ISRP 1999 abstract

Presenter/author Title Abstract

Berry Ann, Roland
Metzler, R. W.

1095 Willowdale Rd.
Morgantown, WV 26505-28888
USA

 

Update on NIOSH Standards Development Activities

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published revised rulemaking priorities in the Federal register on August 28, 1999 (64 FR 46178) based on public comments provided in response to earlier requests for input.  The revised priorities represent a re-evaluation due to recent serious field problems with deployed SCSRs.  NIOSH is currently in the process of developing three rulemaking modules; 1) an Administrative/Quality Assurance Module, 2) a Self-Contained Self-Rescuer (SCSR) Module, and 3) a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Module.

In addition to the regulation-development activities, NIOSH is formulating a policy-development process intended to allow the Institute to use flexibilities available in the existing regulation.  The Institute has used Sections 84.60 and 84.63 flexibilities to evaluate individual respirators with unique features or characteristics.  Chemical cartridge respirators and gas masks for gases and vapors not listed in the regulations have been approved under Sections 84.110 and 84.190.  NIOSH is developing new procedures to develop and document any additional requirements under these flexibilities in a more public manner.  One result of NIOSH=s new process, if funding is received, is expected to be the ability to evaluate and approve respirators for use by responders to terroristic events.