Which type of personal protective equipment offers the highest level of protection?

The Level A suit provides the highest level of protection among the options listed. This type of personal protective equipment is designed for situations where hazardous materials may pose significant health risks due to exposure. Level A suits are fully encapsulating and are constructed from materials that are resistant to specific chemicals, thereby offering a complete barrier against hazardous substances, including vapors, gases, and liquids.

The design of Level A suits includes a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which allows responders to operate in environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health, ensuring the respiratory protection needed in such high-risk situations. As such, Level A is ideal for incidents involving unknown or highly toxic materials, as it minimizes the risk of exposure to hazardous agents.

In comparison, other suits, while providing varying degrees of protection suitable for less hazardous environments, do not offer the same level of comprehensive protection against the most dangerous substances. This makes Level A the choice for responders who need the highest level of safety while handling hazardous materials.