ISEA Publishes New Chemical Protective Clothing Standard
Workers exposed to chemical hazards on the job have a new tool to select the right protective clothing, with the publication of a standard from ISEA.
The American National Standard for Classification and Performance Requirements for Chemical Protective Clothing (ANSI/ISEA 103-2010) is the first U.S. standard to address the protective apparel needs of workers who require protection from chemical hazards every day, not just in emergency situations.
ANSI/ISEA 103-2010 was developed by ISEA’s Protective Apparel Group and was reviewed by a consensus panel representing chemical and safety professionals, testing facilities, waste management and remediation providers, and government agencies.
“The immediate benefit of this standard is that it provides the end-user with a tool that can assist them in choosing apparel that is matched to the hazards they face,” said Charlie Roberson, vice president of International Sales at Lakeland Industries (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) and chairman of the ISEA Protective Apparel Group.
The standard establishes six categories of protective clothing, from gas-tight suits to partial body liquid-resistant wear. There are performance tests for the materials and whole garments in each category, as well as labeling and certification requirements.
For users and specifiers, there is a decision logic providing guidance on the selection of appropriate garment based on hazards in the working environment, and descriptions of the performance tests.
The standard can be purchased from ISEA for $53 a copy; discounts are available on bulk orders. For more information, read the standard description, or visit www.safetyequipment.org.