Chemical-Resistant Protective Gear

Chemical-resistant aprons protect workers from hazardous chemicals and fluid splash. Some aprons provide full-body coverage down to the knees, while others cover the torso and upper legs. They are made of durable materials such as vinyl, polyethylene and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Vinyl resists acid, oils, grease, alkalis and solvents. Polyethylene and EVOH resist alcohol, ketones, chlorines and esters. Smocks and lab coats protect the wearer from nonhazardous chemical splash, pathogens, liquid splash and dry particulates. They are used in laboratories. Chemical-resistant smocks and lab coats are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, which resists chemicals, abrasion, tears and punctures.

Chemical-resistant arm sleeves fit over the forearm and elbow to protect workers from chemical and liquid splash, pathogens and hazardous dust. Chemical-resistant arm sleeves are made of durable materials such as neoprene, vinyl, polyethylene and urethane. They resist punctures and abrasion and provide an effective barrier that prevents the spread of contaminants.

Chemical-resistant coveralls protect workers from hazardous and nonhazardous chemicals. They are worn over regular clothing to provide a strong barrier against chemical splashes and particulates. Chemical-resistant coveralls are typically made of polypropylene, polyester or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). They resist alkalis, ketones, some acids and some hydrocarbons.

Chemical-resistant chaps protect workers from chemical splash. They come in a cowboy style and step-in style. Cowboy style chaps cover the front and sides of the legs and tie around the back at different points. Step-in style chaps have long cuffs around the calves and tie once at the back of the thighs. Both styles protect a worker's legs and lower torso from chemicals. Chemical-resistant chaps are typically made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), nitrile or neoprene. They resist oil, solvents, some acids and some hydrocarbons.

Chemical-resistant coats and jackets protect workers from chemical splash, microorganisms and particulates. They protect the upper body and may use collars to shield part of the neck. Chemical-resistant coats and jackets resist nonhazardous chemicals, oil, alkalis, chlorine and some acids. They are typically made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyester or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Chemical-resistant boots and overboots provide a barrier against oil, water, contaminants and harsh chemicals. They are made of chemically resistant materials such as neoprene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and rubber. Neoprene resists acid better than PVC, while natural rubber resists alkalis and ketones better than other materials. Chemical-resistant boots and overboots typically have ribbed soles for traction on smooth or slippery surfaces and may also have steel toes to protect against compression and injury from falling objects.