October 5, 2005—The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved or extended existing approvals for 22 industrial respirators and two chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) respirators in the month of July. Forty-seven units were submitted for initial approval or extension of approval.
NIOSH completed 60 product investigations or audits since June in its National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), and the Certified Product Investigation Process (CPIP) program closed 68 user-generated investigations of device failure or other user concern. User notices and more information on the certification process can be found on the NPPTL site.
NIOSH is also seeking comments regarding respirator standard development efforts. Interested participants may obtain copies of the CBRN Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), the Industrial PAPR, and the CBRN Closed Circuit, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus concept papers from NPPTL. Comments regarding these concepts will be discussed at future public meetings.
