Level C Protection (Background to 5 ppm)
Level C provides skin protection identical to Level B, assuming the same type of chemical protective clothing is worn, but lesser protection against inhalation hazards.
A range of background to 5 ppm above ambient background concentrations of vapors/gases in the atmosphere has been established as guidance for selecting Level C protection.
Concentrations in the air of unidentified vapors/gases approaching or exceeding 5 ppm would warrant upgrading respiratory protection to a self-contained breathing apparatus.
A full-face, air-purifying mask equipped with an organic vapor canister (or a combined organic vapor/particulate canister) provides protection against low concentrations of most common organic vapors/gases.
There are some substances against which full-face, canister equipped masks do not protect, for example, substances with very low Threshold Limit Values (TLV) or IDLH concentrations. Many of the latter substances are gases or liquids in their normal state. Gases would only be found in gas cylinders, while the liquids would not ordinarily be found in standard containers or drums.
Click on the link below to review what a typical Level C ensemble includes.
- full-face or half-mask, air-purifying respirator (NIOSH approved)
- chemical resistant clothing (one piece coverall, hooded two-piece chemical splash suit, chemical resistant hood and apron, disposable chemical resistant coveralls.)
- gloves, outer, chemical resistant
- gloves, inner, chemical resistant
- boots, steel toe and shank, chemical resistant
Level D Protection
Level D protection is primarily a work uniform and is used for nuisance contamination only. It requires only coveralls and safety shoes/boots. Other PPE is based upon the situation (types of gloves, etc.). It should not be worn on any site where respiratory or skin hazards exist.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-10. Level C provides skin protection identical to Level B, but provides less protection from _____.
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