Nove norme i izbor odijela za zaštitu od kemijskih i bioloških opasnosti

Abstract

SUMMARY: Selection of chemical protective clothing in industry is based on the known hazards. Firefighters and other intervention personnel face danger from many different hazardous chemicals which are usually not known in advance. On the whole, firefighters select the highest possible protection level offered by gastight suits. Their choice are frequently still reusable garments, although limited and single use garments, beside lower price, offer a number of important advantages in terms of weight, volume, chemical resistance, ease of maintenance, and comfort. New European norms do not divide chemical protective garments into reusable and limited use any more, which is in concert with the progress achieved in material technology. The issue of total lifecycle cost has become the decisive factor in the selection process. Following correct selection based on risk assessment is the maintenance specified in manufacturers’ recommendations, which is a critical factor in garment functionality. Modelling toxicity for new materials gives the opportunity for more precise risk assessment regarding permeation of dangerous chemicals and removes certain deficiencies in European norms. Some of most important parameters which must be analysed and compared during selection process are presented in the paper.