scope:

1. Scope

1.1 This guide is intended to promote the use of standards in the development, specification, and selection of chemical protective clothing with the ultimate goal of improving the safety and health of workers who come into contact with hazardous chemicals.

1.2 Proposed standards under development by ASTM Committee F-23:

1.2.1 Test Methods for Measuring the Performance Characteristics of Exhaust Valves Used in Chemical Protective Suits

1.2.2 Test Method for Measuring the Thermal and Evaporative Resistance of Textile Materials Using a Sweating Hot Plate

1.2.3 Test Method for Testing Protective Clothing Materials for Particle Penetration and Air Flow Resistance

1.2.4 Practice for Protective Clothing Maintenance Instructions

1.3 Standards relevant to the work of Committee F-23 are described along with their key reporting elements and limitations.

1.4 Proposed standards of Committee F-23 are also described to provide insight into possible future products of the committee.

1.5 The standards and proposed standards are organized under the following headings: Physical Properties, Chemical Resistance, Classification, Chemical Protective Suits, and General.

1.6 Appendix X1 is an example of how the standards can be combined into a protocol for selection of the most suitable protective clothing for a given application. Briefly, the process is one of defining the requirements of the application and then (by testing) eliminating those candidates that are unsuitable. No protocol can ensure the selection of protective clothing that guarantees worker protection. The purpose of testing is to generate data and information that will allow the selection of the most appropriate clothing. Ultimately, clothing selection is based on technical evaluation of available information and professional assessment of risk.

1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.