BS 8467:2006 pdf download – Protective clothing – Personal protective ensembles for use against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents – Categorization, performance requirements and test methods
4 Categorization and typical applications
Four categories of ensembles are described in this standard, together with typical applications in order to aid the user in identifying and selecting the category of ensemble most appropriate to the task being undertaken and the level of hazard against which protection is sought. An ensemble conforming to this standard shall be classified within the following categories, in accordance with the performance requirements specified in Clause 5 and Clause 6.
NOTE 1 It may be possible for an ensemble to be categorized into more than one category. Where ensemble items are supplied separately, the item shall be marked with, or its supporting documentation shall include information on, which other items are required to complete the ensemble in conformance with this standard, by listing product identification and manufacturer names. Typical examples of potential operational environments and applications for each category of ensemble are also provided. However this is for guidance and should not be considered as definitive or limiting the possible applications for the ensembles conforming to this standard.
NOTE 2 A risk assessment process should be used to select the category of ensemble to be used in any particular application.
Category A: A gas-tight protective ensemble with a breathable air supply independent of the ambient atmosphere and protecting against CBRN agents in the form of vapours, liquids, gases, aerosols or particulates where the nature and quantity of the agent might or might not be known. Typical application: Environments where exposure to high levels of known or unknown agents is likely, probably in the form of bulk agent including vapours or gases. Low oxygen levels might exist requiring the use of an independent air supply. Deployment of such ensembles might be at the expense of either wear-time or mobility.
Category B: A protective ensemble providing protection against CBRN contamination on surfaces by CBRN agents and their associated residual vapours and gases where the nature and quantity of the agent has been evaluated, and ensemble deployment has been assessed accordingly.
This category has been sub-divided to enable ensembles to be defined for use in a range of environments. Garments conforming to sub-category B1 are intended for use in environments with high levels of vapour challenge, but a breathable level of oxygen. Garments conforming to category B2 are intended for use in environments with mainly liquid challenge and a breathable level of oxygen. Typical application: Environments where exposure to potentially high levels of a known agent is likely. This would be primarily in the form of indirect contamination, for example contamination on personnel or equipment. Moderate-to-high levels of physical activity might be anticipated. They are not expected to be proof against immersion.
Category C: An ensemble providing protection against low levels of known CBRN agents where airborne exposure is assessed to be not harmful by skin contact but might be harmful by ocular or respiratory exposure. Typical application: Environments where exposure to low levels of known agent is likely but where the risk from vapour contact to the skin is deemed acceptable. High levels of rugged physical activity might be anticipated such as during urban search and rescue.
Category D: An ensemble providing protection against a very low level of known CBRN agent in circumstances where personal contamination is unlikely. Typical application: Environments involving very low risk of physical surface contamination. Ensembles will generally be used at large distance from any agent release and/or some considerable time after any such release, such as for outer cordon control. 5 General ensemble requirements, excluding CBRN aspects
5.1 General Ensembles shall fulfil the requirements of one or more of 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, or 5.5 when combined with the additional respiratory protective device(s) as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE 1 Many items already in use might meet some or all of the following requirements and be marked and/or certified accordingly. Consequently, the relevant tests need not be repeated to conform to this standard.
NOTE 2 A number of critical requirements for ensembles are met through conformity with the standards referenced.BS 8467 pdf download.