Limited-Use Chemical Protective Clothing for EPA Superfund Activities

摘要

Because contractor field personnel complained about the poor durability and fitof limited-use chemical protective clothing (CPC) most commonly used at hazardous waste site operations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a study to: characterize use of CPC; determine problems, and communicate results in publications and procurement guidelines. Personnel at two Superfund hazardous waste sites were surveyed about CPC problems. Poor fit of coveralls and lack of fabric durability resulted in garment failures, especially in the seat, crotch, and underarms. Some fabrics were identified that provided improved performance. The commercial market was surveyed, and commercial fabrics for limited-use CPC were identified and obtained. Available standards and specifications describing size and fit parameters for limited-use CPC were identified and reviewed relative to EPA Superfund CPC needs. None of the standards were found to be fully acceptable. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard 101-1985, however, provided a satisfactory baseline for further standards development. Problems with CPC were analyzed and suggested changes to ANSI 101 were developed as a proposed procurement guideline. The information was presented to the Industrial Safety Equipment Association, which developed the ANSI standard.