Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Protective Disposable Coveralls Training

Materials and Protection Levels:

Tyvek (Spunbonded Olefin):

• • Microscopic pores allow vapor to pass through, making it breathable, while preventing particulates and light liquid splashes.

  • Varying weights and coatings offer different levels of protection. Heavier Tyvek fabric provides better barrier properties.

  • These are not suitable for heavy chemical splashes or prolonged liquid exposure.

Polypropylene:

• • A lightweight, non-woven material offering basic protection against dry particulates.

  • Inexpensive and disposable, but less durable and breathable than Tyvek.

  • Limited protection against liquids.

Polyethylene (PE) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):

• • Provide excellent chemical resistance, but are less breathable.

  • Suitable for handling hazardous chemicals, acids, and alkalis.

  • Thickness and seam construction determine the level of protection.

Coated Fabrics:

• • Combine a base fabric with a coating to enhance specific properties, such as chemical resistance, flame resistance, or liquid repellency.

  • Offer versatility and tailored protection for specific applications.

Flame-Resistant (FR) Fabrics:

• • Treated or inherently flame-resistant materials that self-extinguish when exposed to flames.

  • Essential for welding, electrical work, and environments with fire hazards.

  • Understand that there are different levels of FR protection.

Types of Coveralls

OSHA's Role:

• • OSHA mandates that employers provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect workers from hazards. This includes selecting coveralls that are suitable for the specific risks present in the workplace.

  • OSHA refers to industry consensus standards, such as those from ANSI and ASTM, which in turn may reference EN or ISO standards.

U.S. PPE Levels: 

Level A: Highest level of respiratory, skin, and eye protection. Requires a fully encapsulating chemical-resistant suit.

Level B: High level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection than Level A.

Level C: Lower level of respiratory and skin protection. Used when the hazard is known and the concentration is measured.

Level D: Basic work uniform. Offers minimal protection.

EN/ISO Standards: These standards provide detailed classifications based on the type of protection offered. Common types include:

EN (European North) ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Type 1 (EN 943): Gas-tight suits. Offers the highest level of protection against gases and vapors.

Type 3 (EN 14605): Liquid-tight suits. Protects against pressurized liquid chemicals.

Type 4 (EN 14605): Spray-tight suits. Protects against liquid chemical sprays.

Type 5 (EN ISO 13982-1): Particulate-tight suits. Protects against airborne solid particles.

Type 6 (EN 13034): Limited splash-tight suits. Protects against light liquid splashes.

OSHA's Nuances and Hazard Assessments:

Hazard-Specific Selection:

• • OSHA emphasizes that coverall selection must be based on a thorough hazard assessment.

  • This includes identifying the specific contaminants, their concentrations, and the potential for exposure.

  • For example, asbestos abatement requires coveralls with sealed seams while chemical handling demands liquid-proof suits with appropriate chemical resistance.

Training Requirements:

• • OSHA mandates training on the proper donning, doffing, and disposal of coveralls.

  • This includes instruction on how to inspect coveralls for damage, how to properly seal openings, and how to avoid cross-contamination.

  • Training should also include how to decontaminate before removing coveralls.

Respiratory Protection Integration:

• • Coveralls must be compatible with respiratory protection.

  • This includes ensuring that respirator straps fit properly and that coverall openings are sealed to prevent contaminant entry.

Sizing and Fit: Beyond the Basics:

Body Dimensions:

• • Suits must be available & sized appropriately for all employees.

  • Consider not only height and weight, but also chest, waist, and inseam measurements.

  • Manufacturers provide sizing charts that specify these dimensions.

  • Improperly fitting suits can lead to tripping, slip & falls as well as rapidly damaged coveralls.

Movement and Flexibility:

• • Ensure that coveralls allow for a full range of motion without restricting movement.

  • Reinforced seams and gussets can enhance durability and flexibility.

  • Suits must move & not tear from movement alone. 

Closure Systems:

• • Zipper and hook-and-loop closures offer varying levels of protection and ease of use.

  • Sealed zippers and taped seams provide enhanced barrier properties.

