PPE Classification System from OSHA and EPA

• Level A PPE Ensemble Elements
• Level B PPE Ensemble Elements
• Level C PPE Ensemble Elements
• Level D PPE Ensemble Elements

Level A PPE Ensemble Elements

See also: PPE Image Gallery - Civilian: Level A Equivalent Respiratory Protection Positive-pressure, full-face piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
OR
Positive pressure supplied air respirator (SAR) with SCBA-type auxiliary escape respirator Clothing Totally encapsulating chemical- and vapor-protective suit Chemical-resistant inner suit (e.g., Tyvek coveralls)1 Long underwear1 Hard hat (worn under suit)1 Gloves Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves Boots Chemical-resistant boots, with steel toe and shank Advantages Maximum available skin, respiratory, eye protection Disadvantages

(Operational impact and requirements)

• Shortest length of time in a protective garment due to heat, other physical and psychological stressors, limited air supply
• Restricted mobility
• May exceed protection level necessary for healthcare workers working in healthcare facilities
• Requires highest level of:
  • Ongoing training
  • Suit acclimatization
  • Medical monitoring

1

top of page

Link to T-Safety

Level B PPE Ensemble Elements

See also: PPE Image Gallery - Civilian: Level B Equivalent Respiratory Protection Positive-pressure, full-face piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
OR
Positive pressure supplied air respirator (SAR) with SCBA-type auxiliary escape respirator Clothing Hooded chemical-resistant clothing

• Overalls and long-sleeved jacket
• Coveralls
• One or two-piece chemical splash suit
• Disposable chemical-resistant overalls

Chemical-resistant inner suit (e.g., Tyvek coveralls)1 Face shield1 Hard hat (worn under suit)1 Gloves Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves Boots Chemical-resistant boots, with steel toe and shank
OR
Disposable, chemical-resistant outer boot covers1 Advantages

• High level of protection
• Less restriction of mobility than Level A PPE

Disadvantages

(Operational impact and requirements) Compared to Level A PPE

• Requires same degree of user training and medical monitoring
• Equipment has same sustainability issues

1

top of page

For more information, please visit ppe safety shoes.

Level C PPE Ensemble Elements

See also: PPE Image Gallery - Civilian: Level C Equivalent Respiratory Protection Full-face or half-mask, negative pressure air purifying respirator (APR)

Escape Mask1 Clothing Hooded chemical-resistant clothing

• Overalls
• Two-piece chemical splash suit
• Disposable chemical-resistant overalls

Chemical-resistant inner suit (e.g., Tyvek coveralls)1 Face shield1 Hard hat1 Gloves Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves1 Boots Chemical-resistant boots, with steel toe and shank
OR
Disposable, chemical-resistant outer boot covers1 Advantages

• Increased mobility as compared to Level A or Level B PPE
• Much less physical, psychological stress
• Extended operation time without air supply limitations
• No fit testing required for hooded respirators

Disadvantages

(Operational impact and requirements)

• Cannot be used
  • When airborne hazard concentrations are immediately dangerous to life and health
  • In low oxygen environments
• Requirements
  • User enrollment in medical monitoring program
  • Potential fit testing of respirators before they are issued and worn
  • Ongoing competency-based training and exercise
  • Equipment procurement
  • Ongoing equipment maintenance
  • Presence of a safety officer during wearing of PPE

1 NOTES on Level C PPE

• Level C PPE is the ensemble of choice for first responders and first receivers caring for victims highly suspected to be contaminated with radiological material
• Level C PPE Respiratory Protection
  • Hooded NIOSH-certified CBRN powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) ("all-hazards PPE") with Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of ≥ including
    • Appropriate breathing filters based on hazard vulnerability analysis
    • Combination organic vapor/acid gas/High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter (aka "WMD" cartridges) OR
    • Filters appropriate to identified agents such as radioactive particles or chemicals not filtered by "WMD" cartridges
• A non-powered air-purifying respirator (APR) may be worn when
  • Hazardous substance(s) has/have been identified and quantified and
  • Data confirm that a negative pressure respirator will adequately protect users from identified inhalation hazards
• For extended or sustained operations, a hooded, powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) is more comfortable and easier to use.

top of page

Level D PPE Ensemble Elements

See also: PPE Image Gallery - Civilian: Level D Equivalent Respiratory Protection Escape Mask1 Clothing Water-repellent surgical gowns or coveralls1
Scrub suits Safety glasses, face shield or goggles (for personnel who may get wet with potentially contaminated liquids) Hard hat1 Gloves1 Surgical gloves

• Double gloving with frequent changes of outer pair to reduce spread of contamination to other providers, other parts of the patient
• Tape inner pair of gloves to surgical gown arm cuff; outer pair is then more easily replaced while minimizing risk of self-contamination

Boots/Footwear Chemical-resistant boots, with steel toe and shank1
OR
Disposable, chemical-resistant outer boot covers1
OR
Waterproof shoe covers (for personnel who may get wet with potentially contaminated liquids) Advantages

• Provides sufficient level of protection when work operations preclude splashes, immersion, or potential for unexpected inhalation or contact with hazardous levels of chemicals
• Equivalent to everyday uniforms worn by first receivers
• Providers caring for patients admitted to hospital wards and floor beds should tailor PPE to anticipated level of patient interaction

Disadvantages

(Operational impact and requirements)

• Offers the minimum protection against infectious agents or contaminants
• Requires
  • Regular surveillance for radiation contamination
  • Staff members to conduct frequent self-surveys or to be surveyed by co-workers to identify possible contamination
  • Surveys to be conducted at completion of tour of duty or before exiting radiation controlled areas for clean areas
  • Consultation with hospital radiation safety officer for guidance

1

top of page

If you want to learn more, please visit our website china safety products.

References:

1. ATTENTION EMERGENCY RESPONDERS: Guidance on Emergency Responder Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Response to CBRN Terrorism Incidents. (PDF - 281 KB) (NIOSH Publication No. -132, June . Page 5) (HHS/CDC/NIOSH, June )
2. OSHA Best Practices for Hospital-Based First Receivers of Victims from Mass Casualty Incidents Involving the Release of Hazardous Substances (PDF - 1.93 MB) (OSHA, January )
3. Personal Protective Equipment (EPA)
4. Stopford BM, Jevitt L, Ledgerwood M, Singleton C, Stolmack M. Development of Models for Emergency Preparedness: Personal Protective Equipment, Decontamination, Isolation/Quarantine, and Laboratory Capacity. (PDF - 4.60 MB) Prepared by SAIC under contract No. 290-00-. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Publication No. 05-. Rockville, MD, August . (HHS/AHRQ)
5. OSHA Best Practices for Protecting EMS Responders during Treatment and Transport of Victims of Hazardous Substance Releases. (PDF - 1.47 MB) (OSHA -11. OSHA, )