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1. Will Chem-Tape® give a liquid tight
seal?
No, Chem-Tape® will reduce gross liquid flow,
but it is not a substitute for glove rings, attached boots,
sock booties or sealed seams. The performance of Chem-Tape®
is dictated by the care taken when applying the product. Users
should avoid wrinkles and folds when applying the tape. Chem-Tape®
utilizes a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the optimum seal will
be obtained with a high degree of pressure during application.
2. Will using Chem-Tape® make suit gas-tight?
No, Chem-Tape® should not be used in attempt
to make a gas-protective suit from as non-gas-protective suits.
3. How should Chem-Tape® be properly applied?
On what areas of the suit should it be used?
Chem-Tape® was designed to create and improve
the liquid resistance of interfaces and closures found on protective
garments and ensembles. Chem-Tape® can be used to minimize liquid
penetration through the following interfaces; glove/sleeve,
boot/boot flap, zipper/storm flap, around respirator face pieces,
etc. Chem-Tape® should be applied by hand with a high degree
of pressure. A sufficient length of Chem-Tape® should be wound
off the roll and either cut with a knife/scissors or tornby
hand by pulling firmly and rapidly across the tape a right angle.
A single continuous length of tape should be used whenever possible.
Several wraps or lengths of tape may be necessary to obtain
the desired level of coverage and performance based on the specific
scenario.
4. Is it possible to reuse Chem-Tape®?
No, Chem-Tape® is a single-use, disposable item.
If you attempt to reuse Chem-Tape® you will get limited adhesion
and could compromise your protection.
5. Does removing Chem-Tape® have an effect
on the chemical resistance of the suit material?
Chem-Tape® has a very aggressive adhesive system
to maximize the bond to the fabric. Some lightweight protective
fabrics can be damaged when Chem-Tape® is removed. Temperature,
exposure scenario, and the length of time the tape has been
on a fabric will all affect the release characteristic. It is
the user’s responsibility to inspect and determine if any item
of personal protective equipment is suitable for re-use. A damage
garment should not be re-used.
6. Will chemicals affect or attack the adhesive on Chem-Tape®?
Chem-Tape® includes a polyisoprene (i.e., natural
rubber) based adhesive system that can be affected by certain
chemicals. Proper application (i.e., avoidance of wrinkles and
gaps) in the tape will help to minimize degradation of the adhesive
since a flat edge minimizes the actual amount of adhesive that
is available for chemical exposure.
7. Is Chem-Tape® available in other roll
sizes? What about in other colors?
No, Chem-Tape® is available in individually shrink-wrapped rolls
(2-inches wide by 60 yards long, 5cm wide by 54 meters long).
Chem-Tape® is yellow imprinted with a black logo.
8. What is the difference between Chem-Tape®
and standard duct tape?
Standard duct tape is designed to minimize the gross leakage
of air in and around seams and joints in heating, air-conditioning,
and ventilation equipment (HVAC). Chem-Tape® is a conformable,
hand-tearable, high chemical barrier closure and attachment
tape system designed to minimize the influx of hazardous particles
and liquids into the interfaces in chemical protective clothing
ensembles. Chem-Tape® utilizes the same fundamental barrier
technology found in limited-use chemical protective fabrics
such as System CPF® 1-4, Tychem® and Responder®.
9. Will Chem-Tape® removal affect the
chemical resistance of gloves?
Unlikely. Most chemically resistant gloves such
as PVC, Butyl, Viton® and Neoprene are either "cured" or "vulcanized"
making them essentially unaffected by rubber-based pressure
sensitive adhesives. Film -based gloves such as the SilverShield®
may be physically affected if Chem-Tape® is removed from the
glove. In either case, the user should fully inspect the glove
for signs of physical and/or chemical deterioration/degradation
and discard if damaged.
10. Is it possible to use Chem-Tape® over
serged or bound seams to enhance holdout?
Yes, Chem-Tape® can be used to improve the performance
of seams, closures, and other interfaces present on a protective
garment or ensemble. The ultimate performance of Chem-Tape®
is dictated by how it is applied.
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