Hazardous Substance Removal (HAZ) · Lesson 2 of 6

Choosing a PPE Level: A, B, C or D on a Hazardous Site

"Choosing a PPE Level: A, B, C or D on a Hazardous Site" is lesson 2 of 6 in the Hazardous Substance Removal (HAZ) Learning Hub. It opens with "PPE Is Chosen From Site Data, Not Habit" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. PPE Is Chosen From Site Data, Not Habit
  2. The Four Levels, in Plain Terms
  3. When Each Level Applies (Appendix B, Part B)
  4. Unknown Site: Start at Level B and Measure
  5. Mandatory Triggers and the PPE Program

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, from "What does the preliminary evaluation tell you?" through "Can the level be downgraded to C later?".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Choosing a PPE Level: A, B, C or D on a Hazardous Site" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "When Each Level Applies (Appendix B, Part B)".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Unknown Site: Start at Level B and Measure".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Mandatory Triggers and the PPE Program".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Choosing a PPE Level: A, B, C or DOXYGEN READINGS vs 19.5% LIMIT19.5% limit16%18%20%22%Pit floor 18.5%Outside 20.9%deficient19.5 - 18.5 = 1.0 point below the limitNo records of contents: minimum Level BEscape SCBA of at least 5 minutes if nopositive-pressure SCBA is wornAPPENDIX B: PROTECTION LEVELSAHighest skin + respiratory + eyeEncapsulating suit + SCBABHighest respiratory, less skinSCBA / supplied air; O2 under 19.5%CKnown, measured contaminantsAir-purifying respirator can remove themDNo known hazard, no splashWork uniform, nuisance onlyUnknown hazards + 18.5% oxygen = Level B, not Level CDowngrade only after identified, measured, APR-removable, no skin hazardUpgrade when new data shows more protection is needed8 CCR §5192(c)(5)-(6), (g)(3) and Appendix B (Parts A and B)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: PPE Is Chosen From Site Data, Not Habit

8 CCR §5192(g)(3)(A) and (B) require PPE to be selected from the hazards found during site characterization, weighing the PPE's performance against the site, the task, its duration and the identified hazards. Per §5192(c)(5)(A), the ensemble worn on initial entry must hold exposure below the PELs and published exposure levels for known or suspected substances. The level of protection must go up when new information shows more is needed (§5192(g)(3)(E)) and may go down when the information shows less will not cause hazardous exposure (note to §5192(g)(3)). Treat the level as a decision you re-make as data comes in.

Step 2: The Four Levels, in Plain Terms

Appendix B to §5192 sorts PPE into four levels. Level A is the greatest level of skin, respiratory and eye protection (positive-pressure SCBA or supplied-air respirator with escape SCBA, plus a totally-encapsulating chemical-protective suit). Level B is the highest respiratory protection with a lesser level of skin protection (positive-pressure SCBA or supplied air, hooded chemical-resistant clothing). Level C is for known airborne substances where the criteria for air-purifying respirators are met. Level D is a work uniform for nuisance contamination only. Appendix B is non-mandatory guidance, but §5192(g) makes Level A and Level B protection mandatory in certain circumstances.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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