THE 9-STEP GUIDE TO GARMENT SELECTION BOTH EMPLOYERS AND INDIVIDUALS NEED TO ENSURE THE BODY IS ADEQUATELY PROTECTED FROM HAZARDS AND CONTAMINANTS FOR A SAFE, COMFORTABLE WORK ENVIRONMENT. All protective clothing and body protection equipment should also meet the necessary Australian Standards.
DETERMINE PROTECTIVE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FABRIC & SEAM
STEP 4
Consider that liquid chemical penetration tests are conducted over a time period of just 60 seconds. In order to assess whether a fabric protects the wearer for longer exposure periods, the permeation data (gathered from tests lasting up to 8 hours) must be consulted.
DETERMINE MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
STEP 5
Chest Girth
An excellent barrier is only worthwhile if it withstands working conditions and remains intact for the duration of the task. In addition, selecting the right size is essential to ensuring proper protection. Avoid oversized or undersized suits, and ensure correct sizes are available. Please see instructions for use.
Body Height
B
A
SIZE
HEIGHT A
CHEST B
S
64 - 67 in 164 - 170 cm 33 - 36 in 84 - 92 cm 66 - 69 in 167 - 176 cm 36 - 39 in 92 - 100 cm 69 - 71 in 174 - 181 cm 39 - 43 in 100 - 108 cm 70 - 74 in 179 - 187 cm 43 - 45 in 108 - 115 cm 73 - 76 in 186 - 194 cm 45 - 49 in 115 - 124 cm 76 - 78 in 194 - 200 cm 49 - 52 in 124 - 132 cm 78 - 81 in 200 - 206 cm 52 - 55 in 132 - 140 cm
M
L
XL
2XL 3XL 4XL
Using the simplified STEP BY STEP guide below as part of the risk assessment process will assist in selecting the correct protective clothing.
STEP 6
COMFORT CONSIDERATIONS
STEP 1
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Protection is important, and so is comfort. Identifying the appropriate protective and mechanical performance, while also maximising wearer comfort, can contribute to wearer satisfaction and productivity.
What is the chemical hazard? Is it gas, liquid, vapour or particle? Can the hazard change state during use (e.g. from liquid to vapour)? What are the levels of concentration, humidity, temperature and pressure? Are there any additional hazards e.g. risk of explosion, heat and flame, biological risk, etc.?
IDENTIFY THE CORRECT USAGE OF THE PRODUCT
STEP 8
Be aware of product limitations, as these can be a useful source of information on the correct use of the product. They may also raise important questions, such as whether additional taping is required, whether grounding requirements should be considered, performance when exposed to temperatures, and whether a doffing procedure is required that necessitates training to avoid contamination.
DETERMINE MINIMUM LEVELS OF PROTECTION NEEDED
STEP 2
When choosing protective clothing, take into account the nature of the exposure and identify the corresponding Type classification. Then examine the results obtained from both the whole suit Type, material and seam tests as indicated in the manufacturer’s product documentation.
123 4
Type 5 5
Type 3 3
Type 4 4
Type 6 6
Donning
Doffing
STEP 3
ASSESS HAZARD TOXICITY
STEP 9
WEAR TEST
Knowing the toxicity or consequences of short or long-term exposure to the hazard is essential. Assess whether a suit that just passes a certain type is sufficient protection.
5
Testing selected garment is an important step in the selection process.
Warning
Content courtesy of
4 | BUNZL SAFETY | SAFETY PRODUCTS CATALOGUE VOL1
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker