New Testing Protocol
OSHA has also proposed incorporating a new testing protocol to its Respiratory Protection Standard. The proposed protocol amends the Controlled Negative Pressure or CNP fit testing technique. The proposed protocol procedure calls for three separate test exercises followed by two re-donnings of the respirator. The current protocol specifies eight test exercises and just one donning of the respirator.
Certification of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Emergency Responders
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is testing and certifying the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) by emergency responders in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments. This optional certification program has been implemented to help assure the first responder community that the SCBAs are effective against weapons of mass destruction.
The testing and certification process will certify that CBRN agents will not permeate or penetrate components of a tested SCBA and enter the respiratory system of the user at levels that NIOSH considers to be maximum credible threat concentrations. SCBA units that pass the certification tests will carry a visible NIOSH/CDC label on the SCBA backplate, indicating that the apparatus is CBRN agent approved.
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