The DuPont Level A Tychem Protective suits, both the Tychem BR Commander and Tychem TK Commander, provide a high level of protection for employees and first responders in hazardous environments. These suits should be used when the greatest   level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required. Periodic inspection of the suit is necessary BEFORE an emergency to be sure that it will provide effective protection when it’s needed.

When Should The Personal Protection Suits Be Inspected?

• DuPont recommends the inspection of all Personal Protection garments:
• When the garment is received from the supplier.
  This insures that no damage occurred during shipping.
• Air pressure testing should also be done upon receipt.
• Inspect the suit at least once a year.
• Inspect it after the garment has been worn and before it is worn again.
  Do not use any damaged or altered garment.
  Do NOT use any garment that has been contaminated. It must be discarded and properly disposed of.
• Each garment inspection should include an inflation/air pressure test to evaluate the integrity of its vapor protection.

Air Pressure Testing of Personal Protection Suits
Air Pressure valve testing should not be undertaken without first reading the following standard or the DuPont Instruction Manual described in the following paragraphs. 

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.

It would be wise to obtain a copy of the DuPont Personal Protection Instruction Manual for the Universal Pressure Test Kit # 990810 before trying to complete the initial inflation testing of the Tychem Level A protective suit. You can obtain a copy of these instructions by calling DuPont Personal Protection Customer Service at 800-931-3456 or it can be downloaded from the DuPont internet site, when it is specifically requested by its title. This booklet has very detailed instructions with helpful step by step photographs.

Care Of The Exhaust Valve

Record Keeping Of Testing

• A record should be kept of each inspection which includes:
• The date.
• The inspector.
• Test results.
• Remarks on inspection.
• Complete the inspection tag with the garment with the name and date of the person who completed the test.
• Place this in the bag with the garment.
• Put anti-tamper seal on garment bag or container after inspection.

Inspecting Personal Protective Suits That Are Stored

• Stored suits should be inspected at least annually.
• The inspection records should be maintained.
• After 5 years from receipt, the suit should no longer be used. 
• It should be retired and labeled “Training Use Only”.

Garment Repairs

• Do NOT use a damaged, altered, or contaminated garment!
• If an uncontaminated or unaltered garment fails a visual inspection or pressure test, contact your safety equipment distributor or DuPont Personal Protective Equipment at 800-931-3456 to determine if it CAN be returned for inspection or repair.
• Contaminated garments cannot be returned and will not be accepted for repair. Do not try to return any garment that smells or is discolored.
• With each garment returned, you must provide the testing log and a declaration that it has not been exposed to chemicals or to biological pathogens.

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There are requirements outlined in 40 CFR 264.10 that apply to owners and operators of hazardous waste facilities. General inspection requirements are spelled out in 264.15.
The owner or operator must inspect his facility for:

• Malfunctions
• Deterioration
• Operator errors
• Discharges which may lead to hazardous waste being released to the environment
• Inspections must be done regularly and often enough to identify problems and correct them before they can harm people or the environment.

A written schedule must be developed for the inspection of:

• Monitoring equipment
• Safety and emergency equipment
• Security devices
• Operating and structural equipment, such as dikes and sump pumps, that are used to prevent or manage leaks or other problems.
• Methods of detecting and responding to environmental or human health hazards.

Schedule Requirements

• The schedule must be kept at the facility.
• The schedule must list the types of problems, such as deterioration or malfunctions, that are to be looked for during the inspection. (Examples are an inoperative sump pump, leaks, eroding dike, etc.)

The frequency of the inspection may vary according to the items on the schedule. The frequency should be based on:

• The rate of deterioration of the equipment.
• Probability of an incident that would present a danger to people or the environment if a deterioration, malfunction, or operator error went undetected between inspections.
• Loading and unloading areas must be inspected daily, when in use, to detect any spills.
• Per 264.174, inspections must be done at least weekly where hazardous waste containers are stored to detect any leaks or deterioration in tanks.

