What type of protection does Protective Clothing Level B provide?

Protective Clothing Level B provides a high level of respiratory protection alongside moderate skin protection. This type of protection is specifically designed for scenarios where there's a potential for exposure to hazardous materials that can affect the respiratory system. The combination of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing allows responders to operate in environments with toxic vapors, gases, or particulate matter while still offering a degree of skin protection.

Level B is particularly vital in situations where there is a known or suspected respiratory hazard but where the risk of skin exposure isn’t as severe as in Level A environments. While it is more protective than minimum levels of clothing and gear, it does not offer full vapor protection as seen in Level A, which utilizes fully encapsulated suits.

This understanding of Level B's capabilities helps responders make informed decisions about the proper protective measures to employ based on the hazards present at the scene.