Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Categories of PPE Respiratory protection Chemical protective clothing (CPC) Monitoring equipment

4 Levels of PPE Level A Level B Level C Level D Supplied air respirator, with a fully encapsulated vapor tight suit. Level B Supplied air respirator, with adequate splash protection Level C Air purifying respirator, with adequate splash protection Level D No respiratory protection, with adequate nuisance protection

Level B PPE Most likely the PPE for decon

Definition of Level B Highest level of respiratory protection Lesser level of skin protection than Level A Can be totally encapsulated, but not vapor tight

Components of Level-B CPC Pressure-demand, full facepiece, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or Pressure-demand supplied air respirator with NIOSH approved escape SCBA Hooded chemical-resistant clothing that meets the requirements of the current NFPA Standard Overalls & long-sleeved jacket, coveralls, one or two-piece chemical-splash suit, disposable chemical resistant overalls

Components of Level-B CPC Coveralls* Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant Boots, outer, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank Boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable)* Hard hat Two-way radios (worn inside encapsulating suit) Face shield* *optional

Medical Considerations for Chemical Protective Clothing Most common cause of injury to hazmat workers is heat stress Working in CPC can be a hostile work environment Limited visibility, mobility, flexibility and a hot humid environment

Stresses of Encapsulating Garments Physiological Factors Lack of physical fitness, lack of familiarity, anxiety, age, dehydration, obesity, personal habits, illness, sunburn, diarrhea and disease Effects of Cold Exposure Frostbite and hypothermia

CPC & Heat Related Illness Wearing CPC causes temp increase Body can’t cool itself CPC prevents air circulation Sweating can’t cool the body CPC is a hostile environment

Heat Related Illnesses Heat Rash Heat Cramps Heat Stress

Heat Related Illnesses (cont) Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke (Sunstroke)

Treatment of Heat Illnesses Remove to shaded area and cool Consider intravenous therapy Maintain vital signs, re-hydrate & cool patient Continue to monitor patient Transport to nearest medical facility if needed

Medical Monitoring Not legally required Is an industry standard Reduces chances of heat related injuries Does take time

Pre-Entry & Post-Entry Vitals Document all pre-entry and post-entry vitals Establish a record keeping system

Heat-Related Illness Prevention Prevention is the goal Monitor workers with pre-entry and post-entry vitals

Heat Illness Prevention Tactics Fluid replacement Work mission duration Rest periods

Fluid Replacement Water is best fluid replacement Fruit juices & electrolyte solutions valuable Encourage workers to drink both Avoid salt tablets or carbonated drinks

Work Mission Duration Dependent upon a number of factors Travel and decontamination times Environmental conditions Workload CPC Limitations of the personnel themselves

Rest Periods Provide adequate rest periods Measure/test rest period durations in training Other items to consider Anticipated work levels, environmental conditions, type of protective garments, individual workers’ characteristics and fitness, and medical monitoring results

Summary FROs conduct responder decon in Level B Not something most FROs do regularly Wearing CPC can dangerous Monitoring responders is recommended Heat-related injuries can be prevented