Selection of personal protective clothing for spill response should be based on the hazardous materials and/or conditions present and should be appropriate for the hazard encountered.

The selection of personal protective clothing (PPE) for spill response is crucial and must be tailored specifically to the hazards that responders may face during an incident. This involves assessing the type of hazardous materials involved, such as chemicals, biological agents, or radioactive substances, and understanding the associated risks, including exposure routes that may harm workers.

Appropriate PPE serves as the first line of defense, providing necessary protection against potential exposure. Each type of material presents unique hazards that require specific protective measures; for example, acid spills may necessitate chemically resistant suits, whereas biological hazards might demand other types of protective gear. The decision on the level of protection must consider factors such as the concentration of hazardous materials, the physical state of the material (solid, liquid, gas), and environmental conditions.

Using the correct PPE not only ensures the safety of the responders but also helps prevent further contamination and escalation of the situation, reinforcing the importance of making informed choices based on the specific hazards encountered at the scene.