The inspection schedule will be evaluated by the EPA to be certain it protects people and the environment.

Records of inspections must be maintained. At a minimum, the records must include:

• Date and time of inspection
• Name of person who carried out the inspection
• Notation of observations
• Date and nature of repairs
• Corrective action that was taken
• Any other remedial actions

There are additional requirements for inspections of areas where materials that are dangerous to human health and the environment are maintained. These requirements are outlined in ¶ 264.174 Storage Areas for Hazardous Wastes, ¶ 264.193 Storage Methods and Areas for Containment of Hazardous Wastes In Tanks.

There are additional requirements for alarm systems, monitoring of landfills, emergency plans, munitions storage areas spelled out in ¶¶ 264.195, 264.226, 264.254, 264.278, 264.303, 264.347, 264.602, 264.1033, 264.1052, 264.1053, 264.1058, 264.1083 through 264.1089. If they pertain to your facility, those requirements must be implemented into the facility’s inspection schedule.

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.

Many business such as automotive shops, service stations, machine shops, mechanics, and painters, use towels, rags or disposable towels to clean machinery, wipe up spills, absorb solvents, etc. Rags that are contaminated with solvents or paints but are re-useable can be sent to a commercial laundry. Before laundering, they must be handled according to regulations; just as solvent contaminated disposable towels and worn out rags must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

Reusable Towels

The rag is to be collected in a fire-resistant, leak proof container.

• Rags contaminated with a solvent must not be stored in the same container with those that are contaminated with another non-compatible chemical.
• The container is kept closed and is labeled with the name of the contaminating chemical ( e.g.,” Solvent Contaminated Rags”).
• These rags must not contain any free liquid.
• The practice of disposing of used solvents by pouring them into containers of used rags is illegal and dangerous.
• The air drying of solvent soaked rags is also dangerous and prohibited.
• Before the rags are sent to the laundry, solvents and other liquids must be removed by wringing or pressing them out, or by centrifuging them.
• If any equipment is needed, it should be suitable for use around flammable or volatile liquids.
• These free liquids are to be collected and reused, if possible. If the liquids cannot be reused, they must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
• Rags saturated with oil should be put through a wringer or a process designed to remove the oil. If the used oil is contaminated with solvents or other chemicals, it must be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of according to regulations.
• If the used oil can be collected from the rags and is uncontaminated, it can be sent to a recycler.
• Each container is to be inspected weekly, and when it meets accumulation requirements, it is sent to a designated RCRA facility for disposal as solid hazardous waste.
• The container must be in good condition, prevent the release of contaminants to the air, and meet Department of Transportation standards.

Commercial Laundry

Businesses should keep records, invoices, receipts, possibly a contract, on site and available, documenting the use of a commercial laundry for rags and towels.

If the owner of a business decides to launder his rags on-site instead of sending them out to a commercial laundry, he must comply with all regulations. This includes air pollution standards and RCRA regulations regarding waste water as well as local fire and water regulations.

Disposable Towels and Wipers

The proper handling of rags and disposable wipers is complex and unsafe practices can have a negative impact upon employee health and safety. It can also bring liability to the facility as well as cause environmental harm.

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The more you learn about solvents and the precautions you should take, the safer you will be. The first step is getting information about the chemicals you will encounter or use at work. Adequate training in safe methods of handling and using solvents is essential for your health and well-being.

