When you work in a field that requires chemical suits, it pays to understand what they can and can’t do. Whether you’re an emergency responder, industrial safety supervisor, or serve in some other field or industry that depends on chemical suits, make sure you get the facts straight. Here are a few common myths and misconceptions about chemical suits. This information should help you and your fellow employees make better, safer decisions.
Myth 1: All Chemical Suits Are the Same
Obviously, all chemical suits are not the same. One type can protect you in certain situations while being less useful in others. Chemical suits come in three primary levels of protection:
- Level A suits: These provide the most protection. Level A suits feature gas-tight construction and are equipped with a breathing apparatus. High-risk environments with toxic gases demand these suits.
- Level B suits: These suits also offer respiratory protection but lack the gas tightness of the level A suits. If toxic gas exposure is less severe, level B suits will do well to protect the wearer.
- Level C suits: These are specialized suits offering air-purifying respirators rather than the self-contained breathing apparatuses level A and B suits are equipped with.
Chemical suits are available in a variety of styles. Throughout the evolution of chemical suit technology, the level of protection has only gone up.
Myth 2: Chemical Suits Are Uncomfortable and Restrict Mobility
While you probably won’t be ready to perform gymnastics or run a marathon in them, modern chemical suits are perfectly comfortable and allow for a wide range of motions. Safety suits are made of materials like Gore-Tex and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to reduce internal heat without cramping your movements or style. Advanced chemical suits match comfort with protection so workers can perform their duties effectively, for far longer, and with no physical inhibitions.
Myth 3: Chemical Suits Protect Against All Hazardous Substances
No chemical suit can tackle every hazardous chemical out there. However, many have features that deal with specific hazardous substances better than others. These features include activated carbon liners ideal for filtering out harmful chemical vapors. Some are more resistant to acids and other corrosive substances, and others less so. Talk to the manufacturer or retailer about the sort of chemical agents your employees will encounter to find a suit that offers the greatest protection and resistance.
Myth 4: Chemical Suits Are a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Chemical suits aren’t off-the-rack, one-size-fits-all outerwear. They may look roomy enough to serve anyone of any size, but that’s just not true. Suits must be properly fitted to the individual wearing them or the risk of exposure increases. Conduct fit tests to ensure every employee has a chemical suit for their size.
Those are just a few common myths and misconceptions about chemical suits. When your facility addresses these issues head-on, you create a culture of safety, protecting your investments, community, and especially your employees.
