These notes should be read and understood prior to attempting to use the suit
MICROCHEM® Instruction Manual
CARE & USER INSTRUCTIONS FOR MICROCHEM® PROTECTIVE SUITS
SUIT INSPECTION
Suits should receive a visual inspection at the following times.
1) Upon receipt from the manufacturer ( This is to ensure no damage has occurred during
shipping)
2) After each use or annually whichever is the sooner.( This is to ensure that the suit is
ready at all times)
3) A quick re-inspection prior to use (Suits may have been in storage for some time so a
quick check is advisable)
VISUAL INSPECTION of the suit should include the following steps:1) Lay the suit on a clean, smooth surface
2) Using a flashlight examine the outside of the suit for holes, cuts, or abrasions. Examine
the seams for any signs of lift or possible cracks.
3) Examine the suit zippers and zipper cover to make sure they are fully functional.
Lubricate the zipper using a small amount of paraffin wax.
4) Examine all suit closures, to ensure they are properly sealed.
5) Examine the suit warning label(s) to ensure they are firmly attached and can be read
easily.
6) Examine the suit material for wear, cracks, or ozone deterioration (white chalky spots) .
Any suit showing these signs should be replaced
7) Most defects such as holes or a malfunctioning zipper cannot be repaired satisfactorily
and the suit should be discarded
NOTE: MICROCHEM® protective clothing is designed for single use. Microgard Ltd
recommend disposal after any contact with chemicals. They must also be replaced when
damage or significant physical wear has occurred.
PUTTING ON (DONNING) THE SUIT
Follow these steps in putting on the suit
1) Make sure the suit has been visually inspected and is free from defects. Also always
make sure that the correct suit has been selected for the intended use.
2) In certain situations (determined by the user and/or safety professional) it may be
advisable to use the two person “Buddy (Partner) System” and have someone available
to assist while putting on, as well as while wearing the suit.
3) Underclothing should be worn under the chemical suit. As a minimum a long sleeve shirt
and long pants are recommended. Flame retardant underclothing should be considered.
4) Remove all personal effects that might result in damage to the suit (i.e. pens, badges,
jewellery etc.
5) Remove shoes.
6) Tuck long underclothing into socks to make donning of suit legs and sock boots (if
applicable) easier.
7) While seated, place both feet in the suit legs and attached sock boots (if applicable).
8) Place feet in outer work boots or Wellingtons, and pull down the splash guards/hem over
the tops of the work boots/Wellingtons.
9) Insert your arms in the suit sleeves (assistance should be sought from your “buddy” if
required)
10) Ensure that the suit is fully fastened prior to use, using the double zip system and, where
necessary, that the hood is up.
These notes should be read and understood prior to attempting to use the suit
REMOVING (DOFFING) THE SUIT
Follow these steps when taking off the suit
1) If the suit has been exposed to hazardous chemicals, exercise proper decontamination
procedures before removing.
2) Remove the suit by following in reverse order the steps given for putting on the suit.
Avoid touching any areas of the suit that may have been exposed to chemicals.
3) If applicable have the suit fully decontaminated, and washed before visual inspection.
4) If contamination is too toxic, decontamination procedures are not applicable and the suit
should be disposed of in a safe manner.
NOTE: See information regarding DECONTAMINATION ISSUES below.
DECONTAMINATION ISSUES
Guidelines on decontamination are difficult to obtain, and it is hard to determine whether or not
decontamination has been successfully completed. There is no known standard, non destructive
method, for ensuring that a suit has been effectively decontaminated.
Because many fabrics are absorbent, there is a possibility that the chemical could remain in the suit
fabric even after decontamination. Especially in hazardous chemical conditions where unknown, very
toxic, or carcinogenic chemicals are present, the safest method of decontamination is disposal.
It is not recommended that decontamination (for the purposes of reuse) be considered for any
chemical suit that has been exposed to unknown or to known toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.
Physical wear, un-repairable damage to any part of the suit, warrant the disposal of that suit.
In situations where there is a low degree of suit contamination with a known non-toxic chemical, that
is not carcinogenic, or skin absorbent, a certain level of decontamination is possible.
There are other physical factors that affect the decision to decontaminate – physical damage to the
suit, amount of chemical exposure, length of chemical exposure etc.. It is the responsibility of the
Safety Officer in charge, and the user, to understand the problems and issues relating to
decontamination, in order to make an informed decision concerning the reuse of a chemical suit.
Microgard Ltd recommends that after any contact with chemicals the suit is disposed of and cannot
be held responsible for any decision by a Safety professional in charge or the user to recommend
reuse.
When Decontamination is not recommended
 Chemical situations involving unknown chemicals
 Presence of toxic chemicals - carcinogens, mutagens, skin absorbers etc.
 Visible damage to the suit – tears, punctures, staining, UV damage, deformation
etc.
 Prolonged use in chemical situations, toxic or non-toxic.
 Where exothermic chemicals are present (see below)
When Decontamination may be possible
 Identifiable chemical contaminate such as detergent which are non hazardous
 Non-toxic chemicals - non-carcinogenic, non skin absorbent.
