Hazmat Suits

• Dräger hazmat suits protect against a wide range of hazardous substances in gaseous, liquid, aerosol and solid form.
• If the hazardous material is known, use the Dräger VOICE hazardous substances database to find out which hazmat suit protects against which hazardous materials and for how long.
• In situations where the hazardous substance is unknown, always assume the worst-case scenario and select the next higher degree of protection.

• If respiratory protection is not needed, simple overalls or other protective garment that protect against the respective chemical agents will be sufficient.
• Where filtered breathing protection is required, it is recommended to use a hazmat suit with integrated full-face mask or face cuff to minimize leakages.
• If SCBA is required during an application, make sure the equipment is comfortable to wear either over or under a protective suit.

• For mechanical work or jobs in unknown environments where it could be necessary to maneuver between sharp surfaces a protective suit needs to have enhanced robust mechanical properties, such as those featured in a reusable model.
• In situations where damage is unlikely, a limited use protective suit with normal robustness may be used.
• For working in restricted environments, such as tanks with manholes, a tight-fitting protective suit with an external compressed air breathing apparatus is best. This allows the breathing apparatus to be easily placed to one side, making it easy to move through the restricted space.

• Should hazardous material permanently settle on the surface of the suit, a protective suit where the breathing apparatus can be worn on the inside is required, to protect the breathing equipment from contamination.
•  In situations where a suit becomes so contaminated that it probably cannot be cleaned, then a disposable suit should be used.
  
  

Hazardous substances may take different physical states, which then determines the risk. Whether a material is in a gaseous or liquid state determines whether splash protection is sufficient or gas protection is needed. E.g.:

• When dealing with a very cold hazardous substance, such as liquefied gas, the material of the suit must not become brittle or fracture when exposed to the cold.
• If the hazardous substance is flammable at ambient temperatures, the hazmat suit must be flame-resistant.
• If there is a risk of explosion in the area where the hazardous substance is leaking, the hazmat suit must have the relevant electrostatic properties.
• In situations where the hazardous substance is a toxic gas, only a gas-tight chemical protection suit should be used, never a splash-guard suit nor a splash-tight suit.

Within each Type, the efficiency against different chemicals and mechanical strength varies depending on the structure of the suit and material properties. Hazmat suits of Types 3, 4, 5 and 6 may cover the user's body only partially.

• Type 1 = gas-tight – protects against liquid and gaseous chemicals.
• Type 3 = liquid jet tight – protects against pressurised liquid chemicals
• Type 4 = spray tight – protects against sprayed liquid chemicals
• Type 5 = protects against solid particles
• Type 6 = protects against a light spray of liquid chemicals

Different challenges and hazards require different materials for protective suits. Selecting the appropriate material depends on the specific working conditions and the hazardous substances present in an environment. The following materials are commonly used:

• D-MEX: Offers maximum protection under the toughest conditions and is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals. This reusable material is mechanically very robust, yet lightweight and flexible.
  
  
• Umex: Specifically developed for handling chlorine and ammonia.  It is reusable, remains flexible even when in contact with very cold substances, and has a low weight.
  
  
• Zytron 500: Provides high protection against various hazardous substances. This disposable material is extremely light, flexible, and offers long breakthrough times for industrial chemicals.
  
  
• CLF: Excellent for handling liquids and solid substances. CLF is a disposable material with particularly low weight and high wearing comfort due to its very soft properties and low noise level.
  
  
• CPM: Especially suitable for low-risk work, use with infectious agents and low concentrated acids. This disposable material is very lightweight and offers good protection with low mechanical stress.
  
  
• PVC: Suitable for working with low concentrations of acids and alkalis. This reusable material is fluid-resistant, offers high tear resistance, and flexibility. It remains resistant even against strong liquid jets, such as high-pressure cleaners.
  
  
• Flexothane: Effectively protects against crude oil, machine oil, petroleum, paints, and dusts. Flexothane^® is reusable, lightweight, flexible, and water vapor permeable, which enhances wearing comfort.

Each material offers specific advantages and is particularly suitable for certain applications. To select the appropriate material for your requirements, consider the type of hazardous substance present, the work environment, and the required level of protection.
For more detailed information on the materials and their areas of application, please refer to our guide on selecting the right protective suit: