Levels of PPE

DOE-EM-STD-5503-94

determined and listed by a qualified (preferably certified) industrial hygienist in consultation

with a qualified (preferably certified) health physicist.

The industrial hygienist, in coordination with the health physicist, should provide a listing of the

chemicals/radioactive materials and corresponding types and/or characteristics of protective

clothing (e.g., material or brand name). This list should be referred to when hazardous materials

may be encountered to determine appropriate chemical/radiological resistant PPE. The industrial

hygienist should specify the type of cartridges to be used and the frequency with which the

cartridges should be changed, along with information on any limitations or restrictions for use,

when air-purifying respirators are determined to be appropriate.

Personal protective equipment is divided into two broad categories; respiratory protective

equipment and personal protective clothing. Both of these categories are incorporated into the

four levels of protection (Levels A, B, C, and D), based on the potential severity of the hazard.

The following sections provide detail and explanation of those categories. Modifications to these

levels should be made under the direction of the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) in

consultation with a qualified industrial hygienist and/or health physicist. Such modifications are

routinely employed during site work activity to maximize efficiency and to meet site-specific

needs without compromising worker safety and health. The SSHO and Project Manager should

make the final determination on the appropriate level of PPE.

Respiratory protective gear and protective clothing should compliment one another. Section

5.5.1. provides guidelines for determining appropriate PPE.

5.4. LEVELS OF PPE

The specific levels of PPE and necessary components for each level have been divided into four

categories according to the degree of protection afforded. General guidelines for use are:

Level A:

Worn when the highest level of respiratory, skin, and eye protection is needed.

Level B:

Worn when the highest level of respiratory protection is needed, but a lesser level

of skin protection is needed.

Level C:

Worn when the criteria for using air-purifying respirators are met, and a lesser

level of skin protection is needed.

Level D:

Refers to work conducted without respiratory protection. This level should be

used only when the atmosphere contains no known or suspected airborne

chemical or radiological contaminants and oxygen concentrations are between

19.5%, and 23%.

The following section describes the elements of the basic levels of protective equipment.

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