“Doffing is at least as critical and hazardous as donning - perhaps more so”
The optional Lakeland Push-Lock Glove connection system, shown in the donning process here, provides a full Type 3, jet-tested seal between sleeve and glove.
Don’ts
A poor donning procedure might mean a chemical suit does not protect properly, but the doffing process may itself be a hazard. During doffing the garment can be contaminated, so the process must be designed to ensure neither the wearer nor the assistant can be contaminated. This means the assistant will also need suitable protective PPE. So, effective chemical protection demands an effective and carefully considered donning and doffing process. We recommend establishing a written, documented procedure. This document provides workers with a step by step guide to donning of Lakeland PAPR suits, and general guidance for donning and doffing of any chemical suit
DON’T try to do the initial part of donning whilst standing and wearing footwear. Inserting booted feet into the legs of the garment whilst standing can result in losing balance and is more likely to damage the garment. DON’T underestimate the importance of joins between different items of PPE. If they require sealing, how can seal be achieved? It is good practice to wear a disposable nitrile glove underneath the chemical gloves. This serves as additional protection and helps protect the hands during doffing. If using adhesive tape to seal joins, don’t try to apply it yourself…you won’t do a good job! An alternative to taping joins between gloves and sleeves is to use a connection system such as Lakeland’s Push-Lock glove connection. This offers a simple and quick liquid-tight seal, providing greater security for the wearer. DON’T forget to consider the nature of the chemical: if the suit IS contaminated, will it be obvious? Contamination of some chemicals may not be easily apparent, so take more care where it is not easily noticeable. DON’T try to remove a contaminated garment yourself! Trying to remove a contaminated garment yourself is a great hazard because it may be contaminated.
DON’T forget the partner assisting doffing may also need PPE! If the garment is contaminated, the assistant will also need PPE. This may simply be a pair of gloves, but depending on the level of contamination and hazard presented by the coverall, may extend to full body protection. DON’T try to stand for the final part of doffing. Like with donning, trying to remove feet from the garment legs whilst standing is unwise.
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DON’T remove gloves before doffing a contaminated coverall!
Removing gloves means hands are exposed to any contamination on the coverall as it is removed. Remove gloves at the final stage and place inside the garment bundle. DON’T just assume wearers will know how to don and doff properly. Establish training programs to ensure users know the correct donning and doffing process. Refresh and review training regularly, and ensure any new staff are properly trained. DON’T take risks! Perhaps the most dangerous words in the safety industry are “It’ll be OK”. A chemical suit not worn properly will not protect properly and, when you are dealing with “killer chemicals”, it might not be. Never underestimate the importance of a well-considered and written donning and doffing procedure. It can help ensure protection against hazardous chemicals is as it should be at all times, and that the dangers inherent in doffing are minimised.
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