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What Everyone Should Know About The Safety And Selection Of Plastic Suits

The selection of plastic suits and other protective garments should involve variables, such as the permeation, degradation, and breakthrough rates of each material. This is determined through a standardized test called the ASTM 739 (American Standard Test Method). The result of this determines the level of safety for each suit. One example is Tyvek suits, which are suitable up to the particulate matter and light chemical spray safety level. Keep in mind, there are many variables involved in the safety level of a material.

Breakthrough Rates And Permeation

These factors of plastic suits involve the use of standardized tests that enclose the material in the middle of a special cell. Chemical is applied to one side of the material from one side of the machine with specialized sensors on the other side. The permeation rate is then determined by noting how long the chemical's vapor takes to enter the other side of the material. In general, the denser the threading and thicker the material, the longer it will take and the higher its rating will be. The breakthrough rate is calculated by determining the length of time it takes for the chemical to seep through to the other side of the material. One good example is Tyvek suits. They have a lower permeation and breakthrough rate, and therefore, are best for particulates and some chemical splash.

Degradation Rating For Materials

When material is touched by a chemical, its texture, feel, and quality can be affected. For instance, some chemicals cause a change in the material of Tyvek suits, which lowers its ability to keep you protected. You need to know how a chemical affects the material, but also how fast it occurs. The material can absorb the chemical, discolor, harden, and generally deteriorate, lowering its ability to keep you safe. Unfortunately, this is determined by the manufacturer rather than a third party test.

Other Safety Points For Plastic Suits

Many other factors can alter the ratings given to protective clothing items like Tyvek Suits. These tests are performed in a laboratory so that all tests are equivalent to each other. However, its safety rating changes once the material is in used in real life situations. Movement pulls the seams, stretches the material, and creates creases that may lower the rating. Extreme heat or cold can also alter its level of safety.

Materials are tested with a single chemical of a standard concentration. In real life, you may be working with mixtures of different chemicals and concentrations that may significantly lower the effectiveness of protective clothing. The permeation, degradation, breakthrough, and saturation all change even between different batches of chemicals. Be sure to have the chemicals tested if you are unsure and ask for more data on materials. Also, keep in mind that every manufacturer has a different process and different material make up, even if the suit is the same you always use. Each time you choose a different manufacturer, be sure to become familiar with the safety ratings of their products.

Each chemical, environment, and job you work with requires you to reexamine the level of safety for your plastic suits. In other words, if you use Tyvek suits for an indoor job, it may not be satisfactory for the outdoor job you have planned tomorrow. Cautions and decisions made with solid information are the best tools you have for safety in any situation. Don't assume one item will always keep you safe.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly is an author for MPE Safety Apparel, a provider of plastic suits and other protective clothing items including disposable boots, aprons, and Tyvek suits.

Author Profile: charmen

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