Which agency designates levels of protection for PPE?

The correct agency that designates levels of protection for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets regulations and guidelines for the management of hazardous waste and the protection of human health and the environment. This includes determining the necessary levels of PPE that workers must use when exposed to hazardous substances.

The EPA's guidelines ensure that workers are adequately protected from potential health risks associated with hazardous materials. They consider various factors, including the nature of the hazards, the potential exposure of workers, and the tasks being performed when establishing these protective measures.

Additionally, while other organizations like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and DOT (Department of Transportation) deal with health safety and transportation regulations, respectively, they do not specifically focus on the designation of PPE levels in the context of hazardous waste operations. The IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) refers to a classification of an environment or condition rather than an agency and is used to define the specific circumstances under which PPE levels are critically assessed.