The NRBC OBOOTS® overboot strengthens its protection against toxic industrial chemicals through new testing. Made of butyl rubber, it protects for a minimum of 48 hours against chemical warfare agents and 32 hours against TICs. Six new chemicals have been tested: methanol, ammonium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, isopropanol, sodium hypochlorite, and formaldehyde. Results confirm a performance level of 5/5 for a minimum of 32 hours for all substances, corresponding to complete impermeability and expanding protection in industrial environments.
1. An overboot designed for CBRN protection
The CBRN OBOOTS® overboot [7] is worn over boots, shoes, and combat footwear. Made of butyl rubber, it protects responders against chemical warfare agents in liquid, vapor, or aerosol form for a minimum of 48 hours.
It also provides level 5/5 protection for at least 32 hours against toxic industrial chemicals (TICs).
2. Resistance testing initially conducted on four chemicals
Until now, resistance to TIC [8] permeation had been assessed using four chemicals: sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and acetic acid.
3. New tests to meet operational requirements
To address numerous requirements expressed in tenders and to expand the use of the overboot in industrial environments, a new series of resistance tests has been conducted. Six additional toxic industrial chemicals, among those most frequently specified in tenders, were selected:
- methanol
- ammonium hydroxide
- hydrogen peroxide
- isopropanol
- sodium hypochlorite
- formaldehyde
4. Performance confirmed for six additional TICs
Test results show that the CBRN OBOOTS® overboot achieves a performance level of 5/5 for a minimum of 32 hours against all six substances tested, corresponding to complete impermeability.
5. Extended protection for industrial environments
This new testing campaign broadens the range of toxic industrial chemicals [9] against which the OBOOTS® overboot provides protection, once again demonstrating its effectiveness.
6. Frequently asked questions
What is the CBRN OBOOTS® overboot?
The CBRN OBOOTS® overboot is protective equipment worn over boots, shoes, or combat footwear. Made of butyl rubber, it protects responders against chemical warfare agents in liquid, vapor, or aerosol form for a minimum of 48 hours, and offers level 5/5 protection for at least 32 hours against toxic industrial chemicals.
What new TICs were tested on the OBOOTS® overboot?
Six new toxic industrial chemicals were tested to meet requirements expressed in tenders: methanol, ammonium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, isopropanol, sodium hypochlorite, and formaldehyde. These substances are among the most frequently specified in industrial environment requirements.
What performance level does the OBOOTS® overboot achieve against TICs?
Tests demonstrate that the CBRN OBOOTS® overboot achieves a performance level of 5/5 for a minimum of 32 hours for all six newly tested chemicals. This 5/5 level corresponds to complete impermeability, guaranteeing optimal protection for responders in industrial environments against these toxic substances.
Against which chemicals was the OBOOTS® overboot previously tested?
Before this new testing series, the OBOOTS® overboot’s resistance to TIC permeation had already been evaluated for four chemicals: sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and acetic acid. The new tests therefore significantly expand the validated protection spectrum.
Why were these new tests conducted?
These new resistance tests were conducted to address numerous requirements expressed in tenders and to expand the use of the OBOOTS® overboot in industrial environments. The six additional TICs selected are among the most frequently specified in procurement specifications, thereby broadening the equipment’s operational application scope.