What is the appropriate EPA level of protection for defensive actions at the operations level?

The appropriate EPA level of protection for defensive actions at the operations level is Level B. This level of protection is designed for situations where the material involved is known or suspected to pose a significant risk to the respiratory system, but the skin may not need the same level of protection. Level B gear includes chemical-resistant clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which provides adequate respiratory protection while allowing for a higher level of mobility and operational effectiveness than Level A.

Choosing Level B for defensive operations is ideal because it offers sufficient protection against toxic inhalation hazards while enabling responders to perform necessary tasks to manage hazardous materials incidents effectively. This balance of protection and functionality is essential in defensive operations, where firefighters are often working at a safe distance to contain or control the situation.

In contrast, Level A is typically reserved for situations where the highest level of respiratory and skin protection is required, such as when dealing with unknown substances or when the highest level of exposure risk exists. Level C is utilized when the concentration and type of air contaminant are known and can be measured, and when protection against skin absorption is not necessary. Level D provides the least level of protection and is primarily appropriate for scenarios where there is no hazard. Thus, Level B is the most suitable