Selection of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)

DOE-EM-STD-5503-94

Handling radiological materials with removable contamination in excess of levels

established in the DOE Radiological Control Manual, or manuals implementing these

requirements, or when working in radiologically controlled areas in which PPE

requirements have been established; or

Existing or potential physical and/or biological hazards pose a threat to worker safety and

health.

Required PPE should be discussed with site workers prior to the start of work. Employees

should be trained and have passed a baseline medical examination for the use of prescribed PPE.

The HASP should implement a written PPE program containing operating procedures that

comply with the applicable requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120, DOE 5480.4, and the DOE

Radiological Control Manual. If such a written PPE program consistent with those requirements

is not already in place, written procedures and requirements for the use of PPE should be

included in the HASP.

5.3. SELECTION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Selection of PPE, based on requirements of 29 CFR 1910 and applicable DOE Orders, is key to

protecting the safety and health of site personnel. This should be done by qualified and

knowledgeable professionals to insure that selected PPE protects workers from site-specific

hazards posed by their task and work zone.

The use, maintenance and disposal of radiological PPE is governed by the DOE Radiological

Control Manual.

Selection of the most appropriate level of protection and combinations of respiratory protection

and protective clothing will depend on:

Level of knowledge of onsite chemical and radiological hazards;

Properties such as toxicity, radioactivity, route of exposure, and matrix of the

contaminants known or suspected of being present;

Type and measured concentrations of the contaminants that are known or suspected of

being present;

Potential for exposure to contaminants in air, liquids, soils, or by direct contact with

hazardous materials;

Physical hazards;

Climatic conditions; and

Based on the evaluation of potential hazards that will vary with individual field activities, PPE

should be selected for specific tasks and work areas (e.g., Exclusion Zone, Contamination

Reduction Zone). The specific PPE required for each work area and/or task should be

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