Safety In The Work Environment

• Store solvents as recommended on MSDS information sheet.
• Solvents should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area and nowhere near a heat source.
• Solvents should not be stored near caustic alkaline chemicals or oxidants.
• An Emergency eye wash station should be near work area

Safety In Your Work Area

• Learn about the chemicals you will be using.
• Review the information on the MSDS sheets. It will tell you the hazards of the chemical, precautions you should take when using them, and what to do in case of a spill or emergency.
• Check your work area to be sure it is free of obstacles or items like extension cords that could be tripped over or cause a spark.
• Have an escape route planned from your work area.
• Report defective equipment, ventilation problems immediately
• No smoking anywhere near solvents or where vapors could travel.
• Be aware that vapors may travel from your work area to an adjoining space where there could be a possibility of a spark or other ignition source.
• Be sure there are no heat or ignition sources in the area such as open flames, welding, sparking tools, or sources of static electricity.
• Do not use solvents around unapproved or open lamps or bare light bulbs.
• Do not use an electric fan near your work area as it could cause a spark.

Safe Work Practices

• Use the solvent only in well-ventilated areas.
• If you become aware of solvent vapors, report it immediately and leave the area.
• Minimize the amount of solvents that you have out ready for use. 
• Keep solvent containers tightly closed when not in use.
• Some solvents used in spraying paints cause a softening of the hoses which can leak, resulting in chemical sprays on your clothes or light bulbs. Use sprayers with hoses that are resistant to the type of solvent being used.
• When solvents are transferred from containers or portable tanks by gravity, an approved self-closing safety faucet or self-closing valve must be used.
• Check containers often for dents, leaks or corrosion.
• Safety cans and safety pumps should be used to transfer solvents.
• Use the appropriate equipment when working with solvents. For instance, when doing vapor degreasing, use tongs and dunking buckets to avoid skin contact with the solvent.

Safe Spill Cleanup and Disposal Methods

• Place waste solvent in designated containers for disposal.
• Solvent soaked rags should be placed in tightly closed labeled containers. Rags may be safely laundered or must be disposed of as hazardous waste depending upon the type of rag material and the chemical.
• Never discard even a small amount of solvent down a drain, toilet, or in the regular trash.
• Do not weld or torch empty solvent containers.
• If you have been trained, have the proper equipment, and the spill is small, clean it up immediately using appropriate spill containment supplies.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as recommended on the MSDS when working with solvents. The information will tell you what is needed:
   splash proof goggles
   face shield
   Gloves
   protective clothing or an apron.
• If a respirator is needed, it should fit properly and be the appropriate type.
• If any PPE becomes contaminated with a solvent, remove it carefully to prevent contact with your clothes or skin.
• Do not go to other areas wearing contaminated clothes or other equipment.
• Learn how to use fire extinguishers and know what to do in an emergency
• Training in Emergency Response, Spill Management, Fire Control and First Aid should be on-going for everyone who works with solvents

Safe Work Practices

• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in an area that contains solvents.
• Do not leave any food or beverages, coffee mugs or utensils in an area where solvents are used or stored.
• Do not clean grease or paint off your skin with a solvent.
• Wash thoroughly after handling solvents.
• Do not wear contact lenses when working with solvents as they can trap vapors and cause eye damage.

This is a starting point for solvent users to develop practices and safe handling plans for their unique place of work and the jobs they do.

To make sure that your work area is safe make sure to have a solvent spill kit on hand and that your solvents are stored properly in a Flammable Storage Cabinet.

In August 2005, the Energy Policy Act, which was signed by the President, included legislative changes affecting the underground tank storage program. The new law had significant effects upon federal, state, and tribal underground tank storage programs and its goal was to reduce releases from the tanks into the environment.

As a part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Section 1530, enacted the Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2005, which amends the previous law called the Solid Waste Disposal Act. These new changes were the first to affect underground storage units in over 20 years.  Guidelines to implement the secondary containment provision in Section 9003 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act were enacted as a part of the new law. The result was additional requirements to protect groundwater from contamination.

Shortly after the Energy Policy Act was signed, the EPA formed several work groups to develop grant guidelines for the states. The EPA would provide funding through grants to those states that were able to implement the law’s new provisions. The new EPA guidelines were developed in consultation with the states and the regional tank offices.

