NIOSH Issues New Rules for Testing, Certifying Closed-Circuit Escape Respirators

NIOSH announced final rules March 8 that revise and update the agency’s requirements for testing and certification of closed-circuit escape respirators. The revised rules are designed to strengthen emergency respiratory protection for workers in escaping from toxic concentrations of fumes, gases, or smoke, or from confined areas where there is insufficient oxygen, posing immediate dangers to life or health, the agency says.