HR Management & Compliance

Train Workers on HAZWOPER’s PPE Requirements

HAZWOPER rules (29 CFR 1910.120 Appendix B) delineate four levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) required to protect workers under various site conditions. Here’s what trainees need to know.

Level A

Should be worn when the highest level of respiratory, skin, and eye protection is needed (i.e., for use with highly toxic releases, such as chlorine or ammonia). Level A protection includes:

  • Fully encapsulated chemical-resistant suits
  • Positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive-pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA
  • Double layer of chemical-resistant gloves
  • Airtight seals between suit and gloves and boots

Meet your OSHA-required 8-, 24-, or 40-hour HAZWOPER training requirements with 17 audio training sessions on one DVD plus a comprehensive training manual. To get your HAZWOPER Training Library, click here.


Level B

Should be worn when the highest level of respiratory protection is needed, but a lesser degree of skin protection is needed (i.e., protects against splash hazards posed by acids or caustics). Level B protection includes:

  • Positive-pressure SCBA or positive-pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA (National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved)
  • Chemical-resistant clothing
  • Double layer of chemical-resistant gloves
  • Chemical-resistant boots, with steel toe and shank

Level C

Should be worn when the next highest level of respiratory protection is needed after Level B. Skin protection criteria are similar to Level B (i.e., protects against contaminants, such as asbestos and lead). Level C protection includes:

  • Full-face or half-mask air purification respirator (NIOSH approved)
  • Chemical-resistant clothing
  • Double layer of chemical-resistant gloves
  • Chemical-resistant boots, with steel toe and shank
  • Eye protection if half-face respirator is worn

Level D

Should be worn only as a work uniform and not at any site with respiratory hazards. Provides no protection against chemical hazards. Level D protection essentially includes common work clothes, such as safety goggles, safety gloves, and protective shoes.


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Rely on the Highest Level of HAZWOPER Training

If you’re looking for high-quality, highly effective HAZWOPER training materials, you are looking for BLR’s HAZWOPER Training Library. This unique program includes 17 audio training presentations on DVD plus a 200+ page HAZWOPER training manual with tests, handouts, completion certificates and an electronic version of the manual so you can easily take everything from location to location even if you don’t want to carry the manual! The handy outline tells you exactly what to present and when to meet either the 8-, 24-, or 40-hour requirements!

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