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Safety
<br /> CPC include new information indicating that the situation is ation has been performed, and the date(s)of the hazard
<br /> less hazardous than was originally thought,and changes in assessment. It is best to do ument the entire PPE selection
<br /> work conditions or tasks that reduce the hazard. process,including PPE sel ction criteria,the PPE selected
<br /> ANSI levels.The ANSI/1SEA 103-2010 standard on the and the employee to whorr it is assigned(including person-
<br /> '' classification and performance requirements for CPC pro- nel and type of task),and t ie PPE training performed
<br /> J vides a testing protocol and methodology based on garment (including the type and da e of training).
<br /> category and performance level.(These levels differ from Decontamination. Decontamination of CPC is the
<br /> the EPA levels discussed earlier.)Six garment categories are process of removing,isola ing,or reducing contaminants
<br /> defined,from gas-tight protective garments to full-body or that are known or suspected to be present on the protective
<br /> z partial CPC and limited spray-tight CPC.Each category is clothing.Decontamination can be employed to:
<br /> defined by an expected chemical-exposure scenario and the •protect the wearer from becoming exposed to the
<br /> F test requirements of various material swatches(e.g.,garment contaminants of concern
<br /> material)and finished garment items(e.g.,a coverall).Each •minimize the effect contaminants may have on CPC
<br /> category includes multiple performance levels. and avoid cross-contamination
<br /> This standard categorizes CPC based on chemical expo- •prepare the CPC for r turn to service.
<br /> sure conditions and the required performance of CPC.These Effective decontamination of CPC is crucial for reus-
<br /> categories are based on several exposure factors,such as: able CPC as well as disposable items. Users must be able
<br /> •is this an emergency or nonemergency use? to safely remove either type of contaminated clothing with-
<br /> -Will the employee be exposed to dangerous levels of out running the risk of becoming contaminated themselves.
<br /> gaseous or vapor hazards? Reference 3 provides guidance on CPC decontamina-
<br /> •Will the employee be exposed to dangerous levels of a tion,including waste labeling,packaging,treatment,and
<br /> liquid hazard?Does the liquid produce vapor at a hazard- manifesting.All decontamination waste, including dispos-
<br /> ous concentration? able PPE and the wash/rine water,should be disposed of
<br /> •Will the employee be exposed to dangerous levels of a in accordance with local,state,and federal regulations.
<br /> particulate hazard?Is the particulate radioactive or biologic Maintenance.Maintenance tailored to the type of work-
<br /> in nature? place and the type of hazar s should be an integral part of
<br /> the overall CPC program. he manufacturer's instructions
<br /> Factors affecting CPC performance for inspection,cleaning,at d maintenance of CPC need to
<br /> CPC performance is affected by many factors,including be followed to ensure that he CPC continues to function
<br /> the physical conditions of the work environment,ergonom- properly.A worker wearin a defective device may incor-
<br /> ics and human factors,the types of CPC selected,etc, rectly assume that protection is being provided when it is
<br /> Adverse physical environments such as extreme temper- not.Wearing poorly maintained or malfunctioning CPC
<br /> atures,in addition to causing heat or cold stress to the CPC may be even more dangero as than not using it at all.
<br /> user,can also degrade the performance of the CPC itself and IYledical monitoring.Medical monitoring of CPC users
<br /> expose the worker to hazards unexpectedly.For example, may be required by OSHA or recommended by a medical
<br /> many elastomeric materials,such as nitrile,PVC,polyvinyl expert after an incident involving chemical exposure.OSHA
<br /> 1 acetate(PVA),butyl rubber,and neoprene,will crack,punc- (and other organizations such as state health departments)
<br /> ture,and deteriorate more readily in extremely cold or hot may also require medical monitoring of certain employees
<br /> environments than at room temperature.Workers should be for a variety of reasons,including those who use a respirator,
<br /> made aware of the limitations of their assigned CPC,and use work with certain chemical (e.g.,asbestos,lead,cadmium,
<br /> the equipment only under the conditions and for the tasks for hexavalent chromium),or perform hazardous-waste opera-
<br /> which it was originally selected. tions or emergency response.
<br /> Post-selection considerations CPC best practices
<br /> Validation.Once the PPE is selected,the selection The following best prac ices are recommended to
<br /> process should be validated.This involves fitting the CPC reduce adverse effects.
<br /> to the specific employee,and training him or her on the • Select the lightest-weight ensembles and respira-
<br /> proper use and limitations of the CPC. tory devices that ade uatel
<br /> protect the worker.This will
<br /> Documentation.OSHA requires employers to provide minimize the physiological demands placed on the worker
<br /> written certification that the workplace hazard assessment associated with carrying the weight of this equipment.The
<br /> has been performed.The certification must identify the CPC should be the correct size to fit the user.
<br /> workplace evaluated,the person certifying that the evalu- •When possible,select protective clothing made of
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<br /> 32 www.alche.org/cep September 2013 CEP
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