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• Personal Protective Equipment Management Program 2.15 low because it is not very volatile, so the inhalation hazard may be minimal; however, PCB-containing liquid coming in direct contact with the skin may cause overexposure. Thus, PCB has been assigned a skin designation in both the OSHA and ACGIH exposure limit tables. 3.3.3 Physical State The characteristics of a chemical may range from nontoxic to extremely toxic depending on its physical state. Inorganic lead in soil would not be considered toxic to site personnel, unless it became airborne, since it is generally not absorbed through the intact skin. Organic lead in a liquid could be readily absorbed. Soil is frequently contaminated with hazardous materials. Concentrations will vary from a few parts per million to nearly one hundred percent. The degree of hazard is dependent on the type of soil and concentration of the chemical. Generally speaking, "dry" soils do not cause a hazard to site personnel if they take minimal precautions such as wearing some type of lightweight gloves. 3.3.4 Length of Exposure The length of time a material is exposed to a chemical increases the probability of breakthrough. Determinations of actual breakthrough times for short-term exposures indicate that several different materials can be used which would be considered inadequate under long-term exposures. It should be kept in mind that during testing, a pure (100% composition) liquid is usually placed in direct contact with the material producing a worst-case situation. 3.3.5 Abrasion When selecting protective clothing, the job the employee is engaged in must be taken into consideration. Persons moving drums or performing other manual tasks may require added protection for their hands, lower chest and thighs. The use of leather gloves and a heavy apron over the other normal protective clothing will help prevent damage to the normal PPE and thus reduce worker exposures. 3.3.6 Dexterity Although protection from skin and inhalation hazards is the primary concern when selecting PPE, the ability to perform the assigned task must be maintained. For example, personnel cannot be expected to perform work that requires fine dexterity if they must wear a thick glove. Therefore, the PPE selection process must consider the task being performed and provide PPE alternatives or techniques that allow dexterity to be maintained while still protecting the worker (e.g., wearing tight latex gloves over more bulky hand protection to increase dexterity). 3.3.7 Ability to Decontaminate If disposable clothing cannot be used, the ability to decontaminate the materials selected must be taken into consideration. Once a chemical contacts the material, it must be cleaned before it can be reused. If the chemical has completely permeated the material, it is unlikely that the clothing can be adequately decontaminated and the material should be discarded. 3.3.8 Climactic Conditions The human body works best with few restraints from clothing. Protective clothing adds a burden by adding weight and restricting movement as well as preventing the natural cooling process. In severe situations, a modified work program must be used. 1/2019 Corporate Health and Safety Management Program I ROUX 13