In an emergency, you need to know you have the right equipment. Nowhere is that more important than in your choice of chemical/hazardous material suits. If your facility handles hazmat, your employees need suits that protect them while handling materials or dealing with emergencies. The wrong choice leads to inefficiencies, compromised safety, and even catastrophe. When choosing suits, consider factors like the type of materials present, the scope of protection required, and training and education in the suits’ proper use. This guide breaks down the essential steps for selecting the right hazmat suit for your industry.
Hazmat Suit Levels
Hazmat suits vary in their level of protection, with classifications defined by the degree and type of hazard they can handle. Three levels of protection are available:
- Level A: These suits protect against vapors, gases, and liquids. They are completely enclosed and best suited for extreme chemical emergencies. If your team works with highly toxic or needs to deal with unknown chemicals, Level A provides the greatest amount of comprehensive overall protection.
- Level B: Less focused on protecting the skin from toxins, Level B suits provide are largely intended for respiratory protection. Where inhalation hazards outweigh damage to the skin, Level B is preferable.
- Level C: Less worried about toxic gas and more concerned about chemical splashes and spills? Level C suits prevent skin from encountering acids, bases, and other corrosive and reactive chemicals.
Chemical Resistance
Obviously, before choosing, consider what hazardous materials employees encounter most often at your facility. Analyze the types of hazardous materials your team encounters or may encounter. From corrosive liquids to toxic vapors, ensure the suit material provides resistance against specific chemicals used in your operations.
Comfort and Usability
A bulky suit provides incredible protection, but will hamper mobility and efficiency, which carries its own set of risks. Choose suits that balance protection and ease of movement, especially if tasks require agility or detailed work. While it’s good to be safe, a “lower level” hazmat suit may provide enough protection while allowing workers to move and react quickly as they tackle a disaster.
Breathability and Air Supply
All the protection in the world is useless if you can’t breathe properly (and safely) in the suit. If your crew requires respirators or self-contained breathing apparatuses, make sure they’re compatible with the suit and allow for effective airflow. Examine and chart air supply limitations for scenarios requiring extended timeframes.
Durability
Naturally, hazmat suits can’t be flimsy, even if they provide the most basic protection. Hazmat suits must be durable and ready to withstand rugged conditions. Conduct frequent inspections to identify wear and tear, ensuring they remain safe and functional.
That’s a guide to selecting the right hazmat suit for your industry. Selecting the right hazmat suit is a multi-step process that ensures the safety of your team and keeps your facility operational and ready to handle emergencies. Once you select your suits, be sure you have an emergency suit deployment strategy in place and regularly train and drill employees in it.
