NCJ Number
194520
Date Published
2002
Length
1 page
Annotation
This document describes the personal protective equipment (PPE) used in performing environmental sampling.
Abstract
Persons conducting environmental sampling that places them at risk for exposure for Bacillus anthracis, the organism causing anthrax, should wear PPE. This includes respiratory devices, protective clothing, and gloves. The powered air-purifying respirator with full facepiece and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters allow constant flow of clear air into the facepieces, an important feature because contaminated air cannot enter gaps in the face-to-facepiece seal. These respirators also give wearers needed mobility and field of vision. Respirators should be used in accordance with a program that complies with the OSHA respiratory-protection standard. Respiratory facepieces for investigators should be assigned on the basis of results of quantitative fit testing. Wearing a properly functioning and powered air-purifying respirator with a full facepiece that is assigned to the wearer on the basis of quantitative fit testing will reduce inhalation exposures by 98 percent of what they would be without wearing this type of respirator. Wearing protective clothing protects the skin, eliminates the likelihood of transferring contaminated dust to places away from the work site, and should be removed and discarded before removing the respirator. Disposable rubber shoe coverings with ridged soles made of slip-resistant material over the booties of the disposable suit will reduce the likelihood of slipping on wet or dusty surfaces. All PPE should be decontaminated immediately after leaving a potentially contaminated area. Disposable gloves made of lightweight nitrile or vinyl protect hands from contact with potentially contaminated dusts without compromising needed dexterity. A thin cotton glove worn inside a disposable glove protects against dermatitis, which can occur from prolonged exposure of the skin to moisture in gloves caused by perspiration. These items are similar to those used by emergency personnel responding to incidents involving letters or packages. Emergency responders need to use greater levels of protection in responding to incidents involving unknown conditions or those involving aerosol-generating devices.