Working in atmospheres containing less than 19.5% oxygen.
Hazards will not be absorbed by or adversely affect exposed skin.
1 EPA PPE information
2 OSHA PPE information
3 Standard precautions PPE and procedures used to prevent transmission of infections within healthcare settings provides adequate protection against low levels of radiological contamination that may be found in post-decontamination areas of the hospital (e.g., emergency department and surgical suites). No formal PPE is required to be worn when delivering care to persons with high dose radiation exposure although reverse isolation procedures will need to be observed as neutropenia becomes prominent.
Levels of Personal Protective Equipment: Advantages and Disadvantages
| Level | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| A | Completely encapsulated suit and self-contained breathing apparatus | Highest level of protection available for both contact and inhaled threats | Expense and training requirements restrict use to hazardous materials response teams; lack of mobility; heat and other physical stresses; limited air supply |
| B | Encapsulating suit or junction seams sealed, supplied air respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus | High level of protection adequate for unknown environment entry, supplied air ensemble with increased mobility and dexterity | Dependence on airline or limited air supply; heat and physical stresses; expense and training significant; fit testing required |
| C | Splash suit and air-purifying respirator | Significantly increased mobility, decreased physical stress, extended operation time with high levels of protection against certain agent; no fit testing required for hood type | Not adequate for some high-concentration environments or less than atmospheric oxygen nvironments or high levels of splash contamination; expense and training moderate |
| D | Work clothes, including standard precautions for health care workers (eg, gloves, splash protection) | Increased mobility, decreased physical stresses, extended operation time | Offers no protection against chemical or other agents; expense and training minimal |
Source: Hick JL, Hanfling D, Burstein JL, Markham J, Macintyre AG, Barbera JA. Protective equipment for health care facility decontamination personnel: regulations, risks, and recommendations. Ann Emerg Med. 2003 Sep;42(3):370-80. [PubMed Citation]
| NFPA* PPE Classes | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Class 4 |
| OSHA/EPA Level A PPE Equivalent |
NFPA 1994 (2007 ed.) "Class 2" PPE ensemble worn with NIOSH CBRN SCBA
NFPA 1994 (2007 ed.) "Class 3" PPE ensemble worn with NIOSH CBRN APR/PAPR
NFPA 1994 (2007 ed.) "Class 4" PPE ensemble worn with NIOSH CBRN APR/PAPR
| MOPP Gear | MOPP 4 | MOPP 3 | MOPP 2 | MOPP 1 | MOPP 0 | MOPP Ready |
| Indications | Attack with CBRN agents is imminent or has already occurred. OR |
Attack with CBRN agents is possible.
Period of increased alert.