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The level of PPE will be upgraded if the organic vapor levels in the workers breathing zone exceeds 5 ppm above background levels continuously for more than five minutes, or if any single reading exceeds 25 ppm. If this occurs,then"Level C"PPE will be used. If the organic vapor concentration in the workers breathing zone exceeds 200 ppm for 5 minutes and/or the organic vapor concentration two feet above the soil boring location exceeds 1,000 ppm or 10% of the lower explosive limit, then the equipment will be shut down and the exclusion zone will be evacuated. If the organic vapor concentrations exceed 200 ppm and work continues, then "Level B" PPE will be required. This condition is not expected to be encountered and may be indicative of a gross contamination problem and/or the presence of free-phase product. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's(EPA),Standard Operating SSafeU Guidelines, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, Emergency Response Division, Environmental Response Team(1992)defines the levels of PPE as follows: LEVEL A: Level A has a fully encapsulating suit (FES) for maximum protection from skin hazards, and an atmospheric supply respirator (ASR) for maximum respiratory protection. Level A protection is selected when the highest level of protection is needed for the respiratory system, skin, and eyes, working conditions and contaminants are unknown, and the substance has been identified and requires the highest level of protection(i.e., pesticides and nerve agents and/or anhydrous acids and bases),operations are conducted in small poorly-ventilated areas,work involves a high potential for splash or skin exposure to hazards (i.e., patching chlorine cylinders and/or plugging leaks in bulk chemical storage tanks). • ASR(pressure-demand) • Fully encapsulating,chemical-resistant suit • Inner clothing • Chemical-resistant gloves(inner and outer) • Chemical-resistant safety boots • Outer clothing(disposable protective suit, gloves, aid boot covers) • Hard hat(under suit) • Two-way radio LEVEL B: Levels C and B have a splash suit that gives minimal skin protection from chemicals. Level B has an ASR for maximum respiratory protection. Level B protection is selected when initial entry may expose workers to unknown atmospheric hazards, the highest degree of respiratory protection is needed, some degree of skin protection is needed, the air contaminants are unknown or the air contaminants have been identified and the criteria for using APRs are not met, and direct contact does not pose a severe skin hazard.