Are Tyvek® garments anti-static or static dissipative ?
The fabric used to make Tyvek® garments is treated with a topical antistatic agent to help minimize static build up and reduce nuisance garment cling.
In situations where static dissipation level is a critical performance property, end-users should evaluate the performance of their entire ensemble as worn including outer garments, inner garments, footwear and other PPE. In order for any garment system to be static dissipative, it must be able to drain a charge buildup through proper grounding devices, such as, but not limited to, workstation grounding clips or static-dissipative floors.
Under certain conditions, such as cold and dry weather, it is possible that garments might build and discharge static electricity. Discharges are not normally dangerous except in situations where the generation of an electrical spark could ignite a flammable atmosphere or startle the wearer. When operating around flammable chemicals, take steps to eliminate potential static discharges. In these situations, suggested steps include, but not limited to, water spray, the use of an overcover, raising humidity level of the work area, use of a commercial, anti-static application coating, grounding straps on equipment and personnel, inherently static-dissipating under- and over-garments, and testing of the worker's static dissipation before entry into the classified area.
However, in the case of explosive or flammable atmospheres, even if steps are taken to manage static formation and dissipate static charge, the risk of severe injury remains if an uncontrolled or accidental ignition occurs. Do not wear Tyvek® chemical protective garments in potentially flammable or explosive atmospheres. Do not knowingly enter an environment in which the concentration of flammable gas is within flammable or explosive limits while wearing a Tyvek® garment. If you determine that you are in a potentially flammable or explosive environment, retreat immediately.
In what ways can I manage or prevent heat stress?
Chemical protective clothing can interfere with the natural regulation of body temperature. This can lead to a rise in core body temperature and heat stress. Implementing a conservative work/rest schedule or using a cooling system may be effective in reducing heat stress. (Note: Do not wear cooling vests in potentially flammable or explosive environments.) .)
Be aware of the symptoms and treatment of heat stress. If you or your co-workers have symptoms of heat stress such as nausea, dizziness, high heart rates, or excessive heat build-up, leave the work area immediately and remove the ensemble as quickly as possible after decontamination and seek professional care.
The maximum length of time the chemical protective clothing can be worn depends on variables such as the air supply, ambient conditions, climate inside the ensemble, physical and psychological conditions of the wearer, work rate and work load. The TLV® pocket guide from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH, Cincinnati) provides corrected heat stress limits for some garments. Similar information is available on the federal OSHA web site (www.OSHA.gov). The WBGT correction factor for chemical protective garments is at least 10°C or higher for chemical garments made of impervious films (such as Tychem® garments) and covering the entire body (hooded coverall or encapsulating designs). For Tyvek® coveralls, the WBGT correction factor is 2°C with a hood and 1°C without a hood.
Do Tyvek® products contain silicone?
All Tyvek® fabrics are manufactured under specifications that do not contain silicone or silicone oils. Tyvek® shoe covers with skid-resistant material on the soles, or Tyvek® garments with attached skid-resistant shoe covers might contain silicone in the sole substrate. This includes styles TY122, TY121, TY454, FC450 and FC454. End users who are consuming these styles and who have concerns about silicone contamination should conduct their own testing to ensure they are suitable for their application(s).
How should Tyvek® garments be stored?
Store Tyvek® garments in a cool, dark, dry location free of dirt and insects. Sunlight, ozone, high temperatures (>120° F ; 49° C), vehicle exhaust fumes, compression under heavy weights and sharp edges or projections are some conditions known to degrade the materials in these garments.
Store Tyvek® garments in boxes, in bags or on hangers. Never step on protective garments. Never place or store heavy objects on top of protective garments.
Where can I find a SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Tyvek® garments?
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are written in accordance with applicable federal regulations, 29 CFR 1910.1200, to communicate health and safety data on usage and handling of hazardous chemicals. Under this regulation, DuPont™ Tyvek®, ProShield®, and Tychem® materials and garments are defined as articles, not chemicals, and the SDS and labeling requirements in that standard do not apply.
Are Tyvek® garments latex free?
After January 2023, all DuPont Personal Protection product styles are manufactured under specifications that exclude components containing natural rubber latex.
Tyvek® 500, Tyvek® 600, Tyvek® 800 products manufactured before January 2023 did contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions in some sensitized individuals. Anyone who begins to exhibit an allergic response during the use of DuPont products should immediately cease using these products. The incident should also be reported to DuPont at +1 (888) 439-2988 so that an investigation can be initiated.
