Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not just for workers that handle hazardous waste or chemicals. They are used in a variety of industries, including demolition, healthcare, and manufacturing. PPE is specifically designed to protect various part of the body, such as the eyes, skin, face, hearing, and respiratory system from damage. The amount of risk for illness or injury is dictated by the task or project.
There are four levels of PPE established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Each level lists the equipment needed to provide the required protection. PPE does not provide effective protection alone; it is designed as a last line of defense, and is to be used in conjunction with other safety practices (e.g., protocols and equipment). Let’s take a brief look at the four levels of PPE.
Level A – This is the highest level of PPE. Workers are in a hazardous environment where respiratory, eye, and skin protection is needed. They must wear:
· A hazmat (or biohazard) suit – fully encapsulated.
· Outer and inner chemical-resistant gloves.
· Positive pressure air respirator with escape SBCA that is approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
· Chemical-resistant steel-toed boots.
Level B – Although skin and respiratory protection are still required, the risk of hazard exposure is less than Level A. The list for Level B PPE:
· Face shield.
· Chemical-resistant steel-toed boots.
· Chemical and/or flame-retardant clothing.
· Positive pressure air respirator with escape SBCA (NIOSH approved).
· Outer and inner chemical-resistant gloves.
Level C – This level focuses on airborne contaminants, and air-purifying respirators are required. It is important to note that working in this type of environment warrants periodic monitoring of air. The list for Level C PPE:
· Full or half-mask with air-purifying respirator cartridges (NIOSH approved).
· Chemical-resistant steel-toed boots.
· Outer and inner chemical-resistant gloves.
· Chemical and/or flame-retardant clothing.
Level D – This amount of PPE provides minimal protection and is used for “nuisance” contamination (e.g., mud or paint). The list of Level D PPE:
· Hard hat.
· Steel-toed boots.
· Coveralls.
· Safety glasses.
· Gloves.
At Empire Services, safety is our top priority. It is implemented for each demolition project, including the correct level of PPE. Contact us today to learn what we do to help keep our workers, customers and the public safe during a project!
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