U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

National Institute of Justice

Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program

National Institute of Justice

Guide for the Selection of Personal Protective 

Equipment for Emergency First Responders 

NIJ Guide 102–00

Volume I

November 2002
U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

810 Seventh Street N.W.

Washington, DC 20531

John Ashcroft

Attorney General

Deborah J. Daniels

Assistant Attorney General

Sarah V. Hart

Director, National Institute of Justice

For grant and funding information, contact:

Department of Justice Response Center 

800–421–6770

Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice

World Wide Web Site World Wide Web Site 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij
U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

National Institute of Justice

Guide for the Selection of Personal Protective Equipment for

Emergency First Responders

NIJ Guide 102-00, Volume I

Dr. Alim A. Fatah1

John A. Barrett2

Richard D. Arcilesi, Jr.2

Charlotte H. Lattin2

Charles G. Janney2

Edward A. Blackman2

Coordination by:

Office of Law Enforcement Standards

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Gaithersburg, MD 20899–8102

Prepared for:

National Institute of Justice

Office of Science and Technology

Washington, DC 20531

November 2002

This document was prepared under CBIAC contract number SPO−900−94−D−0002

and Interagency Agreement M92361 between NIST and the Department of Defense

Technical Information Center (DTIC).

 NCJ 191518

 

1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of Law Enforcement Standards.

2Battelle Memorial Institute.
National Institute of Justice

Sarah V. Hart

Director

This guide was prepared for the National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, by the Office of Law

Enforcement Standards of the National Institute of Standards and Technology under Interagency Agreement

94–IJ–R–004, Project No. 99–060–CBW. It was also prepared under CBIAC contract No. SPO–900–94–D–0002

and Interagency Agreement M92361 between NIST and the Department of Defense Technical Information Center

(DTIC).

The authors wish to thank Ms. Kathleen Higgins of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Mr. Bill

Haskell of SBCCOM, Ms. Priscilla S. Golden of General Physics, LTC Don Buley of the Joint Program Office of

Biological Defense, Ms. Nicole Trudel of Camber Corporation, Dr. Stephen Morse of Centers for Disease Control,

and Mr. Todd Brethauer of the Technical Support Working Group for their significant contributions to this effort.

We would also like to acknowledge the Interagency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability,

which consists of Government and first responder representatives.
iii

FOREWORD

NIJ is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice and is

solely dedicated to researching crime control and justice issues. NIJ provides objective, independent,

nonpartisan, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice,

particularly at the State and local levels.

The NIJ Director is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Director establishes

the Institute’s objectives and is guided by the priorities of the Office of Justice Programs, the U.S.

Department of Justice, and the needs of the field. The Institute actively solicits the views of criminal

justice and other professionals and researchers to inform its search for the knowledge and tools to

guide policy and practice.

In partnership with others, NIJ’s mission is to prevent and reduce crime, improve law enforcement

and the administration of justice, and promote public safety. By applying the disciplines of the social

and physical sciences, NIJ:

C Researches the nature and impact of crime and delinquency.

C Develops applied technologies, standards, and tools for criminal justice practitioners.

C Evaluates existing programs and responses to crime.

C Tests innovative concepts and program models in the field.

C Assists policymakers, program partners, and justice agencies.

C Disseminates knowledge to many audiences.

As part of its standard development activities, NIJ serves as the executive agent for the Interagency

Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability (IAB). The IAB has developed a set of

priorities for standards for equipment to be used by first responders to critical incidents, including

terrorist incidents relating to chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological, and explosive weapons. In

particular, the development of chemical and biological defense equipment guides for the emergency

first responder community is a high priority of NIJ.

The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) of the National Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST) furnishes technical support to NIJ in the development of standards. OLES

subjects existing equipment to laboratory testing and evaluation and conducts research leading to the

development of national standards, user guides, and technical reports.

This document covers research conducted by OLES under the sponsorship of NIJ. Other NIJ

documents developed by OLES cover protective clothing and equipment, communications systems,

emergency equipment, investigative aids, security systems, vehicles, weapons, analytical techniques,

and standard reference materials used by the forensic community.

Technical comments and suggestions concerning this guide are invited from all interested parties.

They may be addressed to the Office of Law Enforcement Standards, National Institute of Standards

and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8102, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–8102.

