A protective suit needs to be comfortable to work in, but it also needs to have an adequate level of safety. The chemicals involved, the risk of fumes and gases, and particulate matter all factor into this equation. The aspects you will need to consider include how sealed the plastic suit is, how absorbent the material is for the chemical you are working with, and what rules and regulations you need to satisfy.



Safety Rating

If you are working with unknown substances and there is a possibility of dangerous vapors, you will need to use protective clothing with the highest safety rating. Level A requires gas tight protective clothing as well as chemical resistant boots, gloves, and a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. Level B is required when you need a lower level of protection for your clothing and skin with the same level of protection for your respiratory system. You will need the same safety gear as level A, but your protective suit only needs to be chemical resistant.

Situations involving an identified chemical and some breathing risks fall into a safety rating of level C. You can use either disposable coveralls or a hooded plastic suit along with chemical resistant boots and gloves, hardhat if needed, and an air-purifying mask. The lowest level safety rating, level D, requires basic safety levels. Your skin and clothing should be covered with a protective suit or coveralls. Also, wear steel-toed safety boots, masks, shields, gloves, and any other equipment needed for your particular situation. At this safety level, there is no present risk or hazard involving chemicals or gases.

Material Characteristics

Three main characteristics determine the level of safety for a protective suit. Construction is one of these factors. When they are sewn together using traditional methods, the needle used to insert the thread leaves behind a series of tiny holes. Gas and harmful vapors can enter the suit through these holes and pose serious health risks. Sealed seams are 'welded' together using a specialized tape or cementing over the seams to eliminate the possibility of holes in the material.

Breakthrough time is determined in a special lab. The rating of the plastic suit is determined by the amount of time it takes for a chemical to be detected by a special instrument on the other side of a protective material. The permeation rate of a garment is found by testing it to see how long it takes certain chemicals to soak through the material.

Regulations And Safety Standards

One of the biggest institutions to standardize safety ratings for protective clothing is the National Fire Protection Association. They have provided detailed and specific information on what characteristics safety gear needs to have at each risk level including strength, durability, functionality, and resistance. Another good idea is to look for the Safety Equipment Institute seal and safety rating information on the clothing you are looking at.

Being cost effective and comfortable is just two of the factors to consider when looking for a plastic suit. Having a safe and healthy life greatly depends on selecting safety gear that is suited to the particular situation you are dealing with. Determine the safety level of the job, what type of protection is needed, and know the regulations surrounding the job to ensure you find the protective suit you need to complete the job safely.