Level A Clothing

What Does Level A Clothing Mean?

Level A clothing is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is chosen when the highest level of skin, respiratory and eye protection is required. PPE is divided into four categories (levels A through D) based on the degree of protection they provide. Level A provides the highest level of protection.

Safeopedia Explains Level A Clothing

The need for Level A clothing demonstrates very hazardous levels of vapors, gases, particulate matter, unexpected splash, immersion or contact with hazardous substances. Typical Level A clothing and equipment includes:

• Positive pressure (pressure demand), full face-piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive-pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA

• Fully encapsulating chemical shielding suit

• Coveralls

• Long underwear

• Outer layer gloves and chemical-resistant inner layer gloves

• Chemical-resistant boots or chemical-resistant steel toe and shank

• Hard hat (worn under suit)

• Disposable protective suit, gloves and boots

Level A clothing is also essential if extremely hazardous substances can possibly be in contact with the skin or the work is conducted in a confined and insufficiently ventilated space where the hazards of the material are not identified. Clothing should be verified by the corresponding safety department in an organization. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not specify the materials or specific performance of Level A clothing because this depends on the specific hazards it is being used to protect against.