In the United States, OSHA defines various levels of protective clothing, and sets parameters that govern their use with chemical spills and in environments where chemical exposure is a possibility. A summary of the definitions is provided below (Refs. 1 and 2).
Level A
Vapor protective suit (meets NFPA 1991), pressure-demand, full-face SCBA, inner chemical-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant safety boots, two-way radio communications systems.
Protection Provided: Highest available level of respiratory, skin, and eye protection from solid, liquid, and gaseous chemicals.
Used When: The chemical(s) have been identified and have a high level of hazards to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes; substances are present with known or suspected skin toxicity or carcinogenicity; operations must be conducted in confined or poorly ventilated areas.
Limitations: Protective clothing must resist permeation by the chemical or mixtures present.
Level B
Liquid splash-protective suit (meets NFPA 1992), pressure-demand, full-facepiece SCBA, inner chemical-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant safety boots, two-way radio communications systems.
Protection Provided: Provides same level of respiratory protection as Level A, but somewhat less skin protection. Liquid splash protection is provided, but not protection against chemical vapors or gases.
Used When: The chemical(s) have been identified but do not require a high level of skin protection; the primary hazards associated with site entry are from liquid and not vapor contact.
Limitations: Protective clothing items must resist penetration by the chemicals or mixtures present.
Level C
Support function protective garment (meets NFPA 1993), full-facepiece, air-purifying, canister-equipped respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, safety boots, two-way radio communications systems.
Protection Provided: The same level of skin protection as Level B, but a lower level of respiratory protection; liquid splash protection but no protection to chemical vapors or gases.
Used When: Contact with site chemical(s) will not affect the skin; air contaminants have been identified and concentrations measured; a canister is available which can remove the contaminant; the site and its hazards have been completely characterized.
Limitations: Protective clothing items must resist penetration by the chemicals or mixtures present; chemical airborne concentration must be less than IDLH levels; the atmosphere must contain at least 19.5% oxygen.
Not Acceptable for Chemical Emergency Response.
Level D
Coveralls, safety boots/shoes, safety glasses, or chemical splash goggles.
Protection Provided: No respiratory protection, minimal skin protection.
Used When: The atmosphere contains no known hazard; work functions preclude splashes, immersion, potential for inhalation, or direct contact with hazard chemicals.
Limitations: The atmosphere must contain at least 19.5% oxygen.
Not Acceptable for Chemical Emergency Response.
Optional items may be added to each level of protective clothing. Options include items from higher levels of protection, as well as hard hats, hearing protection, outer gloves, a cooling system, etc.