ST. PAUL, Minn. – First Receivers, emergency response teams, military personnel, safety managers, as well as others who handle patient decontamination. All these groups may require specialized respiratory protection when encountering particularly dangerous conditions brought on by exposures to chemical, biological, radiological or even nuclear (CBRN) hazards.
From preparation to clean-up, you need leading personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools for inspection of inventory that can help protect first receivers from some of the most challenging contaminants imaginable. You need to partner with a safety leader before, during, and after a local or world crisis ensues. Equip your team with products that have a solid track record of helping first receivers stay protected in these types of situations.
CBRN. What are the Hazards? Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear
Emergency workers need tools that can help protect them while they complete their emergency response assignments. CBRN Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) offer continuously filtered air and mobility to law enforcement, military, and healthcare professionals during CBRN crisis events like mass casualty events or acts of terrorism.
Provide Your First Receivers with the Tools They Need to be Prepared for Natural Disasters, Mass Casualties, or Acts of Terrorism
Those who choose to use CBRN loose-fitting PAPR systems, used for first receiver/patient decontamination programs, know that this PPE is tested and certified to meet the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protocol developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for particulates, gases, and vapors, which is an accepted industry best-practice.
The Breathe Easy CBRN PAPR System is widely fielded in the United States – this footprint across the nation is critical to supporting mutual aid across hospital coalitions and public health agencies. These PAPR systems features CAP 1 rated cartridges that help minimize overall weight and size while helping to maintain levels of respiratory protection and comfort.
Some key benefits of these CBRN PAPR systems feature:
- A wide field of vision, for visibility while managing an event or during training.
- A loose-fitting butyl rubber hood that does not require a fit test.
- Hoods that can be used with eyeglasses and limited facial hair.
- Continuously filtered airflow that helps provide comfort and can help users focus on the tasks at hand.
- A duffle bag that offers convenient storage and quick access in emergencies.
- A vinyl holster and belt that allows for easy decontamination.
More advanced products, such as these types of CBRN PAPR systems, can help those who help save lives. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must help protect workers required to respond to an event that exposes them to dangerous chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear hazards.
While OSHA has not yet required NIOSH-certified CBRN respiratory protection, certain government grants for PPE require CBRN approval, and it is considered a best practice for emergency preparedness and patient decontamination.
Below are the agents that NIOSH tests against when evaluating the CBRN canisters and cartridges.
With the creation of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in 2006, funding became available for hospitals and healthcare facilities for the purchase of personal protective equipment to prepare for and respond to adverse health effects of public health emergencies and disasters.
However, much of the equipment purchased during this time has aged. Therefore, you should make sure you follow the manufacturer user instructions, such as regularly ensuring that your cartridges and batteries have been properly stored and are not past their shelf life. You should also regularly inspect the hoods for damage that may compromise its integrity, using the directions outlined in the product User Instructions and guidance document.
Supporting Emergency Responders and Receivers
Choosing PPE for emergency response programs in both civilian and military hospitals is critical. When it comes to the Powered Air Purifying Respirator system (PAPR) with the butyl rubber hood, you not only get a time-tested product, but also a broad-based distribution that helps hospital coalitions and public health agencies support mutual aid. The ability to provide and receive emergency aid beyond local resources is critical to maintaining a strong emergency response program.
For additional information, download the following technical bulletins and our helpful infographic. We also encourage you to contact our health and safety specialists at 1-800-243-4630 for any questions you have or information you need.