How Ventilated Suits Work
There are two main approaches to ventilation in chemical protective suits:
- Air fed cooling suits use a supplied air system, typically compressed air via an airline or a PAPR unit, to deliver a continuous flow of conditioned air inside the garment. This actively reduces heat build-up and removes exhaled air and moisture, significantly improving wearer comfort and safe working duration.
- Suits with integrated respiratory interfaces are designed to accommodate SCBA or airline respiratory systems while maintaining suit integrity. A hazmat suit with ventilation of this type does not necessarily cool the wearer but ensures the respiratory system and suit work together without compromising the chemical barrier.
Selecting the right ventilated suit depends on the nature of the hazard, the expected duration of wear and the respiratory protection system already in use at the site.
AlphaTec Ventilated Suit Materials
Ansell AlphaTec ventilated hazmat suits are available across multiple barrier material configurations including the 2500, 3000, 4000 and 5000 series, each offering different levels of chemical barrier performance, flexibility and durability. Material selection should be matched to the specific chemical hazards present, which pH7 can assist with through an Ansell Chemical Guardian Report.
Common Applications
Air ventilated suits and suits with air ventilation are commonly used across NZ in:
- Chemical plant operations and hazardous substance handling
- Pharmaceutical and laboratory environments
- Confined space entry where heat stress risk is elevated
- Hazardous waste remediation and decontamination
- Emergency response and incident management
Supply for Distributors and Retailers
pH7 supplies ventilated suits, air fed cooling suits and air ventilated hazmat suits NZ-wide exclusively through distributors and retailers. Contact the pH7 team on 0800 323 223 or use the live chat on our website to discuss stocking options or get technical guidance on matching the right ventilated suit to your customers’ requirements.