 Excessively low amount of chemical exposure
 No physical damage to the suit
NOTE: MICROCHEM® suits are limited life suits and are manufactured and sold on the premise that
single use of a garment is the best form of protection and they are economical enough to dispose of
after one use, if any form of contamination has occurred.
DECONTAMINATION AND WASHING
NOTE: Microgard Ltd gives this information on the basis that suits must be decontaminated before
disposal to protect the environment.
If it is decided to decontaminate, this should be carried out by a qualified safety professional and
should be initiated as quickly as possible on any suit that has been subject to chemical exposure.
This will prevent further absorption of the chemical into the fabric.
After decontamination the suit may be hand washed, using warm water and mild detergent.
Appropriate protective equipment should be worn during these activities to prevent contact with any
residual contamination. After washing, suits should be rinsed well with warm water and hung to dry,
away from intense heat or sunlight.
These notes should be read and understood prior to attempting to use the suit
Although it is possible to decontaminate and wash MICROCHEM® suits, they are not designed for
multiple wash and decontamination.
STORAGE
MICROCHEM® protective clothing should be stored in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight.
MICROCHEM® protective clothing may be stored in their original bags, as long as they are
completely dry.
PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
Read and understand:
Before using any chemical suit, read and understand the information contained in these instructions.
Follow instructions:
All warnings and instructions must be strictly followed; otherwise the chemical suit could fail to
perform as designed, resulting in severe injury, or death.
Verify Application Compatibility:
There are uses and chemicals for which certain protective suits are not appropriate It is the
responsibility of the user to verify that the suit is appropriate for the intended use and meets all
national, and local health and safety regulations. Microgard Ltd have made available permeation data
on a list of chemicals applicable to MICROCHEM® suits, and any user or safety professional in
charge should satisfy themselves that the application is safe.
Do not wear near naked flames:
Do not use MICROCHEM® near flames or intense heat to prevent being injured. MICROCHEM®
protective clothing is not designed for any fire-fighting application, and offer no flame or thermal
protection. In potentially flammable or combustible atmospheres, Microgard Ltd strongly recommend
the addition of a reflective flash fire over cover, which may provide limited protection in the event of a
chemical flash, to allow escape only.
If working in areas where there is a risk of flash fire, please consult Microgard Ltd for details of our
MICROGARD® FR & CFR product range.
Be prepared for Emergencies:
Always use a two person “Buddy (Partner) System”. It is important to have someone nearby who is
prepared to assist in the event of an emergency. The person on standby should be prepared to aid
quickly, and should also have on Personal protective equipment (PPE) that will offer protection
appropriate to the work environment.
Communications:
Communication can be hampered by the wearing of a hood. The use of a personal communication
system is recommended, as well as the development of hand signals; to be used in training, routine
work, and emergencies.
Do not wear the suit if Damaged:
MICROCHEM® suits are designed for limited use, due to the inherent nature of the material.
Reusable suits such as CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene), Butyl, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) are
designed for longer life due to the greater toughness of the material, but may not give the chemical
protection required. Suits should not be used if contaminated, punctured, torn, or if signs of abrasion
are apparent. Suits which have not been inspected, or which are not completely free from such
damage should never be put into service.
Also, never use a suit marked “Training Suit” or “For Training Use Only” in any situation other than
training.
If chemical contamination or damage to the suit makes it unusable within the guidelines of these
instructions, the suit must be retired and disposed of according to the appropriate national or local
regulations.
These notes should be read and understood prior to attempting to use the suit
Chemical Permeation Charts – Use as a Guide:
No single protective material will protect against all chemicals, or in all situations. Microgard Ltd
manufacture suits from many different fabrics. The degree of the chemical resistance of any fabric
depends on a number of factors, including chemical concentration, temperature, length of exposure,
as well as the various components of the fabric. Due to the large number of variables, it is impossible
for all suit fabrics to be tested against all chemicals, and chemical combinations/mixtures. Before
using a suit in a chemical situation, consult the chemical permeation data appropriate to the fabric
and garment. This information is intended as a guide only, although taken from third party testing. It is
always advisable, if in doubt, to test the chemical on a swatch of the fabric before proceeding.
Microgard Ltd will provide help in this respect, if contacted.
Chemical Permeation Charts – Limitations:
The test procedures applied in the permeation charts are not intended to represent the chemical
resistance of components parts such as face shield, gloves, zippers, valves, etc.
Chemical permeation tests are performed under laboratory conditions – not actual workplace
conditions. They address chemical breakthrough characteristics, and do not account for other
performance characteristics, such as tear resistance, abrasion resistance, etc.
Prevent Chemical Exposure to Cold Environments:
Different suit materials perform differently in cold environment. In cold weather, some fabrics, such as
CPE may become stiff and perform badly. It is the responsibility of the user to evaluate the situation,
and the useable temperature range of the suit fabrics available. In situations where extremely cold
chemicals may be encountered, the user should wear additional thermal protective clothing, which
has been selected by a safety professional.
