Debunking Common Myths About Chemical Suits
Chemical suits, or hazmat suits, are familiar sights on TV and in movies when people in brightly colored hazmat suits show up to contain the damage after a crisis. In reality, chemical suits are indispensable in some industries, particularly if you work in or manage a facility that frequently handles hazardous materials. However, several misconceptions exist about what hazmat suits can and can’t do and how they should be used. Managers overseeing a facility’s safety protocols must have accurate information to make informed decisions. Here are a few insights geared toward debunking common myths about chemical suits.
Myth 1: All Chemical Suits Provide the Same Protection
One persistent chemical suit myth states that all hazmat suits and gear are the same as each other. The truth is that chemical suits vary. The materials used in their construction, design, and overall resistance to a range of substances are different. For example, not all suits provide equal protection against both chemical and biological hazards.
Facility managers purchasing such gear must carefully match the suit’s specifications with the risks specific to their operations. After performing a plant risk assessment, they should have a better idea of the type of chemical suits they’ll need.
Myth 2: Suit Color Determines the Level of Protection
Many people think the color of a chemical suit (yellow, red, blue, etc.) signals the level of protection it offers. That might seem like a reasonable and intuitive approach, but truth is, the color is irrelevant to protection. Certain suit colors may be employed to assign emergency response team roles—readily distinguishing supervisors from medical personnel and hazardous material ground crews, for example. The level of protection depends on the suit material’s construction and certifications, not its external color.
Myth 3: Chemical Suits Don’t Require Compatibility With Other PPE
Some people assume that all chemical suits provide complete protection and don’t need to be paired with other personal protective equipment (PPE). The reality is that effective protection means combining the suit with gloves, respirators, goggles, and similar gear. In addition, not all chemical suits are modular and ready to seamlessly integrate with other PPE. Fortunately, there are ways to make them work together. Chemical-resistant tape or elastomeric face openings are often used to seal gaps between the suit and complementary protective gear as a barrier against hazards.
Myth 4: Testing Is Limited to Basic Chemical Penetration
Another widespread misconception is that chemical suits are only used to resist chemical penetration. All chemical suits require a rigorous battery of tests for different use cases. Depending on their ultimate purpose, suits are tested for puncture resistance, permeation, and fire resistance to ensure durability and protection under various conditions. This intense process guarantees a suit can perform reliably during high-risk situations.
Despite these common myths about chemical suits you might have heard, chemical suits have evolved through the years, becoming safer and more effective over time. Chemical suits can provide great protection, but they require informed decision-making to maximize the safety of your worksite.
