Important Considerations For Selecting Plastic Suits
October 5th 2008 12:51 am By Web Development in India
Plastic suits and other protective clothing materials are tested using an ASTM F739 test (American Standard Test Method) to determine the permeation, breakthrough, and degradation rate. For example, the results of these tests have determined that Tyvek suits are best in situations involving light chemical spray and particulates. While these variables are tested in a laboratory, the results aren’t guaranteed since many different variables can affect the performance of the material.
Degradation
Degradation tests involve noting any changes that occur in the material once it has been saturated with a chemical. Tyvek suits, for instance, can harden when exposed to certain chemical compounds. The final effect of the chemical compound is not all you need to question. The rate at which hardening, discoloration, thread swelling, and general deterioration occurs is important for safety. These things are not identified with government standardized testing, so it is up to the manufacturer to determine and release these results.
Permeation And Breakthrough
Standardized testing uses a special cell that sandwiches the material of plastic suits in the middle of the cell and injects a chemical from one side of the cell. There are sensors on the other side to detect the chemical. The first thing detected with this style of testing is the permeation rate. This is how long it takes gas and vapors to reach the other side. Naturally, the heavier and denser the threading, the longer this takes. The higher the number, the longer it takes to reach the other side of the material. For example, Tyvek suits have a lower rating for permeation. They usually handle some chemical splash well. The amount of time it takes for a chemical to soak through to the other side of the material is called the breakthrough time.
Things To Know About Ratings For Plastic Suits
Even though the testing of protective clothing, such Tyvek suits, is standardized, many different factors can alter the ratings of the material. First, these tests are done in a laboratory. This does make them all standard, however this changes when it is applied out in the real world because the tests do not take pulling, bending, and stretching into account. The temperature of the suit, the outside air, and the chemical can also greatly alter the safety level of safety garments.
A significant factor that effects permeation, saturation, degradation, and breakthrough is the chemical itself. A higher concentration level, for example, can make the chemical seep through the material faster than it does in standardized tests. Mixtures of chemicals also change its safety rating. Anytime you are in doubt, it is best to have these things tested to be certain. Lastly, every manufacturer will have a different set of ratings, even if it made from the ’same’ material since they will undergo slightly different processes.
Each time you work with a different chemical or in a different situation, reevaluate the safety of your plastic suits to ensure you are always as safe as possible. For instance, if you use Tyvek suits for a cleanup job inside, it might not work for the outdoor job you are doing the next day. Through careful and informed decisions, you will be as safe and comfortable as possible in any situation you encounter. Remember, not one single protective garment available will keep you 100% safe in all situations.
About the Author: Christine O’Kelly writes for the leading provider of Tyvek suits, MPE Safety Apparel. They have been providing plastic suits and other protective clothing items since 1987.
