What are the standard levels of PPE?

• A. Level A, B, C, D
• B. Ambient, conductive, radiant
• C. Move and work in
• D. Long term exposure considerations (sunlight, heat, etc.)

Answer: (A)

PPE levels describe how much protection you have based on the hazard. The standard set is Level A, Level B, Level C, and Level D. Level A provides the most protection: a fully encapsulating chemical-protective suit with a self-contained breathing apparatus, plus gloves and boots, used when the atmosphere is unknown or highly contaminated and skin/eye exposure must be prevented. Level B also offers strong respiratory protection (SCBA or a powered respirator) but uses splash-protective clothing instead of a fully encapsulating suit, so it protects skin well but not as completely as Level A. Level C uses an air-purifying respirator with chemical-resistant clothing, appropriate when the contaminant is known and the atmosphere is not immediately dangerous to life or health. Level D is the least protective, essentially a basic work uniform used for non-contaminated environments or after decon when no chemical exposure is anticipated.