Make Your Own Hazmat Suit
If you plan to build your self a personal hazmat suit there are several considerations before you get started. First of these considerations is cost. You can purchase an actual Hazmat suit, the kind used by the US Government, for non vapor emergencies. The cost is well under $75. When you buy the items listed later in this article you may end up spending more than that.
The protective clothing items you will need for an effective Hazmat suit are as follow. This is the type of suit that does not have the enclosed hood. That piece of equipment is not something you can make on your own. With this suit if you encounter or expect to encounter hazardous airborne contaminants a gas mask or ventilator is needed.
Hazmat Approved Coverall
One specially laminated multi-layer coverall with hood that is not separate from the coveralls is required.
All the seams must sealed with sealed seams and storm flap. The storm flap is a front cover that is over the zipper to the coveralls. For a duty in hazardous conditions the zipper must be made of PVC plastic. That is because metal corrodes and disintegrates when exposed to some airborne chemical particles.
Hazardous Duty Gloves
For this hazardous duty protective clothing you must also provide complete protection for your hands and feet. For your hands that means having both inner and outer gloves. The joint between your coveralls and outer gloves is sealed with heavy duty anodized covering duct type tape. The seal is made by making two firm, but not tight, wraps with the tape in opposite directions around the joint. First you seal the inner gloves to the coveralls with the coveralls over he inner glove. Then you seal the outer gloves over the coveralls. This provides a double seal for protection when working in unknown or hazardous conditions.
Hazardous Duty Over Boots and Boot Liners
Your boot liners and over boots are sealed in the same manner as you sealed the inner and outer glove to the coveralls.
Goggles
You need a clear plastic wrap around type of heavy duty, impact resistant Goggles. Sometimes you can find these, new at Army or Government Surplus store sales. Some are available in tinted plastic to help shield the eyes in case of flash explosion events.
Protective Mouth Mask
A face mask that covers your nose and mouth, and is approved for hospital operating room use is required for all hazardous duty protective clothing suits. This protective mask can be easily pulled off if you need to apply a respirator or gas mask. These masks are available at any hospital supply outlet.
Gas Mask or Respirator
An approved gas mask or harnessed respirator system that would pass approval for use in hazardous conditions is rare to find in used condition. Once used more than a few times they are trashed because of possible seal leakage. If your suit is just for show, buy one at the nearest Army surplus store anytime.
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