OSHA PPE Levels A, B, C and D: A Tychem Selection Guide

What OSHA Levels A to D mean, which DuPont Tychem suit fits each level, and where funeral home and medical examiner work fits.
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Tychem 2000, Tychem 4000 and Tychem 10000 Level A suits compared

Short answer: OSHA Levels A to D describe ensembles for hazardous materials response. Level A is a fully encapsulating vapor-tight suit with SCBA. Level B is splash protection with SCBA. Level C is splash protection with an air-purifying respirator. Level D is a work uniform. Most funeral home work sits at Level D to C. Level A and B are for hazmat teams and decontamination of contaminated remains.

The four levels

Level Respiratory Body When used
A SCBA or supplied air Totally encapsulating chemical-protective suit, vapor tight Highest skin, eye and respiratory hazard, unknown vapors
B SCBA or supplied air Hooded chemical-resistant clothing, splash protection Highest respiratory hazard with less skin hazard
C Full-face or half-mask air-purifying respirator Hooded chemical-resistant clothing Known contaminant, measured concentration, APR criteria met
D None Coveralls, work uniform No respiratory or skin hazard beyond nuisance

Source: 29 CFR 1910.120 Appendix B.

Which Tychem fits which level

  • Tychem 2000: lightweight splash protection against many inorganic acids, bases and biological hazards. Common for Level C and for embalming and decon.
  • Tychem 4000: broader barrier including many organic chemicals. Level B and C ensembles.
  • Tychem 2000 SFR: secondary flame resistance for work near flash fire risk. Not a primary firefighting garment.
  • Tychem 10000 TK554T and TK612T NFPA 1994: fully encapsulating Level A suits for vapor hazards.

Always check DuPont's permeation data for the specific chemical before choosing. See every model on our DuPont Tychem page.

Tychem 2000 QC127Tychem 2000 QC127from $198.95Tychem 4000 SL127Tychem 4000 SL127from $384.95Tychem 2000 SFRTychem 2000 SFRfrom $241.95Tychem 10000 TK554T Level ATychem 10000 TK554T Level Afrom $2,396.95

Where mortuary work fits

Routine embalming is Level D clothing plus bloodborne pathogen and formaldehyde PPE, often with a Level C style respirator. Formaldehyde mixing and decomposed or autopsied cases move toward a Tychem 2000 hooded coverall. Remains from a chemical release, industrial incident or terrorism event are decontaminated by trained responders in Level A or B before they reach the funeral home. Medical examiner and DMORT style teams keep Level A and B stock for that work.

Cost per wear

Tychem 2000 coveralls cost more than PE-coated coveralls, but they are a different class of barrier. Use PE-coated coveralls for daily embalming and keep a case of Tychem 2000 for the cases that need it. Level A suits are a capital item, and training suits let teams practice donning without consuming certified suits.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Level A PPE?

A fully encapsulating, vapor-tight chemical protective suit worn with SCBA or supplied air, used for the highest level of skin, eye and respiratory hazard.

What level of PPE do embalmers need?

Usually Level D clothing with bloodborne pathogen PPE, eye and face protection and chemical gloves, plus a respirator when formaldehyde exposure calls for one. That is closer to Level C for high-risk cases.

What is the difference between Tychem 2000 and Tychem 4000?

Tychem 2000 is a lighter splash barrier against many inorganic chemicals and biological hazards. Tychem 4000 adds a broader barrier against many organic chemicals. Check DuPont permeation data for your chemical.

Is Tychem 10000 NFPA certified?

The TK612T model is certified to NFPA 1994 Class 2. The TK554T is a Level A encapsulated suit with an expanded back for SCBA.

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