• The guidelines describe the minimum requirements that states must meet in order to comply with the secondary containment provisions in the Energy Policy Act.
• The guidelines also establish the minimum requirements a state receiving funding must meet in order to comply with the secondary containment requirements of the Energy Policy Act.
• The guidelines provide definitions, compliance requirements, and examples.
• By February 8, 2007, states receiving federal funds under Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act must have either implemented the new guidelines or meet the financial responsibility and certification grant guidelines issued by the EPA.
• These guidelines do not require owners or operators to retrofit existing equipment.  The new guidelines only apply when owners or operators decide to replace existing equipment or install new equipment.

To ensure that the grant guidelines would be implemented with minimal disruption, the EPA gave the states considerable flexibility in establishing their own secondary containment programs. For those states that demonstrated good faith toward meeting the requirements, the EPA would continue to offer assistance in the implementation of their programs.

Secondary containment provides a barrier between an underground storage tank and the environment. By holding leaking petroleum between the tank and a barrier, the leak can be detected. The EPA now requires additional measures to protect ground water from contamination from underground storage tanks (USTs) through the use of either secondary containment methods or evidence of financial responsibility and certification.

In August 2005, the Energy Policy Act, which was signed by the President, included legislative changes affecting the underground tank storage program. The new law had significant effects upon federal, state, and tribal underground tank storage programs and its goal was to reduce releases from the tanks into the environment.

As a part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Section 1530, enacted the Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2005, which amends the previous law called the Solid Waste Disposal Act. These new changes were the first to affect underground storage units in over 20 years.  Guidelines to implement the secondary containment provision in Section 9003 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act were enacted as a part of the new law. The result was additional requirements to protect groundwater from contamination.

Shortly after the Energy Policy Act was signed, the EPA formed several work groups to develop grant guidelines for the states. The EPA would provide funding through grants to those states that were able to implement the law’s new provisions. The new EPA guidelines were developed in consultation with the states and the regional tank offices.

• The guidelines describe the minimum requirements that states must meet in order to comply with the secondary containment provisions in the Energy Policy Act.
• The guidelines also establish the minimum requirements a state receiving funding must meet in order to comply with the secondary containment requirements of the Energy Policy Act.
• The guidelines provide definitions, compliance requirements, and examples.
• By February 8, 2007, states receiving federal funds under Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act must have either implemented the new guidelines or meet the financial responsibility and certification grant guidelines issued by the EPA.
• These guidelines do not require owners or operators to retrofit existing equipment.  The new guidelines only apply when owners or operators decide to replace existing equipment or install new equipment.

To ensure that the grant guidelines would be implemented with minimal disruption, the EPA gave the states considerable flexibility in establishing their own secondary containment programs. For those states that demonstrated good faith toward meeting the requirements, the EPA would continue to offer assistance in the implementation of their programs.

Secondary containment provides a barrier between an underground storage tank and the environment. By holding leaking petroleum between the tank and a barrier, the leak can be detected. The EPA now requires additional measures to protect ground water from contamination from underground storage tanks (USTs) through the use of either secondary containment methods or evidence of financial responsibility and certification.

DuPont Tychem protective suits are designed for limited wear and they can be safely used until damaged, deteriorated, or contaminated. Once a suit is contaminated by toxic chemicals, it must be discarded. If the suit is damaged during use, the responder must immediately retreat, undergo field decontamination, remove and discard the suit. It is the responsibility of the safety professional who is in charge of the garment’s usage to determine whether it has been contaminated or it can safely be re-used.

There is no known standard, non-destructive way to assure that decontamination of a chemical personal protective suit has been totally achieved. Guidelines are difficult to obtain. Also, because many fabrics are absorbent, there is the possibility that the chemical could remain in the suit after decontamination. This is especially true in very hazardous chemical situations, (Level A), where unknown or very toxic, or carcinogens are present. Here, the safest method of decontamination is disposal.

