Abstract
The manual for testing the resistance of chemical protective clothing (CPC) is presented. The manual is intended for industrial hygienists who have some knowledge of analytical chemistry, especially gas chromatography. CPC is defined as garments, such as gloves, boots, coveralls, aprons, or encapsulating suits that protect workers primarily from dermal contact with liquid chemicals. Chemicals can be transported through CPC by material failure caused by chemical degradation, bulk penetration through pinholes, rips, zippers, or seams, or permeation (molecular flow through the material). Degradation can be measured by visual or physical changes in materials after exposure to concentrated chemicals. Penetration can be evaluated by using gas or pressurized chemical methods specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Permeation can be measured using methods that assess breakthrough time and steady state permeation rate. Physical properties and degradation, penetration, and permeation data are useful for selecting appropriate garment materials. Methods for testing the resistance of CPC to degradation, penetration, or permeation by liquid chemicals under field conditions are described.
Source Name
Division of Safety Research, NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Morgantown, West Virginia, 41 pages
