Choosing the right coveralls
14 Aug 2013
While effective in treating disease, cytostatic drugs are potentially hazardous for the healthcare professionals who handle them.
Precaution must be taken to avoid cytostatic contamination during production, preparation, disposal, storage and transportation of these substances. At the same time, it is important to protect the process from human contamination, including hair, shedding skin and clothing fibres.
One of the most effective ways of protecting both the worker and the process is through the use of disposable coveralls.
Protective coveralls are tested for barrier efficiency against migrating particles and fibres through two different test methods; the Helmke Drum and Body Box tests.
Both tests are able to ascertain the contamination to the working environment or process that can potentially occur due to fibres shedding from the protective coverall or the clothing underneath.
The Type 5 test specifies the minimum requirements for chemical protective clothing resistant to penetration by airborne solid particles.
When choosing protective coveralls to protect both the worker and the process it is always advisable to carry out a detailed analysis of the hazardous substance and of the working environment to ensure the right level of protection for the task.
Tyvek and Tychem protective clothing offer a superior level of protection and exceed requirements for migrating particle efficiency and particle hold out, as well as offering comfortable, flexible protection.
Where additional protection is required, for example where certain parts of the body may be more frequently or heavily exposed to the hazardous substance, Tychem accessories are available.
For more information please visit: www.chemicalprotection.dupont.co.uk.