Ankle and Wrist Closures:

• • Elastic cuffs and closures prevent contaminants from entering through openings.

  • Elastic wrist to glove connection should be duct taped to prevent accidental exposure from suit sleeve movement. 

  • Boot covers or integrated boots provide added protection.

Hoods:

• • Hoods provide protection for the head and neck.

  • Hoods should be attached & compatible with other PPE, such as respirators and hard hats.

  • Hard hats should be worn over the hood.

  • Respirator straps should be beneath the hood of the suit.

Environmental Considerations:

Temperature and Humidity:

• • Breathable coveralls, like Tyvek, are essential in hot and humid environments to prevent heat stress.

  • In cold environments, consider wearing insulated clothing beneath coveralls or layering for added warmth.

Confined Spaces:

• • Confined space entry often requires specialized coveralls with enhanced chemical resistance and durability.

Decontamination Procedures:

• • Establish procedures for decontaminating coveralls before removal to prevent the spread of contaminants.

  • Contaminated suits must be removed & disposed of within the containment, before exiting. 

    • New suits must be put on outside of the containment prior to entering. 

Disposal Protocols:

• • Follow proper disposal protocols for contaminated coveralls, such as when used in a bloodborne pathogen or sewage cleanup situation to prevent accidental contact.

  • This may involve bagging and labeling contaminated materials according to local regulations.

Situations Warranting Double Donning:

• Severe Mold Projects: In severe mold remediation projects, especially in confined spaces or when dealing with some remediation triggering mold species, double donning provides an extra barrier against spore penetration.

• Asbestos Abatement: When working with friable asbestos-containing materials, double donning reduces the risk of fiber contamination.

• Lead Paint Removal: Particularly in projects involving extensive sanding or scraping, double donning helps prevent lead dust from reaching the skin.

• Biohazard Cleanup: Dealing with sewage, bloodborne pathogens, or other biohazardous materials necessitates double donning to minimize the risk of infection.

• Heavy Chemical Exposure: When working with highly corrosive or toxic chemicals, double donning provides an extra layer of protection against splashes or spills.

• Confined Space Entry with High Contamination: When entering confined spaces with high levels of airborne or surface contamination.

• Gross Filth situations: Hoarding cleanup, or other situations where there is a large amount of contamination.

The Double Donning Process:

1. Preparation:

   • Gather all necessary PPE, including respirators, gloves, and boot covers.

   • Ensure both sets of Tyvek suits are the appropriate size and in good condition.

   • Establish a clean area for donning and doffing.

2. Inner Suit Donning:

   • Don the first Tyvek suit, ensuring all openings are properly sealed (zippers, cuffs, hood).

   • Put on inner gloves that extend past the wrist of the inner suit.

   • Put on your respirator.

3. Outer Suit Donning:

   • Carefully don the second Tyvek suit over the first, ensuring it fits comfortably.

   • Seal all openings of the outer suit.

   • Put on outer gloves that extend past the wrist of the outer suit.

4. Seal Check:

   • Perform a visible check of both suits to ensure all openings are sealed and there are no tears or rips.

5. Work Procedures:

   • Work carefully and deliberately to avoid tearing or damaging the suits.

   • If a tear or rip occurs, immediately exit the work area and replace the damaged suit or suits.

6. Doffing Procedures:

   • Establish a designated decontamination area near the access point.

   • Carefully remove the outer suit, rolling it inward to contain contaminants.

   • Dispose of the outer suit and outer gloves properly into a trashcan with a liner.

   • Decontaminate the inner gloves, and inner suit, before removing them.

   • Remove the inner suit and inner gloves, again rolling them inward to contain contaminants.

   • Dispose of the inner suit and inner gloves properly.

7. Disposal:

   • All contaminated PPE must be disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations.

   • Setup a 35 gallon trash can near the access point with a liner to put removed PPE.

Key Considerations:

• Proper training on donning and doffing procedures is essential to prevent cross-contamination.

• Regular inspections of the suits are necessary to identify any damage.

• Having a helper present, to check seals, and assist with doffing, is recommended.