What is a crucial factor to consider when selecting PPE for emergency situations?

Selecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for emergency situations hinges significantly on the breakthrough time of materials. Breakthrough time refers to the duration it takes for hazardous substances to permeate through a protective material. In emergencies, where employees may face immediate and severe risks from chemical exposure, understanding the breakthrough time is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of the PPE. It helps determine whether the selected gear can adequately protect workers during the time they are exposed to harmful agents.

This consideration ensures that the PPE allows adequate safety for the duration of the emergency response, providing workers with the best defense possible against hazardous materials. Without knowing the breakthrough times, there is a risk that the PPE may fail to protect against exposure, potentially leading to serious health consequences.

While cost, duration of work, and local regulations are important considerations in PPE selection, they do not directly address the immediate safety needs of workers in an emergency scenario as the breakthrough time does.