What chemical-protective clothing is a single-piece garment that totally encloses the wearer?

• A. Coverall with hood
• B. Air-purifying suit
• C. Two-piece suit
• D. Encapsulating suit

Answer: (D)

In chemical protective work, the level of enclosure is the key idea: a garment that totally encloses the wearer provides the highest barrier against contact with hazardous chemicals. The encapsulating suit is a one-piece, fully sealed ensemble that covers the body completely, often including the head, and is designed to seal at all openings. It’s typically paired with an independent breathing air source to maintain a clean breathing zone and prevent any exposure through gaps.

This is why it’s the best choice here. A coverall with a hood is still basically a single piece, but it usually doesn’t seal at the wrists, ankles, and neck, so no matter how tight the hood is, there are potential access points for chemicals. An air-purifying suit relies on filters and can still involve exposed areas or rely on breathable air from the environment, making it unsuitable for atmospheres that are oxygen-deficient or heavily contaminated. A two-piece suit lacks the single-piece integrity needed for complete enclosure, leaving seams and interfaces as potential exposure points.