Selecting Chemical-Protective Clothing (CPC)
Chemical-protective clothing (CPC) is available in a variety of materials which offer a range of protection against different chemicals. The most appropriate clothing material will depend on the chemicals present and the task to be accomplished. Ideally, the chosen material resists permeation, degradation, and penetration.
- Permeation is the process by which a chemical dissolves in and/or moves through a protective clothing material on a molecular level.
- Degradation is the loss of or change in the fabric's chemical resistance or physical properties due to exposure to chemicals, use, or ambient conditions (e.g., sunlight).
- Penetration is the movement of chemicals through zippers, stitched seams or imperfections (e.g., pinholes) in a protective clothing material.
Selection of chemical-protective clothing is a complex task and should be performed by personnel with training and experience. The selection of chemical-protective clothing is determined during site characterization and depends greatly upon the type and physical state of the contaminants.
Under all conditions, clothing is selected by evaluating the performance characteristics of the clothing against the requirements and limitations of the site- and task-specific conditions. If possible, representative garments should be inspected before purchase and their use and performance discussed with someone who has experience with the clothing under consideration. In all cases, the employer is ultimately responsible for ensuring the personal protective clothing (and all PPE) at the work site is adequate and of safe design and construction.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-1. What is the process by which a chemical dissolves in and/or moves through a protective clothing material on a molecular level?
You forgot to answer the question!