Hazmat vs PPE

[LAS14]

Can someone explain why people spraying sidewalks wear hazmat gear while physicians in ICUs apparently only need gowns, goggles, gloves and mask?

tia
las

[Phoenix61]

1. Hazmat suits severely restrict movement.

It’s also to protect the wearer from what they are spraying.

[LAS14]

3. Ah! Of course! If it were 30 years ago, I would have figured that out myself!! nt

[uponit7771]

2. K&R, looks like the HCP's in Wuhan were wearing cloth hazmat suits

[LAS14]

4. What's an HCP? nt

[uponit7771]

6. Health care professionals

[nature-lover]

5. Hazmat suit for splash and inhalation of disinfectant. Disinfectant likely classified as hazardous.

[MartyTheGreek]

7. Former HAZMAT and Diver guy...

I read that the virus can stay "alive" on surfaces up to 17 hrs as was reported on one of the Cruise ships tested recently. Therefore, I'm sure they are using a strong solvent and/or disinfectant which these chemicals alone, are toxic when exposed directly on the skin and would be absorbed readily then in direct contact with the skin by just wearing street or regular work clothes. What they are wearing is is basically rain gear, waterproof shoes, and should include a required level of respiratory protection for the chemicals being used. I would call this HAZMAT dress, Level B. Unless, you're talking full Level A with SCBA etc. Look-up OSHA 120, requirements if I recall correctly. This gets detailed down to what gloves, aprons, shields etc., to wear for what HAZMAT that you're working with including the proper respirator and filter cartage or even supplied air as in Level A.