Static Electricity:
It is possible for garments to build and discharge static electricity, especially in cold or dry weather.
Discharges are not normally dangerous, except in situations where generation of an electrical spark
could ignite a flammable atmosphere. MICROCHEM® fabrics, where indicated, have passed
EN1149-1 (Protective Clothing, Electrostatic properties, Test method for measurement of surface
resistivity) but when operating around flammable chemicals, steps to eliminate potential static
discharges should be used. In these situations we recommend precautionary steps be taken, such as
the use of antistatic footwear, raising the humidity levels of the work area and the use of commercial
antistatic applications. It is recommended that a full risk assessment is conducted prior to any work in
a potentially explosive or flammable environment; to establish the level of protection required.
Wear Only if Physically Fit:
Suits should only be worn by persons, who are in good, physical condition. Working in chemical
protective clothing can be strenuous. In an emergency situation or hot environment, the wearer will
experience even more stress. Persons who show signs of excessive stress, such as nausea,
dizziness, or excessive heat build up, should leave the work area immediately, and get out of the suit
as quickly as possible. Persons in doubt as to their physical condition should check with a doctor
before wearing a suit.
Use of Other Equipment for Ancillary Protection:
Chemical suits are designed to be worn over regular work clothing, and are not designed to protect
from all hazards in the work place. Additional equipment, such as protective eyewear, hard hats,
protective boots, additional gloves, communications systems, cooling systems etc., may be required
and should be selected by a safety professional.
“Sock Boots” (when applicable)
Sock boots are designed to be worn inside normal working boots/Wellingtons. The sock boots should
never be worn as outer boots, as contact with the external ground surface will damage the suit
irreparably.
These notes should be read and understood prior to attempting to use the suit
Prevent Exothermic Reaction:
Certain chemicals react with water to produce exothermic or “heat –generating” reactions
that can damage suits, especially during decontamination. When working with these types of
chemicals care should be taken to prevent exothermic reactions from occurring on the suits.
This may require that some instructions given in this manual, regarding the rinsing or washing
of suits, should be modified or disregarded, if the use of water could trigger such a reaction.
Rainwater may also trigger exothermic reactions. The user or safety professional in charge
must be aware if such chemicals are in proximity, when water is also present.
Avoid Continuous Exposure:
Chemical protective suits are designed to protect against splashes and spray only and should
not be immersed in chemicals. Do not expose the suit to a constant liquid stream or deluge, or
wade through liquid pools where unnecessary. Direct chemical exposure to the suit should be
limited as much as possible within the exigencies of the work. If exposed to excessive
amounts of chemical, leave the area immediately and decontaminate.
Shelf Life:
Under proper storage conditions there is no evidence to indicate that MICROCHEM® fabrics lose
their protective characteristics or physical properties over time. Most chemical protective clothing
contain components made from various polymers, or rubber materials, for which there is no specific
shelf life data currently available. Based on the physical condition of the suit, it is recommended the
suit be downgraded to “For Training Purposes Only” after five years.
Prevent heat Stress:
Workers, who wear chemical protective clothing must be in good physical condition. If necessary
consult a doctor prior to working in a chemical protective suit, to be sure the user is capable of
wearing it under “expected use” conditions. The maximum time the suit can be worn depends on
various factors, such as the air supply, ambient condition, climate inside the suit, physical and
psychological condition of the wearer, work rate, work load, etc.
The wearer can take several steps to limit and/or prevent heat stress, such as the use of a cooling
system, and working in accordance with a conservative work/rest schedule. At a minimum, it is
recommended that the user drink adequate amounts of cool water both before and after using a
MICROCHEM® protective garment.
WARNING:
There are uses and chemicals for which MICROCHEM® garments are unsuitable. It is the
responsibility of the user and the safety professional in charge, to review available data, and to verify
that the garment is appropriate for the intended use, and meets all specified CE and industry
standards.
WARRANTY:
It is the responsibility of the user to select suits which are appropriate for each intended use and
which meet all health and safety standards. Microgard Ltd is available for consultation on any
proposed use.
The purchaser and all suit users shall promptly notify Microgard Ltd of any claim, whether based on
contract, negligence, strict liability or otherwise. The sole and exclusive remedy of the purchaser, and
all users, and the limit of liability of Microgard Ltd for any and all losses, injuries, or damages,
resulting from use of a Microgard Ltd product shall be the refund of the purchase price, or the
replacement, or the repair of the product, found to be defective, within 90 days of the product being
delivered. In no event shall Microgard Ltd be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential
damages, whether in contract or tort, arising out of any warranties, representations, instructions or
defects for any cause, in connection with Microgard Ltd products, or the sale thereof. The purchaser
and the users are deemed to have accepted the terms of the limitation of warranty and liability, which
terms may not be varied by any verbal or written agreement.
These notes should be read and understood prior to attempting to use the suit
Purchasers and all users are responsible for inspection and proper care of this product, as described
in this manual, and are responsible for all loss, or damage, from use, or handling which results from
conditions beyond the control of the manufacturer.