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NIOSH Conformity Assessment Letter to Manufacturers
NIOSH CA 2019-1021
August 2019
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) employs the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (CCDC CBC) to conduct Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) testing. These services support the NIOSH Respirator Approval Program by completing CWA testing for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection conformance.
On August 16, 2019, based on CCDC CBC data, NIOSH decided to pursue high concentration LAT testing and accepted CBC corrective actions developed to resolve the June 10, 2019 CCDC CBC Simulant Agent Resistant Test Manikin (SMARTMAN) Laboratory safety stand-down for high concentration sarin (GB) testing. Prior to issuing this notice, NIOSH visited CCDC CBC to observe and better understand the resolutions implemented in response to the CCDC CBC safety stand-down.
High concentration GB testing to support the NIOSH CBRN approval program resumed on August 19, 2019. Additionally, CCDC CBC is continuing to assess whether the safety stand down can be lifted for HD Mustard testing. CCDC CBC will keep NIOSH informed as progress is made.