PPE - Levels of Protection (A - D)

OSHA specifies four levels of personal protection: Level A, Level B, Level C, and Level D. These levels require equipment ranked from most serious (Level A) to least serious (Level D). OSHA HAZWOPER Standard 29 CFR 1919.120, Appendix B details the use of each.

Level A PPE is for situations requiring the highest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection, including environments deemed IDLH.

Level B PPE is a "non-gas-tight encapsulating suit." As with Level A PPE, Level B PPE is required when working in environments that are IDLH. However, Level B PPE is for workplace situations in which substances cannot be absorbed by the skin (or are not hazardous to the skin upon contact).

Level C PPE is needed in the following situations:

• When any environmental contaminants, liquid splashes, or other chemicals that may come into contact with the skin do not pose a risk upon contact
• When identified air contaminant concentrations have been measured and an air purifying respirator that can remove these contaminants is readily available
• When the area meets other criteria for the use of air-purifying respirators

Level D PPE is needed in the following situations:

• When the workplace has no known or identified hazards
• If the employee duties do not include splashes, immersion, potential (or unexpected) inhalations, or any other contact with hazardous levels of chemicals

To learn more about HAZWOPER visit our HAZWOPER 40 Hour Online Training web page.