Personal Protective Equipment

What is personal protective equipment?

   Personal protective equipment is a way for individuals to protect themselves from the hazardous conditions.  This type of equipment is most commonly used in the workplace to prevent adverse health affects.  Personal protective equipment can be used to shield the body from many dangerous sources such as particulate matter, fumes, chemicals, radiation, and many others.  There is a wide variety of options when it comes to personal protective equipment.  The type of hazard and severity of the exposure an individual has determines the equipment that should be worn to prevent injury or illness.  The different types of equipment range from gloves and safety goggles to full body suits and respirators.  This personal protective gear can saves lives if used and worn properly.  This is why it's important that these tools are tested and checked regularly for any imperfections, holes, or tears.  Also, the equipment needs to prevent substances from seeping through the material even in the absence of noticeable imperfections.  There are two main ways that substances can get through the protective gear and onto the individual.  These two ways are permeation and penetration.

What is the difference between penetration and permeation?

   Permeation and penetration are both ways that dangerous chemicals or harmful substances can reach the individual.  Penetration can occur when there are holes, imperfections, or gaps in the fabric.  Although the fabric is large enough to stop the particles, large gaps in the fabric allow for easy access of the harmful substances directly to the human body.  To prevent penetration, it's important to physically examine the equipment before and after each use.  If there are any imperfection or holes, don't risk it; chances are it's not safe.  The second way that harmful chemicals can reach the body is through permeation.  Permeation happens at the microscopic level.  This is where the particles pass between the molecules of the barrier.  This can not be been by the human eye, and by the time you notice contact with the body, it may be too late.  The way to prevent permeation from happening is to ensure that the correction prevention is being used for the correct hazard.  If the protection is not meant for a certain dangerous substance, it may not work properly to prevent contact with the individual.  Overall, it's important to understand and be aware of the environment that you are being exposed to.  When you are aware of the surroundings, you can pick the best personal predictive equipment to prevent adverse health effects.  

Sources:

  Personal Protective Equipment 

     https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/

  Permeation vs Penetration 

    http://www.lakeland.com/europe/our-products/fr-chemical-protective-clothing/further-information-permeation-vs-penetration-pyrolon-crfr.html

   Chemical Protective Garments

     http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/personal-protective-equipment/chemical-protective-garments/faqs/protective-garments.html