The Demilitarization Protective Ensemble (DPE) offers the highest level of safety for workers who make toxic area entries. A single-use suit, DPE is a totally encapsulating chemical protective outer-garment that operates at a positive pressure to assure total protection against inward leaks. It is designed to be worn in environments having known liquid agent present, in environments where liquid and/or high-level vapor concentrations are anticipated, or while conducting equipment/area chemical agent decontamination.
Demilitarization Protective Ensemble Safety Features
1) Air Supply
The suit’s primary air supply comes through a hose connected to purified air; however, the entrant also wears a self-contained breathing apparatus which provides 8 to 10 minutes of escape air in case the primary supply is disrupted.
2) Inner Clothing
Inner clothing is provided to the entrant and is laundered on site.
3) “Y” Connector
The “Y” connector allows the entrant to change hoses, while navigating through the plant, without a disruption to the air supply.
4) Butyl Gloves
Butyl rubber has excellent impermeability (resistance to penetration) with a wide variety of chemicals, including chemical warfare agents, is very flexible, and is airtight.
5) Breathing Air System Air Supply Hose
This hose supplies the entrant with a clean, dependable air source.
6) Communications Headset
The communications headset is part of the DPE Radio Communications System, a dedicated, limited range, secure radio system which provides a means of communication between a worker making a toxic area entry and workers, such as medical personnel and control room operators, who support the entry.
7) Heart Monitor
The heart monitor checks for signs of distress.
8) Chemical Resistant Tape
Designed to provide a chemical barrier closure, and to seal seams between protective suits, boots and gloves.
9) Butyl Boots
Butyl rubber has excellent impermeability (resistance to penetration) with a wide variety of chemicals, including chemical warfare agents, is very flexible, and is airtight. Butyl rubber has been used for boots and gloves for the military’s chemical weapons operations since it was developed and patented in 1937.