Safety is about doing the right thing even when nobody is looking. When these safety measures are not adhered to people can get hurt or even die. To wear a chemical suit means protection against splashes and chemicals at workplace.
Chemicals can enter the body through the skin, eyes, ingestion, or inhalation. The chemicals are most concentrated and the likelihood of them harming a person is high at the moment.
Some parts of the body absorb chemicals fast and that is the head and body area between the navel and mid-thigh. It’s advised to avoid direct contact by wearing the proper Personal Protective Equipment.
They include gloves, chemical suits, boots, face shields, and respirators.
While using moderate toxic chemicals it’s advisable to wear a clean, dry protective suit that shields the individuals from chemicals and hazards that may be encountered while handling the chemicals.
Before purchasing a chenical spray suit, it’s important to first understand the hazardous materials protection levels.
Materials Protection level;
Level A
It’s the highest protection level that is designed to safeguard the user against highly toxic substances and radioactive. This chemical poses a threat to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.
The PPE required are:
- Fully encapsulated chemical protective suit
- Full-face self-contained breathing apparatus
- Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves
- Chemical-resistant safety boots
Level A suits protect against liquid splashes and require a self-contained breathing Apparatus
Level B
Levels A and B pose some similarities but the main difference is that level B does not necessarily need protection against gases and vapors.
The gases at this level are not considered dangerous or corrosive. It mainly protects against liquid chemicals and splashes. The PPE at this level is:
- Safety boots’
- Hooded chemical suit
- Full or half air mask air purifying respirator
- Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves
Level B suits protect against liquid splashes and require a self-contained breathing Apparatus.
LEVEL C
At this level, individuals do not need a breathing apparatus. The toxicity of the materials is low enough to not damage the skin or eyes.
However, an air filter is required to filter harmful elements from the lungs.
- Safety boots’
- Hooded chemical suit
- Air purifying respirator
- Inner and outer chemical-resistant gloves
Level C suits protect the user against liquid splashes and require an air-purifying respirator
LEVEL D
It’s the lowest protection level that does not require protection of the eyes, lungs, and skin. They are used in situations where the chemicals do not pose a great risk. The PPE required here are
- coveralls
- Safety boots
- Safety goggles
Level D suits do not require breathing apparatus.
Now that we understand the hazards levels, before purchasing the suit ensure that;
- It covers the entire body from wrists to ankle
- The sleeves must be long enough to wear over gloves
- Opening-like pockets should be kept to a minimum
- Should be worn over the regular clothes
- Check the permeation rate table before purchasing the suit
- Identify the materials’ chemical breakthrough time before deciding if the suit is suitable for your needs.
- Duration of exposure as some suits are limited to certain exposure levels.
Importance of wearing a chemical suit
- To shield individuals from hazardous chemicals
During chemical operations, it’s not always apparent when exposure might occur. Chemicals can cause numerous short- and long-term health issues.
The short-term effects may be a headache, nose, and throat irritation, burning or watering eyes, rashes on the skin and itching, etc.
On the other hand, long-term exposure causes damage to the nervous and immune systems impairs reproductive function cancer and organ failures, etc.
- Protect the clothes of the user
The chemical suit is worn over normal clothes. The chemicals spilling over the clothes can ruin or rather burn them. Nobody wants their clothes tampered with and therefore the suit offers them complete protection.
- Skin cover
Chemicals can corrode one’s skin if they spill on it. The suits are fitted with elasticated cuffs and buttons that prevent the chemical from penetrating through and for easy removal of the suit
- Allows workers to do their job unimpeded
The protective wear suits from Safety hub Enterprises Limited are designed for comfortability. The suits are designed with panoramic visibility, internal mountings for breathing hose connections to the hood, external mountings for belt-mounted continuous flow airline regulators, and air-permeable collars to allow the flow of air around the rest of the body.
A comfortable chemical suit will also prevent snagging, allow as much freedom of movement, and provide excellent vision for the wearer so they can carry out their work as safely as possible.
Conclusion on Why you should wear a chemical suit
In conclusion, chemical suits are important when handling hazardous materials. It ensures that your health does not deteriorate in the process and that your skin and clothes are safe.
Contact Safety Hub to purchase the suits and get advice on the right suit fit for your environment. Visit our online store at https://safetyhub.co.ke or email us at Info@Safetyhub.co.Ke. Your safety is our concern.
