A year ago, this would have been the time we were planning our winter holidays and putting together an airport outfit. Surprisingly, today we are living through a pandemic, dreaming of when we can travel again. Now our airport look for essential flights includes masks, face shields, and hazmat suits.
The virus has ensured that proper protective gear will focus on how we dress for the outdoors in the foreseeable future. With the relaxation in lockdown restrictions and airlines resuming services in the country, everyone is navigating through this new normal with apps and safety gear. Although masks have become mandatory, people are now exploring newer personal protective equipment (PPE) that covers the entire body.
It is just not the Covid front-liners who are donning the hazmat suits. Due to so many affordable options in the market, a hazmat suit will become your new pandemic wardrobe staple.
Hazmat Suits: What are They?
The term ‘hazmat’ is short for hazardous materials. These suits are meant to encase the body in a protective sheath. Other essentials like masks, goggles, and respirators need to be worn along with a hazmat suit. It prevents any contaminants from coming in contact with you.
This suit can protect you from hazardous materials or substances, including chemicals, biological agents, or radioactive materials. The National Environmental Trainers Inc. classifies these hazmat suits into different levels. Level A offers the highest protection against vapors and others. At the same time, Level D hazmat suits include coveralls, face shields, and protective footwear.
Until last year, you would have seen these hazmat suits being used in specific cases, like extinguishing fires or working in factories where people have to deal with hazardous materials. But now, companies across the world are manufacturing hazmat suits for public use, especially air travel.
However, it is vital to remember that unless you use additional PPE, a pair of hazmat coveralls may not be able to protect you against the virus.
How to Wear and Remove Hazmat Suits Safely?
Before buying Hazmat suits, you should know how to wear and remove a hazmat suit correctly. Otherwise, you might unknowingly end up contaminating your hands and surroundings. It is vital to check for open seams and check whether the zipper is closed properly while donning the suit. Reliable companies like Nirvana Being offer Tyvek hazmat suits with serged seams, attached hood, front zipper, and elastic wrists. It ensures that the wearer is fully protected.
There is also a checklist to keep in mind. It includes removing your jewelry or watching before pulling on your suit. Next, tuck your trouser ends into your socks and pull the hazmat suit up. Remember to wear your shoes and pull the coveralls to the bottom of your shoes. Ensure that no patch of skin is exposed. While removing the hazmat suit, face a mirror, and make sure to avoid touching your skin.
There are two types of hazmat suits available – disposable and reusable. To understand which one should you opt for, read their advantages:
Hazmat Suit: Why choose Disposable Hazmat Suits?
A significant benefit is that they are lighter in weight than the reusable version and hence, more comfortable for you to wear. Other than that, these are the main two advantages of disposable hazmat suits:
- Buying and Maintenance Expenses
Disposable hazmat suits are much cheaper than reusable ones. So, in case you do need to use them often, it is certainly something to think about. Since they are disposable, there are no maintenance costs. Unlike reusable hazmat suits, disposable clothing does not need to be cleaned, thus saving your time as well.
- Safety
A disposable hazmat suit is safer for you in comparison with reusable overalls. For instance, if you come in contact with a chemical product, the suit can be disposed of immediately. After it has been used, the virus cannot penetrate the suit unnoticed.
Since you will put on a new suit as soon as it has been in contact with the virus, there is less risk of contaminating the environment. However, if stored after use, the virus may get transferred to the environment or your skin.
Hazmat Suit: Why choose Reusable Hazmat Suits?
The only major advantage of reusable hazmat suits is that they can be worn for a longer period. However, you should note that they can be comparatively expensive to purchase. The reusable hazmat suits are mechanically stronger and can be used frequently and efficiently.
In short, to make the best choice, evaluate your working conditions, personal requirements, and how often you need to use it. All in all, since it is the new reality of our lives, it is worth biting the fashion bullet to stay safe and sound.
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