665 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers VI

Level B Protection

It is the minimum level recommended for initial site entries until the hazards have been further identified.

Use Level B protection when:

• The type and atmospheric concentration of substances have been identified and require a high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection. This involves atmospheres:
• with IDLH concentrations of specific substances which do not represent a severe skin hazard; or
• those which do not meet the criteria for use of air-purifying respirators.
• Atmosphere contains less than 19.5 percent oxygen.
• Presence of incompletely identified vapors or gases is indicated by direct-reading organic vapor detection instrument, but vapors and gases are not suspected of containing high levels of chemicals harmful to skin or capable of being absorbed through the intact skin.
• The vapor or gases present are not suspected of containing high concentrations of chemicals harmful to skin or capable of being absorbed through the intact skin.
• It is highly unlikely the work being done will generate either high concentrations of vapors, gases, or particulates, or splashes of material will affect exposed skin.

Equipment

The following constitute Level B equipment. It may be used as appropriate.

1. positive pressure, full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA (NIOSH approved)
2. hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket; coveralls; one or two-piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemical-resistant overalls)
3. coveralls¹
4. gloves, outer, chemical-resistant
5. gloves, inner, chemical-resistant
6. boots, outer, chemical-resistant steel toe and shank
7. boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable)¹
8. hard hat¹
9. face shield¹

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.