IAFC members should take note that The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued a Respirators User Notice stating that an error was made during recent testing of SCBA that calls into questions the ability of some SCBA to meet NIOSH and NFPA standards for protection against chemical warfare agents.
The NIOSH notice states that agents used in testing from July 2012 through October 2013 were less than that required by NIOSH test procedures and therefore SCBA cannot be validated as in compliance with the CBRN standards until retesting is completed. NIOSH is working with both SCBA manufactures and NFPA to address the issue.
The IAFC recommends that members review the NIOSH Respirators User Notice carefully.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
Learn more