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PERSONAL PROTECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION ' Dermal exposure to chemical or physical agents may occur through direct contact with surfaces, liquids, or vapors or through indirect contact Examples of indirect contact include skin ' exposure to contaminated dusts or the transfer to skin of contamination from other surfaces, such as tools or outer clothing The effects of dermal exposure may be one or more of the following • No response because the skin serves as an effective barrier ' • Irritation of the skin • Sensitization of the skin, producing an allergic reaction and ' • Penetration of the skin and entry into the circulatory system ' The response would depend on the agent and absorbed dose In some cases, chemicals can penetrate the skin with no apparent effect on the skin Since skin can be a significant route of entry, dermal protection requires a systematic approach to recognize ' the potential hazards and to incorporate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protection ' The wide variety of chemical agents that may be present at potentially hazardous sites calls for a conservative protective strategy Engineering controls should be used whenever practical to treduce emissions and to isolate the sources of contamination from the workers PRC's Health and Safety Program emphasizes techniques for avoiding contaminants These techniques include (1) ' individual work practices such as limiting direct contact by prohibiting sitting, kneeling, or leaning against potentially contaminated surfaces, and (2) selection and use of tools and techniques that reduce the amount of physical contact with contaminated samples and objects Decontamination, discussed in Attachment G, is critically important in reducing the dermal contact Protective clothing is required whenever the possibility of dermal exposure exists Proper ' clothing is selected by those who prepare and approve the HSP Health and Safety Plan based on what E - 1 1