Understanding Gas Tight Suit Classifications
Gas tight suits are classified under international standards that define the level of protection provided. The two terms most commonly used in NZ are:
- Type 1 gas tight suit refers to the EN 943-1 and EN 943-2 European classification for fully encapsulating, gas-tight chemical protective suits. Type 1a suits are designed for use with SCBA worn inside the suit. Type 1b suits accommodate SCBA worn outside. Type 1ET denotes emergency team suits tested to more stringent criteria under EN 943-2.
- Level A gas tight suit refers to the US EPA classification system, which describes the highest level of respiratory, skin and eye protection. Level A suits are fully encapsulating and vapour-tight, used when the highest available protection is required.
Both classification systems describe fully encapsulating airtight suits, but they are tested and certified under different standards. pH7 can help clarify which classification applies to your customers’ operational or regulatory requirements.
Selecting the Right Airtight Suit
Key factors when specifying a gas tight hazmat suit include:
- Disposable versus reusable. Disposable gas tight suits are suited to single-incident response or situations where decontamination of a reusable suit is impractical. Reusable suits offer a lower cost per use for organisations with ongoing readiness requirements, provided a regular inspection and testing programme is in place.
- SCBA configuration. Suit design must be compatible with the respiratory protection system being used, including whether the SCBA is worn inside or outside the suit.
- Shelf life and storage. Airtight hazmat suits held in emergency response stockpiles require careful storage and regular integrity checks to ensure they remain serviceable when needed.
Gas Tight Suit Pressure Testing
pH7 offers pressure testing services for gas tight suits to verify suit integrity and confirm ongoing compliance after storage or deployment. This is a critical part of any gas tight suit maintenance programme and supports organisations in demonstrating due diligence around their emergency response PPE.
