What Are the Four Levels of PPE Protection?

Personal protection equipment (PPE) works to keep professionals in healthcare, biochemical, food service and other industries safe from environmental hazards. Whether employees have to make contact with a dangerous surface or breathe in challenging conditions, providing the correct gear can reduce the chances of employees becoming ill or getting injured.

There are four main levels of PPE, and each variety is used in a different circumstance.

The Levels of PPE

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines four distinct levels of PPE. Each category contains types of equipment employees should use to perform job tasks based on what they are likely to encounter in a given setting. 

1. Level A

Level A PPE offers the highest level of protection against respiratory hazards, skin exposures and contaminants that can interfere with the eyes. Equipment users will wear a full-body suit and run an air respirator for airflow. Some of the main aspects of Level A PPE include:

• Positive pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
• Chemical-resistant bodysuit (fully encapsulated).
• Steel-toe boots with outer chemical resistance.
• Gloves with inner and outer layers that are chemical-resistant.
• Hardhat or helmet.

2. Level B

B levels of protection have more of a focus on the respiratory system rather than the skin and eyes. Someone working near gases would benefit most from this level of PPE. The main difference between Level A and Level B PPE is the kind of suit used to complete jobs. Two-piece suits, coveralls and long-sleeves protect from small chemical splashes.

3. Level C

Professionals take advantage of Level C PPE when an airborne contaminant is detected, but there is little to no threat to the skin and eyes. Workers call for a full- or half-face mask that will feed them air from a respirator. Opting for Level C PPE products gives you the same degree of skin protection as Level B PPE, which means it is unsuitable for a chemical emergency.

4. Level D

Level D is considered the minimum line of protection from hazardous environments. No air respirator is necessary for Level D working conditions. Employees will utilize coveralls, safety boots and chemical-resistant goggles for nominal defense.

What Level of Protection Do You Need?

OSHA scales the need for PPE based on a color-coded system. This involves red, yellow and green zones for first-responders in a variety of emergency situations. The information below explains when to use the four levels of PPE:

• Level A: Level A is used within highly-toxic environments in which there is a high risk of exposure to gases, vapors or chemical splashes. This might include a high concentration of ammonia.
• Level B: There is a significant risk with exposure to airborne gases. Dangerous liquids are not present on the scene.
• Level C: The concentration of an airborne substance is measurable. There is little chance of exposure to the skin and eyes.
• Level D: Level D is primarily used for nuisance contamination clean-up efforts. Only coveralls and safety boots are required on the scene.

Purchase PPE Products in Bulk at SUNLINE Supply

SUNLINE Supply carries a variety of PPE masks, nitrile gloves and other products for your applications. A large portion of our inventory is available now for immediate shipping. Check out our collection of PPE products online, and place your order today.

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