Powered, Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
To Protect Emergency Responders Against CBRN Agents
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), along with the U.S. Army Soldier Biological and Chemical Command (SBCCOM), and the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) are continuing their efforts to develop appropriate standards and test procedures for all classes of respirators that will provide respiratory protection from Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) agents inhalation hazards. A standards development effort has been initiated for the development of a CBRN standard for Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR).
Statement of Standard
The criteria for approval of the CBRN Full Facepiece Air Purifying Respirator has been developed using the concept development process over the past twelve months. NIOSH intends to initiate this approval criteria pursuant to 42 CFR Parts 84.60(b) and 84.63(c). NIOSH initiated the certification program through a formal letter to manufacturers and interested stakeholders that contains additional details for those parties interested in certification program participation.
The following documents will are reflected in the letter to manufacturers and interested stakeholders:
Public Comments regarding requirements for consideration in the Full
Facepiece Air Purifying Respirator Concept Development should be provided
to the NIOSH Docket Office:
NIOSH Docket Office, Reference: NIOSH DOCKET -002
Robert A. Taft Laboratories, M/S C34
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
Telephone 513-533-8303,
Fax 513/533-8285
Email: niocindocket@cdc.gov
Concept Papers
Links to concept papers will be posted on this page so interested stakeholders can follow the progress of the standards development efforts.
Aug. 21, 2006 - CBRN PAPR Standard
Nov. 04, 2005 - Concept for
CBRN PAPR Standard
June 20, 2005 - Concept for
CBRN PAPR Standard (Reference NIOSH Docket 010)
March 30 , 2005 - Concept for CBRN PAPR Standard
Oct. 30 , 2004 - Concept for CBRN PAPR Standard
April 1 , 2004 - Concept for CBRN PAPR Standard
Feb. 6, 2004 - Concept for CBRN PAPR Standard
Sept. 15, 2003 - Concept for CBRN PAPR Standard
* April 1, 2005 - Concepts for Weapons of Mass Destruction Capable Powered Air Purifying Respirators
*Concepts for Weapons of Mass Destruction Capable PAPRs have been incorporated into the CBRN PAPR Concept paper effective June 20, 2005.