Hazmat Operations:personal Protective Equipment

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Air-Purifying Respirator (APR)

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1. a device worn to filter particulates and contaminants from the air; an APR should only be worn in atmospheres where the type, size, and quantity of the contaminants are known and sufficient oxygen is present

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entry suit

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a type of suit that provides protection for brief entry into total flame environment at temperatures as high as 2,000ºF; this suit is not effective or meant to be used for rescue operations; respiratory protection must be provided with fire entry suits

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Level A

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4. the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection; a totally encapsulating chemical protective suit, meaning a full body garment that is constructed of protective clothing materials; covers the wearer’s torso, head, arms, and legs; has boots and gloves that may be an integral part of the suit, or separate and tightly attached; and completely encloses the wearer in combination with the wearer’s respiratory equipment; all components of a TECP suit, such as relief valves, seams, and enclosure assemblies, should provide equivalent chemical resistance protection

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Level B

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5. the highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is needed; often referred to as a splash suit

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Level C

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6. the concentration(s) and type(s) of airborne substances(s) are known and the criteria for using air purifying respirators is met; Level C protection is more common in industry than emergency response

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Level D

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7. a work uniform affording minimal protection, used for nuisance contamination only; should be used only when the atmosphere contains no known hazard

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proximity suit

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a suit that provides short duration and close proximity protection at radiant heat temperatures as high as 2,000ºF and may withstand some exposure to water and steam; respiratory protection must be provided with proximity suits

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Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

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breathing apparatus with full facepiece and an independent supply of air; abbreviated

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Supplied Air-Respirator (SAR)

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supply air from a source located some distance away and are connected to the user by an air line hose

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APR and PAPR advantages:

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· enhanced mobility
· lightweight
· inexpensive

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APR and PAPR disadvantages:

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· cannot be used in an IDLH environment
· cannot be used in oxygen deficient environment
· limited duration; cartridges have finite life and it is sometimes difficult to predict the lifetime of a cartridge during field conditions
· cartridges are "chemical specific," only protecting against chemicals specified and at the levels specified
· must have ability to monitor concentrations of contaminants
· vapor or gas must have adequate warning products or must have end of service life indicator ESLI

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Supplied-Air Respirators (SARs)

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supply air from a source located some distance away and are connected to the user by an air line hose.

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SAR advantages:

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○ highest level of respiratory protection (supplied atmosphere)
○ readily available to fire service personnel

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SAR disadvantages:

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○ bulky and heavy; limits visibility
○ inhibits ability to communicate
○ finite air supply; limits work duration
○ may impair ability to enter/exit or function in confined spaces

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Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

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· supply air from a source carried by the user. These units may be either open circuit (exhaled to atmosphere like the SCBA the fire service is accustomed to using), or closed circuit (“rebreather” type units such as the “Litpak” and “Biopack” units). This is what I use, so I am already familiar with it as far as advantages, etc.

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Chemical Protection

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clothing is designed to protect the responder from burns, rashes, and absorption into the body. Ensembles should be configured to provide a specific level of protection. For emergency response activities, personal protective clothing and equipment must protect against the hazards presented by the chemicals involved and the physical environment.

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Liquid Splash-Protective Suit

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offer protection against liquid chemicals in the form of splashes, but not against continuous liquid contact or chemical vapors or gases. Some chemicals do not present vapor hazards, and these suits may be acceptable for such situations. It is important to note, however, that by wearing liquid splash-protective clothing, the wearer risks exposure to chemical vapors and gases because this clothing does not offer vapor protection. The use of adhesive tape to seal clothing interfaces does not provide sufficient protection against vapors or gases.

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Vapor-Protective Ensembles

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These ensembles provide “gas tight” integrity and are intended for responses in which vapor or liquid chemical contact may be hazardous. These suits may also be used for protection against biological and chemical warfare agents, depending on the specific ensemble.

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Symptoms of heat

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·Results from the body’s inability to cool itself through the normal perspiration and evaporation process. The four progressive levels of heat stress are heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Replenishment of body fluids is very important in combating heat stress. Water or an electrolyte replenishment should be available at all incidents. S/s are hot dry skin, rapid strong pulse, etc.

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Symptoms of cold stress

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·Results from the actual lowering of the body temperature. Signs and symptoms would be shivering, apathy, listlessness, drowsiness, slow pulse, low respiratory rates, and possible freezing of the extremities.