What are the levels of personal protective equipment and are these levels generally recognized?
The language associated with the four levels of personal protective equipment is specific to responses to accidental releases and to protection at EPA hazardous waste sites. The language has become standardized by all regulatory agencies as a result of the publication Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities. LEVEL A protection provides the highest level of respiratory, eye, and skin protection. LEVEL B protection provides the same level of respiratory protection but less skin protection than LEVEL A. It is generally recommended for initial site entries until the hazards have been further identified. LEVEL C protection provides the same skin protection as LEVEL B, but a lower level (air purifying respirator) of respiratory protection. LEVEL D protection is normal work clothing, which provides no respiratory protection and minimal skin protection.
