Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
To Protect Emergency Responders Against CBRN Agents in Terrorist Attacks
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a program to approve self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for use by fire fighters and other first responders to terrorist attacks. NIOSH approval under the program signifies that an SCBA is expected to provide needed protection to first responders in situations where an act of terror has released harmful chemicals, pathogens, or radioactive materials into the air. Approvals are based on positive results from rigorous tests on sample units submitted to NIOSH by manufacturers, and from stringent evaluation of manufacturers’ quality-control practices, technical specifications, and other documentation.
NIOSH UPDATE: NIOSH Issues First Approval Under Program for Certifying Emergency Responder Respirators (June 3, 2002)
NIOSH UPDATE: NIOSH To Approve Self-Contained Respirators for Emergency Workers in Terrorist Attacks (January 14, 2002)
Letter
to all Respirator Manufacturers (December 28, 2001)
This letter provides details regarding NIOSH acceptance of applications
for the testing and evaluation of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
for use against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents.
Statement of Standard
Statement
of Standard—Attachment A (64KB) 
Procedures
for Applying for CBRN SCBA Approval—Attachment D (10KB)
Cautions
and Limitations of Use for CBRN SCBA—Attachment E (6KB)
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