22
Avoid Suffocation
Do not attempt to wear an encapsulating, chemical protective garment without a supplied
fresh air respirator (SCBA or air-line). Use separate, user-supplied, full-face respiratory
protection such as: 1) an open circuit, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or 2) an
external, breathing air quality, air line system with garment pass-through and escape
bottle.
You should not wear a closed-circuit (rebreather-type), SCBA with Level A or
encapsulating Level B garments. The oxygen concentration inside the suit will rise
above normal levels. The final oxygen concentration will depend on the type of closed-
circuit respirator you are wearing, your level of exertion and the how long you wear the
garment.
Air-purifying respirators (APR) do not work inside of encapsulating garments – these
garments require a source of fresh breathable air.
Air-purifying respirators (APR) cannot be worn under separate protective hoods that
extend below the clavicle.
Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) do not work inside of encapsulating garments,
whether Level A or Level B. If the garment is breached by the filters of the PAPR, it is
not considered an encapsulating garment. PAPR’s can be worn with ensembles utilizing
separate hoods, if the configuration provides adequate ventilation at the intake of the unit
and the unit is adequately protected from contamination.
Never Use Pure Oxygen
The use of 100% oxygen in these garments presents serious fire safety and health
hazards. Use only breathing quality compressed air or air-line breathing air.
You should not wear a closed-circuit (rebreather-type), SCBA with Level A or
encapsulating Level B garments. The oxygen concentration inside the suit will rise
above normal levels. The final oxygen concentration will depend on the type of closed-
circuit respirator you are wearing, your level of exertion and the how long you wear the
garment.
Attached Socks
The socks attached to chemical protective garments are designed to be worn inside outer
boots. These socks do not have sufficient durability or slip resistance to be worn as outer
boots.
Provide Hearing Protection
If noise levels inside these garments exceed regulatory noise limits, hearing protection
must be provided. Use hearing protection recommended by a safety professional which
does not interfere with the operation or use of the garment.
