Chemical Suit and Coverall Selection

Chemical suits and coveralls protect the body from liquid splashes, dust, and hazardous substance contact.
Types range from Type 3 (liquid-tight) to Type 6 (limited splash) protection depending on the hazard.
Disposable coveralls are commonly used for asbestos removal, painting, and contaminated ground work.
The correct type must match the chemical hazard identified in the COSHH assessment for the task.
Seams, zips, and closures must be sealed or taped where the suit must prevent chemical penetration.
Chemical suits restrict movement, increase heat stress, and reduce peripheral vision during wear.
Sizing must allow comfortable movement; suits too tight restrict work, suits too loose catch on equipment.
Donning and doffing procedures must prevent cross-contamination from the outside to the inside of the suit.
The PPE at Work Regulations 2022 require employers to provide suitable chemical protection at no cost.
Used disposable suits may themselves be hazardous waste and require appropriate disposal procedures.

Chemical contact	Incorrect suit type allows chemicals to penetrate, causing skin burns, absorption, and systemic poisoning.
Heat stress	Impermeable chemical suits trap body heat. Workers overheat rapidly, especially during physical tasks in warm weather.
Cross-contamination	Incorrect doffing transfers hazardous contamination from the suit exterior to the skin and into clean areas.

Do

Don't

Select the chemical suit type that matches the COSHH assessment hazard level.
Check the suit material is compatible with the specific chemicals being handled.
Tape seams, cuffs, and zip closures where chemical penetration must be prevented.
Practise the correct donning and doffing procedure to avoid cross-contamination.
Monitor for heat stress when wearing chemical suits in warm conditions.
Size the suit correctly to allow comfortable movement without excess material.
Dispose of contaminated disposable suits as hazardous waste where required.
Inspect suits for tears, holes, and degradation before each use.
Take regular breaks in clean areas to manage heat buildup and hydration.
Brief workers on the correct suit type and donning procedure before the task.

DON'T use a Type 6 splash suit where a Type 3 liquid-tight suit is required.
DON'T wear a chemical suit made from material incompatible with the chemicals present.
DON'T remove a contaminated suit by pulling it over your head without decontamination.
DON'T reuse disposable chemical suits that have been exposed to hazardous substances.
DON'T ignore heat stress symptoms while wearing impermeable chemical protection.
DON'T wear a suit with tears, holes, or degraded seams for chemical tasks.
DON'T put contaminated disposable suits in general waste bins on site.
DON'T choose a suit based on cost alone; it must match the assessed hazard.
DON'T wear loose suits near rotating machinery where material can catch.
DON'T skip the decontamination step before removing chemical protective suits.

See also: PPE Awareness and Responsibilities | COSHH Awareness

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