February 17, 2003—The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved the Interspiro Models Spiromatic S3 and Spirotek S3 9030, 6630, and 4530 respirators on January 24, 2003, for occupational use by emergency responders against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents.
The devices are manufactured by Interspiro USA, of Branford, Connecticut. They are open-circuit, pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that provide users with air from a pressurized cylinder or tank carried on the back.
The action allows the manufacturer to label the approved devices as NIOSH-certified for occupational use by emergency responders. It does not constitute a commercial endorsement of the product.
NIOSH announced its first approval under the new CBRN criteria, for Spiromatic Models 9030, 6630, and 4530, manufactured by Interspiro USA, in May 2002. It announced the second approval, for the Scott Model Air-Pak 4.5 respirator, manufactured by Scott Health and Safety, Monroe, North Carolina, in January 2003.
NIOSH is continuing to test and evaluate other SCBAs submitted by manufacturers for certification under the new program. It also is developing similar criteria for approving other types of respirators, such as air-purifying devices, for use by emergency responders. All approvals will be posted on the NIOSH Web page.
For further information on the certification program, visit NIOSH or call 800/35-NIOSH (800/356-4674).