Sarah V. Hart, Director

National Institute of Justice
v

CONTENTS

FOREWORD..................................................................................................................................iii

COMMONLY USED SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................viii

ABOUT THIS GUIDE...................................................................................................................xi

1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................1

2. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT..........................................................................3

2.1 The Purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)....................................................3

2.2 Components of Personal Protective Ensembles..............................................................3

2.3 Levels of Protection.........................................................................................................6

3. INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS, TOXIC INDUSTRIAL

MATERIALS, AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS.....................................................................9

3.1 Chemical Warfare Agents...............................................................................................9

3.2 Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs).................................................................................13

3.3 Biological Agents..........................................................................................................17

4. OVERVIEW OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SYSTEMS..........................................25

4.1 Air-Purifying Respirators..............................................................................................25

4.2 Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators...............................................................................29

4.3 Escape Masks................................................................................................................31

5. PERCUTANEOUS PROTECTION.....................................................................................33

5.1 Types of Chemical Protective Clothing.........................................................................33

5.2 Material Chemical Resistance .......................................................................................35

5.3 Service Life ...................................................................................................................36

5.4 Percutaneous Protection Technologies..........................................................................36

6. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SELECTION FACTORS...............................39

6.1 Chemical Warfare (CW) Agents Protection.................................................................39

6.2 Biological Warfare (BW) Agents Protection................................................................39

6.3 Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs) Protection...............................................................40

6.4 Duration of Protection...................................................................................................40

6.5 Environmental Conditions.............................................................................................40

6.6 Weight/Comfort.............................................................................................................40

6.7 Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use)..................................................................................40

6.8 Sizes Available ..............................................................................................................40

6.9 Visibility........................................................................................................................40

6.10 Launderability (Cleaning)............................................................................................41

6.11 Training Requirements.................................................................................................41

6.12 Unit Cost......................................................................................................................41

7. EVALUATION OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ...............................45

7.1 Respiratory Protection...................................................................................................45

7.2 Evaluation Results.........................................................................................................46

8. EVALUATION OF PERCUTANEOUS PROTECTION (GARMENTS)... ......................59

8.1 Levels of Protection.......................................................................................................59

8.2 Evaluation Results.........................................................................................................59

9. EVALUATION OF PERCUTANEOUS PROTECTION (APPAREL)..............................83

9.1 Protective Apparel.........................................................................................................83

9.2 Evaluation Results.........................................................................................................83
vi

APPENDIX A––RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS ON PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT.....................................................................................................................A−1

APPENDIX B––REFERENCES ................................................................................................B−1

APPENDIX C––IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND HEALTH (IDLH)

VALUES............................................................................................................................C−1

TABLES

Table 2−1. EPA levels of protection for ensemble components...................................................7

Table 3–1. Physical and chemical properties of common nerve agents......................................10

Table 3–2. Physical and chemical properties of common blister agents.....................................12

Table 3–3. Physical and chemical properties of TIMs................................................................14

Table 3–4. TIMs listed by hazard index......................................................................................16

Table 3−5. Bacterial agents.........................................................................................................19

Table 3−6. Viral agents................................................................................................................21

Table 3−7. Rickettsiae .................................................................................................................23

Table 3−8. Biological toxins........................................................................................................24

Table 5−1. Trade names, manufacturers, and descriptions of commonly used materials...........38

Table 6−1. Selection factor key for personal protective equipment (respiratory) .......................42

Table 6−2. Selection factor key for percutaneous protective (garments)....................................43

Table 6−3. Selection factor key for percutaneous protective (apparel).......................................44

Table 7−1. Respiratory protection equipment .............................................................................46

Table 7−2. Evaluation results reference table..............................................................................46

Table 7−3. Respiratory protection (masks)..................................................................................48

Table 7−4. Respiratory protection (PAPR)..................................................................................51

Table 7−5. Respiratory protection (SCBA).................................................................................53

Table 7−6. Respiratory protection (SCBA/rebreather)................................................................54

Table 7−7. Respiratory protection (airline respirator).................................................................55

Table 7−8. Respiratory protection (SCBA/airline respirator).....................................................56

Table 7−9. Respiratory protection (escape masks)......................................................................57

Table 7−10. Selection factor key for personal protection equipment (respiratory).......................58

Table 8−1. Percutaneous protective garments.............................................................................60

Table 8−2. Evaluation results reference table..............................................................................60

Table 8−3. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A encapsulating) ............................................61

Table 8−4. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A ensembles)..................................................66

Table 8−5. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level B encapsulating).............................................67

Table 8−6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)..........................................................................71

Table 8−7. Percutaneous protection (ensembles - other).............................................................80

