The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published an interim final rule to extend the phase-in period until six months after the date that the first approval is granted to certain closed-circuit escape respirator (CCER) models. In March 2012, HHS published a final rule establishing new NIOSH standards for the certification of CCERs, designed to take effect over a three-year transition period. HHS says extending the concluding date for the transition is necessary to allow sufficient time for respirator manufacturers to meet the demands of affected industries.
September 17, 2026