Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
When is Level A clothing used?
Level A clothing provides the highest level of skin and respiratory protection from solids, liquids, and gases.
When is Level B clothing used?
Level B suits provide skin protection against chemical splashes but not gases. Respiratory protection is the same as level A.
When is Level C clothing used?
Level C clothing provides the same level of skin protection as Level B, but less respiratory protection. It can be used when skin and eye exposure is unlikely and airborne hazards are known, concentrations are measured, and the use of an air-purifying respirator is acceptable.
When is Level D clothing used?
Level D clothing consists of regular work clothes, safety boots, safety glasses, and any other typical PPE. Level D is the minimum protection available and should only be worn when there are no known respiratory hazards and no potential for contact with hazardous chemicals.
Does firefighter turnout gear provide adequate chemical protection?
Firefighter turnout gear protects against heat, hot water, and some particles, but it does not protect skin against chemical vapors or liquid splashes. It is equivalent to Level D protection even when an SCBA is used.