NIOSH Establishes Guidelines for the Use of PAPRS in CBRN Environments

October 24, 2006 – U.S. fire departments will soon be able to use powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) for respiratory protection in the event of a terrorist attack using chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) agents.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is currently reviewing applications from respirator manufacturers to have their PAPRs tested against the new criteria for certifying PAPRs for use against CBRN agents. Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, parts 84.60(b), 84.63(c) and 84.110(c) provide NIOSH with the authority to issue approvals for respirators that it determines are "necessary to establish the quality, effectiveness and safety of any respirator used as protection against hazardous atmospheres."

For more information concerning the use of PAPRs in CBRN environments, click here.