A Chemical Suit Should Be Disposed Of:

• After a Level A situation where it has been exposed to unknown chemicals.
• If it  has been exposed to toxic chemicals such as mutagens, or carcinogens.
• If the suit is damaged, has tears, punctures, discoloration, is deformed or misshapen.
• If it shows any signs of wear or deterioration.
• If the suit does not pass the positive pressure test.

Decontamination And Re-use May Be A Possibility If:

• The suit has a low degree of contamination with a known, non-toxic chemical.
• It has been in contact with non-carcinogens or chemicals that are not absorbed through the skin.
• The suit has had a low degree of chemical exposure.
• There is no physical damage to the suit.  

The Tychem Responder®, Responder CSM®, and Reflector® suits all provide a very high level barrier against a variety of 260 chemicals. If there is any question of contamination, the suit should be discarded and properly disposed of.

Removable suits that are made of materials such as PVE, CPE, Butyl and others are able to ‘hold out’ well against specific chemicals. These suits are appropriate for use against many Level A (gases) and Level B (liquids) in industrial situations where there are known chemical hazards. In this case, if the chemical is known, decontamination might be practical.

Before the protective suit is re-used, it should be thoroughly inspected following the DuPont Tychem Garment Inspection procedure. It should also pass pressure and inflation testing as outlined in the DuPont Personal Protection Instruction Manual for Universal Pressure Test Kit. If it fails any portion of the inspection, it should be discarded and not worn.

• the worker
• the task
• the tools
• the work environment.
  

Priority for hazard analysis should go to the following types of jobs:

• Jobs with the highest injury or illness rates
• Jobs that have the potential for causing severe or disabling injuries or illness, even if there is no current accident history
• Jobs in which one simple human error could result in severe accident or injury
• Jobs that are new to the business or ones that have undergone changes in procedures
• Jobs that are complex enough to require written instructions
• Jobs that involve hazardous materials
• Jobs that involve hazardous energy sources
• Jobs that involve the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  

Completion of an effective Job Hazard Analysis requires the following steps:

• Involve the employees that work in the area and are familiar with the tasks
  • Their knowledge helps avoid oversights
  • This gives employees an ownership in the solutions
• Review the accident history
• Do accidents happen at certain times?
• What are the circumstances of accidents?
• Conduct preliminary job review
• Discuss job hazards with affected employees
• Make a list of jobs with hazards, rank them and set priorities
• Jobs with the most serious hazards should be first priority
• Outline the steps involved in each task
• Review hazards and recommended solutions
  

The overall goal of a Job Hazard Analysis is to prevent injuries and illnesses, reduce property damage, supplement existing safety requirements and improve employee training in safe completion of existing, modified, or new tasks.

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• The lost number of employee work days
• Cost of continuing wages to injured or ill employees
• The time spent orienting temporary or replacement employees
• The programs and services that are not up to par because the regular employees are not there
• The additional strain on the employees who may be required to pick up the absent employee’s load
• Reduced morale among employees with possible decrease in efficiency
• Possibly increased workers’ compensation premiums
• Time and cost involved in completion of paperwork generated by the incident
• The possibility of having to suspend or discontinue a program due to the absence of vital employees
• Time and cost of repair or replacement of equipment damaged by workplace accident
  

• Where are the hazards?
• What is the harm potential? 
• Is there an electrical danger? This could be as small as a frayed electrical cord.
• Are there toxic chemicals?
• Is there mold or lead based paint?
• Is the lifting of heavy objects necessary?
• Is repetitive motion necessary?
  

OSHA describes a ‘hazard analysis’ of the job dangers as a technique that focuses on the various tasks required by the job to identify problems before they develop.  The Nonprofit Risk Management Center describes this process as ‘evaluating the parts to strengthen the whole’. A successful analysis examines the worker, the job to be done and the tools to be used.

Once the specific hazards are identified, it is up to management and the employees to work together for solutions. Their task is to develop cooperative methods to address the specific hazards of the job and to implement ways to get the work done safely.