The Tychem Level A suit provides the highest level of protection against hazardous chemicals. It protects against toxic corrosive gases, liquids, and solid chemicals. The Tychem TK suits were developed by DuPont and are used in HAZMAT, industrial, and domestic preparedness emergencies. They are very dependable, puncture resistant, and extremely durable. The DuPont Tychem Garment User Manual, which can be downloaded from the DuPont website, contains detailed inspection instructions.  

When Should The Suit Be Inspected?

• The suit should be inspected upon receipt from the supplier.
• Inspect the suit after each use unless it was contaminated.
• The suit should be inspected at least once a year.
• The suit should also be given a quick re-inspection prior to each use.  

Visual Inspection Of The Suit

• Lay the suit on a clean, smooth surface.
• Examine the outside of the suit for holes, cuts, or abrasions using a flashlight. Mark any areas that need repair.
• Examine the seam tape for lifts or de-lamination. Mark areas in need of repair.
• Examine the face shield lens for a tight seal. Make sure the window offers a clear view.
• Examine the suit’s air distribution system and make sure it is connected properly and is in good working order.
• Check the suit gloves to make sure they are in working order. Examine both the inner and outer gloves of models that are fitted with multiple glove combinations.
• Examine the suit’s zipper and zipper cover to make sure they work well.
• If the zipper is difficult to operate, it can be lightly lubricated on the inner and outer components with paraffin (wax). After lubrication, open and close the zipper several times to be sure all excess paraffin is removed.
• Examine the suit’s exhalation valves to make sure they are not obstructed and are in good working order.
• Examine all the snaps and suit closures and all adjustment straps to be sure they are in working order.
• Check the warning labels to make sure that they are firmly attached and can be read easily.
• Check the suit for any cracks from wear. This looks somewhat similar to the wear that is visible in old, worn tires.
• Check for ozone deterioration, which appears as chalky white spots, and look for de-lamination of the coating from the fabric. A suit with any of these signs of deterioration must be replaced.
• Holes, a malfunctioning zipper, or other defects mean that this suit is no longer safe to use and must be discarded.

Air Pressure Testing

• All Level A protective suits should have an inflation test completed during each inspection.
• As part of the inflation test, the exhaust valve diaphragms must be removed and visually inspected with a magnifying glass. Look for cracks or deterioration. Damaged or deteriorating diaphragms should be replaced.

Exhaust Valve Diaphragms
In addition to testing, the exhaust valve diaphragms must be replaced every two years from the date of suit manufacture.  Instructions for this can be found in the DuPont Personal Protection Instruction Manual for Universal Pressure Test Kit. You can obtain a copy by calling DuPont Personal Customer Service at 800-931-3456 or it can be downloaded from the DuPont website. This booklet has detailed instructions with helpful step by step photographs.

All Tychem TK, Tychem BR and Tychem LV Level A garments are equipped with Auer exhaust valves. Inflation tests are to be conducted according to ASTM F1052 “Standard Test Method For Pressure Testing Vapor Protective Ensembles”. A copy of this standard can be obtained for a fee from ASTM (www.ASTM.org) or by calling (610) 832-9585.

DuPont recommends pressure testing of each Level A chemical suit using the ASTM F1052 and the DuPont Pressure Test.