TABLE 36-1.

CATEGORIES OF PPE

LEVEL	BRIEF DESCRIPTION	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
A	Completely encapsulated suit and SCBA	Highest level of protection available for both contact and vapor hazards	•Expense and training requirements typically restrict use to HazMat response teams •Lack of mobility •Heat and physical stresses •Limited air supply •Fit-testing requirements
B	Encapsulating suit or junctions/seams sealed, and supplied-air respirator (SAR) or SCBA	High level of protection adequate for entry into unknown environments	Same as for Level A •SAR hose may pose a trip hazard or become dislodged
C	Splash suit and air-purifying respirator (APR) (note APR and PAPR considered equivalent in classification despite significant difference in protection)	•Significantly increased mobility •Less physical stress •Extended operation time with high levels of protection against certain chemical hazards •No fit-testing required for hood type	•Not adequate for some high-concentration environments, less-than-atmospheric-oxygen environments, or high levels of splash contamination •Expense and training moderate
D	Usual work clothes	•Increased mobility •Less physical stress •Extended operation time •More fashionable	•Offer no protection against specific hazards •Expense and training minimal