Chemical Protective Clothing: Matching PPE to Hazard Class

29 CFR 1910.120(g) · Personal Protective Equipment — HAZWOPER

Keywords: Level A PPE HAZWOPER, Level B Level C protection, chemical protective clothing selection, encapsulating suit SCBA, splash protection, PPE ensemble, CPC chemical resistance

The Four Protection Levels

CPC Selection Exam Traps

• Level B provides higher respiratory protection than Level C but lower skin protection than Level A. Students frequently invert this.
• "Fully encapsulating" does NOT mean air-tight — Level A suits must be tested (pressure test) to verify integrity.
• Selecting Level A doesn't mean you're protected — the suit material must also be chemically compatible with the specific contaminant.
• Double-gloving is required in many Level A/B situations — the inner glove is integral to the suit; the outer glove adds protection and is changed in decon.
• Chemical resistance varies by material: neoprene, butyl rubber, and Viton have very different breakthrough times for the same compound. Always check the manufacturer's chemical resistance chart.

Level A vs B — Key Distinction

Level A = vapor-tight encapsulating suit + SCBA inside. Used when vapor, gas, or unknown skin hazard is present.

Level B = SCBA outside the suit. Same highest respiratory protection, but suit only stops liquid splash — not vapors.

Think: A = Air-tight All-around. B = Breathing apparatus, Body not fully enclosed.