A typical hazmat suit is used to protect a person’s body from being exposed to hazardous chemicals and other dangerous elements in the environment. It is typically made of a durable yet lightweight material like DuPont’s CPF fabric to keep the wearer from the elements without restricting movement.

Since most wearers of hazmat suits work in highly dangerous situations there is a need for different levels of hazmat attire to ensure that every unique need or circumstance is taken care of.

Different Hazmat Suit Levels

Hazmat Suits
Hazmat Suits

In the United States, there are four levels namely: Levels A, B, C and D.

Level A consists of hazmat suits which have been cleared as vapor-tight and being totally encapsulating. These hazmat suits typically come with a self-contained breathing apparatus or SCBA. These are typically worn by workers dealing with gas or vapor outbreaks which tend to seep through every little opening that they can find.

Level B suits are not air-tight and provide less protection for the wearer. The SCBA can be found on the inner or outer portion of the suit. Usually these hazmat suits are worn by those dealing with less invasive spills and accidents. They are made more difficult to penetrate by wrapping tape around openings or places where different pieces of the suit come together.

Level C suits are those usually worn by firefighters. These suits consist of coveralls or splash suits. They are worn with gas masks or respirators.

Level D hazmat suits are not usually given the moniker of hazmat. These are usually just suits used by a specific type of worker such as mechanics. They protect the inner clothing from spills but don’t provide protection from more dangerous and erosive chemicals.

Hazmat suits provide protection to the user but only if they are not defective in any way.