670 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher for Cleanup Operations

Levels of Protection

Level A provides the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection (e.g., totally-encapsulating chemical protective suit with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)),

Level B provides the greatest level of respiratory protection, but a lesser level of skin protection than Level A (e.g., chemical- resistant clothing with SCBA),

Level C provides skin protection, but a lesser level of respiratory protection than Level B (e.g., chemical-resistant clothing with air-purifying respirator), and

Level D provides only minimal protection for nuisance contamination only (e.g., general coveralls, hard hat, safety glasses, and boots).

The level of PPE, including the type of material the components are made from, will depend on:

• the types of hazardous substances present,
• their concentrations,
• the physical requirements of the task,
• the duration of the task,
• environmental conditions (e.g., heat stress), and
• the needs of the user (e.g., dexterity).

These factors may be different for each site task or operation, which is why HAZWOPER requires PPE be evaluated for each task and not for the site as a whole.

Hazardous conditions can quickly change, requiring a modification (e.g., upgrading or downgrading) to the level and type of PPE to provide the protection needed for the new conditions. For example, a backhoe hitting a pocket of contaminated soil can result in elevated chemical concentrations requiring a possible upgrade to the level of PPE.

• When conditions exist that create the possibility of immediate death, immediate serious injury or illness, or impairment of escape, employees must be provided with the highest level of PPE.
• If the hazard is due to a chemical that poses an inhalation hazard, then a positive pressure SCBA or positive pressure air-line respirator must be used.
• If a chemical poses a severe skin hazard or is highly toxic and can be readily absorbed through the skin, then appropriate protective clothing (e.g., totally-encapsulating suit) must be worn.

In contrast, it is just as important to know when to downgrade the level and type of PPE through exposure monitoring. Wearing too much PPE increases certain hazards such as heat stress, physical and psychological stress, and can impair vision, mobility, and communication.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.