Which information is critical for proper selection of PPE?

The selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) is fundamentally driven by the physical and chemical properties of the hazardous materials that responders may encounter. Understanding these properties—such as toxicity, flammability, reactivity, and permeability—enables emergency responders to make informed decisions about the type of protection required.

For instance, if a substance is highly corrosive, it necessitates specific materials in PPE that can resist degradation. Similarly, knowing whether a chemical is a gas, liquid, or solid will guide the selection process toward the most suitable suit type, glove material, and respiratory protection. Therefore, the physical and chemical properties of the hazardous material are the guiding factors in ensuring that the PPE chosen will effectively provide the necessary protection to the wearer when handling or being exposed to hazardous situations.

In this context, while manufacturer instructions deliver valuable guidelines regarding the performance and limitations of PPE, and cost and availability are practical considerations, they do not dictate the primary safety needs based on the hazard characteristics. Understanding the materials being dealt with is the cornerstone of making sound PPE selections.