The use of Personal Protective Equipment in Hazmat Incidents

Abstract

Medical personnel are at risk when handling victims of Hazmat incidents. Special clothing and respiratory equipment are required to protect them from absorbing these toxic materials through inhalation or through dermal contact. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refer to both clothing and equipment used to shield or isolate individuals from chemical, physical and biological hazards that may be encountered at a hazardous materials incident. 1,2 No single type of PPE can protect all hazards and incorrect use can cause harm to the wearer. In general, the greater the protection, the greater the associated risks. 2 Therefore, the level of PPE selected should be the one that can provide adequate level of protection.