At a radiation exposure incident, what level of PPE should be donned if no other hazards are present?

In the context of a radiation exposure incident where no other hazards are present, the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be donned is Level C. Level C PPE is designed for situations that involve airborne contaminants, including radiation, when the concentration is known and it can be managed using air-purifying respirators.

Level C typically includes a coverall, safety glasses, gloves, and respiratory protection, which allows the responder to safely work in situations where there may be exposure to airborne radioactive materials but limited risk of skin absorption or more significant environmental hazards. Given that there are no additional hazards, the use of Level C enables adequate protection while allowing for mobility and functionality necessary for an effective response.

In contrast, Level A is used when there are significant unknown hazards present and requires a higher degree of protection, while Level B is appropriate when there are high concentrations of hazardous materials present, requiring a higher level of respiratory protection but not necessarily the same level of skin protection as Level A. Level D is the least protective, typically used in clean environments without any recognized hazards, making it unsuitable in scenarios where radiation exposure is a concern.