1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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

3. 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

4. Level B PPE
Most likely the PPE for decon

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Heat Related Illnesses
Heat Rash
Heat Cramps
Heat Stress

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

13. 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

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

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

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

17. Heat Illness Prevention Tactics
Fluid replacement
Work mission duration
Rest periods

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

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

20. 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

21. 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