Protection issues clothing/equipment

OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (i.e., overalls long sleeve jacket, or one or two-piece chemical splash suit) and chemical resistant boots. Military personnel will use standard issue equipment during training operations. 

Yu S, Strickfaden M, Crown E, Olsen S. Garment specifications and mock-ups for protection from steam and hot water. In Performance of protective clothing and equipment emerging issues and technologies, vol. 9. West Conshohocken, PA American Society for Testing and Materials 2012. p. 290-307. ASTM STP 1544. 

Risks to persons or to the environment must be minimized by adherence to safety legislation and protocols, e.g., Occupational Health and Safety (COSSH in the UK), which informs on health risks associated with specific chemicals and appropriate medical and cleanup procedures in the event of exposure or a spillage. Before undertaking field work, a site-specific risk assessment should be carried out to identify potential risks and specify safe practices. Important issues include transport of persoimel and equipment, weather conditions, possible health risks from the sample and the general environment, appropriate protective clothing, safe onsite working practices, safe use of equipment, communications, and emergency procedures. 

Formalised issue and proper utilisation of all necessary protective equipment and clothing. 

When site preparation requires the removal of contaminated topsoil, it is important to ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment, including respirators, is issued to the workforce and that suitable welfare facilities. Including a decontamination unit, are available. A decontamination unit will have a dirty chamber where contaminated clothing can be left, a shower facility and a clean chamber where clean clothes will be kept. Arrangements will also be needed to ensure... 

Personal protection is the final option in the risk control hierarchy. This requires the issue to the exposed employee of equipment that will protect him only and may consist of a facemask, eye protection, safety shoes, bad weather clothing, etc. It must be seen as a last option after all the other options have been investigated and proved not feasible. The employee must be told of the hazards faced, be trained in the control measure in place and in the proper use of the equipment. Qiecks should be carried out periodically to ensure there is compliance with the rules associated with the use of protective equipment. The purchase of PPE may be a cheap option, but the infrastructure necessary to ensure that it is properly used and maintained may be onerous. 

Site personnel, including contractor personnel, should be specifically trained and qualified in the use of protective clothing and special protective equipment, as appropriate. Those persons handling, issuing or decontaminating protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment should also be appropriately instructed. 

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