In what ways can I dispose of Tyvek® garments?
If not contaminated with chemical or biological hazards, Tyvek® garments can be recycled. Contact DuPont Protective Apparel Customer Service at 1-800-931-3456 for information on the
Tyvek® Protective Apparel Recycling Program.
If not exposed to chemical or biological hazards, Tyvek® garments may be landfilled or incinerated in accordance with local regulations. Uncontaminated chemical protective garments may be incinerated in a facility that is capable of handling mixtures containing plastics. Likewise, an uncontaminated chemical protective garment may be buried in a facility that accepts plastic materials.
Contaminated garments that cannot be handled safely without protective equipment must be disposed of with other hazardous wastes, either through incineration or landfill per local regulations.
Before discarding, cut off a sleeve or a leg so the garments cannot be worn again as protective clothing.
What are Type 4/5/6 garment standards?
Chemical protective clothing certified to a specific Type can have very different performance properties in terms of protection, durability and comfort. The indicated Type simply means that the suit has passed one or more of the whole suit liquid tests and meets the minimum performance requirements for the constituent mechanical and barrier tests.
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What determines if the garment is contaminated? (3021)
The decision on whether or not a garment has been contaminated is made by local managers responsible for PPE based on an analysis of the incident in which the garment was used. This analysis may include exposure time, chemicals involved, level of exposure, proximity to the actual release, tasks performed, and environmental monitoring in the area in which the garment was worn. Garments that are damaged, altered, or show signs of contamination, such as discoloration, odor, stiffening or cracks, should not be used.
How are Tyvek® 600 and Tyvek® 500 garments different from standard Tyvek® 400 garments?
Tyvek® 600 and Tyvek® 500 garments use a special type of Tyvek® fabric which has different physical properties and improved chemical resistance properties when compared to fabric used in standard Tyvek® 400 garments. Additionally, the seams used in standard Tyvek® 400 garments are different than the seams for Tyvek® 600 and Tyvek® 500 garments. Tyvek® 600 garments offer seams that are sewn and then taped and Tyvek® 500 garments offer external sewn seams, where the seam thread is visible on the outside of the garment. Both of these seam designs, when coupled with the enhanced fabric, offer improved overall garment system protection levels. These fabric and seam differences along with other enhanced garment design elements represent the key differences between Tyvek® 600 and Tyvek® 500 garments versus standard Tyvek® 400 garments. Because of these enhancements, Tyvek® 600 and Tyvek® 500 garments are also CE certified. Tyvek® 600 is CE certified to Types 4, 5 & 6. Tyvek® 500 is CE certified to Types 5 & 6.
Are Tyvek® garments flame resistant or flame retardant (FR) ?
No, Tyvek® garments are not flame resistant or flame retardant and should not be used around heat, flame, sparks or potentially flammable or explosive environments. Tyvek® garments will ignite and continue to burn and melt.
In addition, Tyvek® garments should not be worn under or over a garment made of Nomex® or any other flame resistant fabric, if the potential for fire or electric arc exists.
Are Tyvek® garments low linting?
Tyvek® fabric is low-linting by nature of its continuously strong, high-density polyethylene fibers. DuPont cannot guarantee the absence of particles on these garments as threads and zippers can be the most significant source of contamination. For end users with concerns about contamination or any other contaminants, the best practice is to audit in-bound materials, including garments, for those contaminants. End users with highly specialized requirements may consider Tyvek® IsoClean® garments for controlled environments designated as Clean-Processed (0C option): These garments are specially processed to minimize particle shedding and individually packaged in an ISO Class 4 cleanroom.
What is the shelf life of Tyvek® garments?
DuPont suggests that Tyvek® garments be used within 5 years of receipt, provided they are properly stored and pass a full visual inspection. High temperature, oxidizing gases, wet, cold, ultraviolet and ionizing radiation can significantly impact the long-term life of garments made of Tyvek®. The antistatic properties may reduce over time. The user must ensure the dissipative performance is sufficient for the application.
How are Tyvek® garments different from other limited-use garments on the market?
Tyvek® garments are unique in several ways. First is the proprietary flash spun Tyvek® fabric which offers inherent breathable barrier that cannot easily be worn or abraded away. This inherent barrier of Tyvek® is not dependent on a thin film or a thin layer of small fibers -- with Tyvek®, every part of the fabric provides barrier. This delivers an effective breathable barrier to particles due to the torturous path created by this unique fabric structure. Unlike microporous film garments, the breathability of Tyvek® garments can be easily demonstrated.