Module 7 - IAFF

IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician©
Student Text
Level B Protection
Level B protection affords the user with the highest level of
respiratory protection and protection against contact with
product from spills and splashes. This level of protection
should never be used when there is a possibility of contact
with a dangerous vapor/gas.
The NFPA standard for Level B protective garments is
NFPA 1992, Standard for Splash-Protective Suits for
Hazardous Chemical Emergencies. Suits meeting this
standard are called for in NFPA 471—Recommended
Practice for Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents.
Tests done on NFPA 1992 suits are for penetration, not
permeation. Many manufacturers supply permeation data
for their 1992 compliant garments because they use the
same materials as in their 1991 garments. The standard
was written to define construction for splash resistance and
is concerned with liquid leaks through seams, closures and
attachments. This is a critical issue to understand. The
standard also eliminated tests against chemicals that were
gases, or considered to be a hazard by skin contact or
absorption, or carcinogenic.
Compliant Level B garments require that SCBA be covered.
Most manufacturers accomplish this by placing the
SCBA inside the upper half of the suit. Many of these
garments can be as confining, if not more confining, than
compliant Level A suits.
Indications for Using Level B Protection
• “The highest level of respiratory protection is
necessary, but a lesser level of skin protection is
needed.” (1910.120, Appendix B)
• Probable exposure to low concentrations—incidental
splash
• Chemical is mainly a respiratory hazard
Level B Advantages
• High level of respiratory protection
• Increased mobility/dexterity (theoretically)
• May be cooler
• Compliant garments have good penetration characteristics
• Cost—ranges from $45 (non-compliant) to $1,500
7-26 Module 7: Personal Protective Equipment