What PPE level is recommended when dealing with unknown containers?

• A. Level B protection
• B. Level C protection
• C. Level A protection
• D. Level D protection

Answer: (C)

When you’re dealing with unknown containers, protect against the worst-case scenario. Unknowns mean you can’t rely on knowing what the vapor, gas, or liquid is, how toxic it is, or what the atmosphere might require. The safest choice is a fully encapsulated, vapor-tight suit used with a self-contained breathing apparatus. This Level A protection covers skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and it isolates you from potentially highly toxic vapors or gases, as well as from oxygen-deficient environments, until the substance is identified and you can calibrate your approach.

Other options don’t provide that same level of protection. A splash-protection suit with a respirator still leaves skin exposed to vapors and doesn’t guarantee vapor-tight protection. An air-purifying respirator setup assumes known contaminants and adequate oxygen levels, which you can’t assume with unknown containers. Working clothes offer essentially no protection against chemical exposure.