Making Synapses · Bringing Knowledge to Mankind
Waste & RecyclingLevels of Protection A to D
Twenty flashcards on what each protection level from A to D includes and when to use it, from Appendix B of the federal HAZWOPER rule.
Free to startYour progress here is temporary and is lost when you close this page. Install Making Synapses free to keep it, with spaced repetition.
20 cards
- How is protective equipment grouped?
- Into four categories, Levels A, B, C and D, based on the degree of protection.
- When is Level A selected?
- When the greatest level of skin, respiratory and eye protection is required.
- Level A respiratory protection?
- Positive-pressure full-facepiece SCBA, or a positive-pressure supplied-air respirator with escape SCBA, NIOSH approved.
- What suit does Level A use?
- A totally-encapsulating chemical-protective suit.
- Level A gloves and boots?
- Outer and inner chemical-resistant gloves, and chemical-resistant boots with steel toe and shank.
- When is Level B selected?
- When the highest level of respiratory protection is needed but a lesser level of skin protection.
- Level B respiratory protection?
- The same as Level A: positive-pressure full-facepiece SCBA, or supplied-air respirator with escape SCBA, NIOSH approved.
- Level B clothing?
- Hooded chemical-resistant clothing: overalls with long-sleeved jacket, coveralls, a one- or two-piece splash suit, or disposable overalls.
- When is Level C selected?
- When the type and concentration of airborne substances are known and the criteria for air-purifying respirators are met.
- Level C respiratory protection?
- Full-face or half-mask air-purifying respirators, NIOSH approved.
- What is Level D?
- A work uniform giving minimal protection, used for nuisance contamination only.
- Basic Level D items?
- Coveralls, chemical-resistant boots or shoes with steel toe and shank, and safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.
- Name a situation that calls for Level A.
- Substances very hazardous to the skin are known or suspected and skin contact is possible.
- Another Level A situation, about the work space?
- Work in confined, poorly ventilated areas before conditions needing Level A have been ruled out.
- Oxygen level that calls for Level B?
- An atmosphere with less than 19.5 percent oxygen.
- Level B and a direct-reading vapor instrument?
- Use B when the instrument shows incompletely identified vapors or gases not suspected of high levels of skin-harmful chemicals.
- Conditions for Level C?
- Contaminants won't harm or pass through exposed skin; they are identified and measured; a suitable air-purifying respirator exists and all its criteria are met.
- Conditions for Level D?
- The atmosphere has no known hazard, and the work rules out splashes, immersion or unexpected contact with hazardous chemicals.
- Minimum protection at initial entry if the hazards are still unknown?
- An ensemble equal to Level B, plus direct-reading instruments to spot IDLH conditions.
- Who can move protection up or down a level?
- The site supervisor, as more is learned about the hazards and conditions at the site.
Official sources
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), via GovInfo (GPO)
29 CFR 1910.120: Hazardous waste operations and emergency response (CFR 2025 edition)
Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by OSHA, NIOSH, EPA or any HAZWOPER training provider. Agency and rule names are named only to describe the content.