PPE - Emergency Response & Recovery Workers (Selecting for Levels)

In emergency situations, OSHA uses Levels A through D for PPE. Each level of PPE is detailed in Appendix B of the HAZWOPER standard 29 CFR 1910.120.

OSHA notes that PPE does not just apply to workers within contaminated areas. In an emergency, "emergency response workers conducting operations outside of the contaminated areas, but who are anticipated to have contact with contaminated victims, may require Level C or D PPE." Therefore, when safeguarding against the release of a hazardous substance, PPE selection "may depend on a worker's anticipated proximity to the contamination zone perimeter, as well as anticipated contact with other potential sources of contamination (such as victims, other workers, or materials and equipment coming from contaminated areas)."

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