Selection of Protective Clothing

The approach in selecting personal protective clothing must encompass an ensemble of clothing and equipment items that are easily integrated to provide both an 

FIGURE 24.9 Worker on a hazardous waste site with protective ensemble. 

The following is a checklist of components that may form the chemical protective ensemble  

Protective clothing (suit, coveralls, hoods, gloves, boots) 

Respiratory equipment (SCBA, combination SCBA/SAR, air purifying respirators) 

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How to comply with the conditions of approval Selection of protective clothing How to avoid spray drift How to avoid environmental damage... 

Competence Information Evaluation of possible problems Every user must be competent (Certificate of Competence required in UK) Workers must be supplied with sufficient information and guidance Product selection How to comply with the conditions of approval Selection of protective clothing How to avoid spray drift How to avoid environmental damage Need to warn neighbours and others who may tie affected etc. 

For several subsets, measurements of the potential exposure for only specific body parts were also taken into account. For dermal exposure, a further study was made into the observed average distribution of the contamination over the body. This distribution was calculated for each relevant body part per subset and rounded to whole figures (EUROPOEM, 1996). These data may provide an appropriate basis for selection of protective clothing and gloves. 

Haase has extensively reviewed the topic of fire resistant clothing standards and regulations, and Shaw also discussed the use of standards in the selection of protective clothing materials. Horrocks lists many standard test methods for flame resistant textile applications. 

Shaw A. Steps in the selection of protective clothing materials. In Scott RA, editor. Textiles for protection. Cambridge Woodhead Publishing 2005. p. 90-116. 

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment Standard, selection of protective clothing follows a hazard assessment, which determines a need for required protections. 

When providing hand protection, selection of protective clothing should account for the tasks performed as well... 

Several factors need to be taken into account when selecting a glove for a particular application. One of the first guidelines for the selection of protective clothing, gloves included, was presented by Schwope et al. 

The factors listed above should be considered when the selection of protective clothing is being made. For example, when selecting gloves for handling solvents, a knowledge of glove material is required ... 

The selected clothing depends on the severity of exposure (duration and concentration). Dupont s SafeSPEC interactive software-based tool provides the data required for selection of protective clothing. If selected parameters are for low concentration and short duration of exposure, then the program suggests use of a general protection fabric with serged seam in coverall style. If a person is exposed to severe conditions (high concentration for several hours), then a multiple film barrier material with a broad level of chemical protection and a taped or double taped seam is selected. The chemical resistance of various materials is discussed in the next section of this chapter. Selection should be made by a professionally trained person. 

A description of the methods of selection of protective clothing and equipment, and a description of each follows. 

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