous environments.
Level A suits provide unparalleled defense against a wide range of hazardous chemicals, including gases, liquids, and solids. Recognized globally as high-level chemical protective suits, they require the use of positive-pressure or supplied-air respirators to maintain air tightness. Regular testing of the suits’ airtightness ensures safety during use.
Level B: Large Splash Protection Suits
General Requirements: Must be used in conjunction with respiratory devices, chemical-resistant boots, and gloves.
Main Application: Suitable when there is a respiratory threat along with a lower level of skin hazards. Used when skin contact is known to have no adverse effects or when only the respiratory system is at risk.
Level B protective suits have respiratory protection equivalent to Level A suits, but the level of skin protection is relatively lower. They guard against liquid penetration but may not protect against harmful vapors or gases. This type of suit focuses primarily on safeguarding against liquid chemical hazards.
Level C: Limited Splash Protection Suits
General Requirements: Typically used with filtering facepiece respirators, chemical-resistant boots, and gloves.
Main Application: Suitable for situations with lower respiratory and skin hazards. Used when skin contact poses no significant risks, and the composition and concentration of toxic substances in the environment are known.
Level C protective suits offer skin protection similar to Level B suits but with a lower level of respiratory protection. They guard against the spray of toxic liquids but may not provide defense against toxic vapors or gases.
Level D: Basic Protection Suits
General Requirements: Suitable for general work environments, providing primary protection against harmful dust and chemical agents.
Main Application: Designed for dust protection and limited exposure to low-concentration chemical liquid splashes.
Level D protective suits offer basic protection without specific safeguards for the skin or respiratory system. They are used in environments where known gases or liquids are harmless and there is no risk of liquid splashes.
European Standards for Protective Clothing
European standards play a vital role in ensuring optimal protection. Let’s dive into the European EN standards and uncover the six distinct categories that define chemical protective clothing.
Type 1: Gas&Vapour Protective Suits (EN943-1, EN943-2)
These suits provide airtight protection, safeguarding against hazardous substances. They undergo rigorous fabric and comprehensive field testing to meet stringent requirements.
Type 2: Non-Airtight Protective Suits (EN942-1)
Designed for specific applications, these suits offer protection that is not airtight. They are suitable for scenarios where airtightness is not a critical requirement.
Type 3: Liquid Jet-Spray Protective Suits (EN14605)
These suits protect against liquid penetration. They are designed to withstand liquid hazards, preventing any infiltration.
Type 4: Liquid Spray Protective Suits (EN14605)
These suits are designed to guard against splashes and offer effective protection in scenarios where spray hazards are present.
Type 5: Dry Particle Protection Suits (EN ISO 13982-1:2014)
These suits focus on defending against solid particulate hazards. They shield the wearer from potential harm caused by solid particles in the environment.
Type 6: Limited Chemical Splash Protection Suits (EN13034)
Offering defense against light chemical liquid splashes, these suits provide a lower level of protection against chemical hazards.
ISO Standards for Protective Clothing
Let’s explore the ISO classification system for protective clothing, which bears similarities to the European EN standards, providing a comprehensive framework for safety.
Type 1: Air-Tight Protective Suits
Designed to provide airtight protection, Type 1 suits ensure a barrier against hazardous substances, preventing their infiltration.
Type 2: Non-Airtight Protective Suits
These suits offer protection without airtightness, catering to specific applications where airtightness is not a critical requirement.
Type 3: Liquid-Tight Protective Suits
Type 3 suits are designed to withstand liquid penetration, effectively protecting against liquid hazards.
Type 4: Spray-Tight Protective Suits
With a focus on guarding against splashes, Type 4 suits offer reliable protection in scenarios where spray hazards are present.
Type 5: Solid Particle Protection Suits
Type 5 suits prioritize defense against solid particulate hazards, ensuring the wearer is shielded from potential harm caused by solid particles in the environment.
Type 6: Limited Chemical Splash Protection Suits
Type 6 suits defend against limited chemical liquid splashes, offering a lower level of protection against chemical hazards.
GB Standards for Chemical Protective Clothing
Particle Protection Suits:
These suits focus on defending against solid particulate hazards, providing reliable protection against harmful particles in the environment.
Liquid-Tight Protective Suits:
Designed to withstand liquid penetration, these suits offer effective protection against liquid hazards, ensuring the wearer remains shielded.
Non-Airtight Protective Suits:
These suits protect without airtightness, catering to scenarios where airtightness is not a critical requirement, yet still offering defense against relevant hazards.
Airtight Protective Suits:
Airtight suits offer maximum protection by creating a complete barrier against hazardous substances, safeguarding the wearer in high-risk environments.
Splash-Resistant Liquid-Tight Protective Suits:
These suits focus on guarding against splashes of hazardous liquids, providing enhanced protection against liquid hazards.
Jet-Resistant Liquid-Tight Protective Suits:
Designed to withstand high-velocity jetting of hazardous liquids, these suits offer advanced protection in scenarios where liquid spray hazards are present.