Table 8−8. Percutaneous protection (overgarments)...................................................................81

Table 8−9. Selection factor key for percutaneous protective (garments)....................................82

Table 9−1. Percutaneous protective apparel................................................................................84

Table 9−2. Evaluation results reference table..............................................................................84

Table 9−3. Percutaneous protection (hoods) ...............................................................................86

Table 9−4. Percutaneous protection (foot protection).................................................................88
vii

Table 9−5. Percutaneous protection (hand protection)................................................................90

Table 9−6. Percutaneous protection (shirts, pants, jackets, and overalls)...................................92

Table 9−7. Percutaneous protection (aprons, labcoats, and ponchos).........................................94

Table 9−8. Percutaneous protection (undergarments).................................................................95

Table 9−9. Percutaneous protection (casualty bags)...................................................................96

Table 9−10. Percutaneous protection (personal cooling) ..............................................................97

Table 9−11. Selection factor key for percutaneous protective equipment (apparel) .....................98

FIGURES

Figure 2−1. ChemTape, Kappler Safety Group ..............................................................................4

Figure 2−2. Personal Ice Cooling System (PICS) GEOMET Technologies, Inc. ..........................4

Figure 2−3. Tychem® TK hood/vest, pullover, PVC face shield, DuPont Tyvek®

 Protective Apparel.......................................................................................................5

Figure 2−4. Bata boot/shoe covers, Bata Shoe Co., Inc..................................................................5

Figure 2−5. Tingley Hazproof overboot, Tingley Rubber Corporation..........................................5

Figure 2−6. Chemical protective butyl rubber gloves, Guardian Manufacturing Co.....................6

Figure 2−7. Lakeland Tychem® 9400 Level B Sleeves, Lakeland Industries, Inc. ........................6

Figure 4−1. Panorama Nova Full Facepiece, Draeger Safety, Inc................................................26

Figure 4−2. MSA Phalanx CBA/RCA Gas Mask, MSA..............................................................26

Figure 4−3. Survivair® Belt Mounted PAPR Survivair, A Division of Bacou USA

 Safety, Inc..................................................................................................................26

Figure 4−4. Draeger AirBoss PSS100, Draeger Safety, Inc.........................................................30

Figure 4−5. Biomarine BioPak 240 Rebreather, Biomarine, Inc...................................................30

Figure 4−6. ARAP/C and ARAP/E Airline Respirator, International Safety Instruments...........30

Figure 4−7. Parat NBC Escape Hood, Draeger Safety, Inc..........................................................31

Figure 4−8. Spiroscape Escape BA, Interspiro Inc.......................................................................31

Figure 5−1. Tychem® BR EX Commander Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit,

 DuPont Tyvek® Protective Apparel...........................................................................33

Figure 5−2. Tychem® TK EX Commander Brigade Level A Ensemble, NFPA 1991

 certified, DuPont Tyvek® Protective Apparel..........................................................33

Figure 5−3. Tychem® SL Utility Level B Fully Encapsulating Suit, DuPont Tyvek®

 Protective Apparel.....................................................................................................34

Figure 5−4. Kappler Responder® Level B Coverall with attached hood, Kappler

 Safety Group..............................................................................................................34

Figure 5−5. Lakeland Tyvek® QC Level B Coverall with collar, Lakeland Industries, Inc.........34

Figure 5−6. Saratoga Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit (JSLIST), Tex-Shield, Inc. ......35
viii

COMMONLY USED SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

A ampere h hour oz ounce

ac alternating current hf high frequency o.d. outside diameter

AM amplitude modulation Hz hertz Ω ohm

cd candela i.d. inside diameter p. page

cm centimeter in inch Pa pascal

CP chemically pure IR infrared pe probable error

c/s cycle per second J joule pp. pages

d day L lambert ppm parts per million

dB decibel L liter qt quart

dc direct current lb pound rad radian

°C degree Celsius lbf pound-force rf radio frequency

°F degree Fahrenheit lbf†in pound-force inch rh relative humidity

dia diameter lm lumen s second

emf electromotive force ln logarithm (base e) SD standard deviation

eq equation log logarithm (base 10) sec. Section

F farad M molar SWR standing wave ratio

fc footcandle m meter uhf ultrahigh frequency

fig. Figure μ micron UV ultraviolet

FM frequency modulation min minute V volt

ft foot mm millimeter vhf very high frequency

ft/s foot per second mph miles per hour W watt

g acceleration m/s meter per second N newton

g gram mo month λ wavelength

gal gallon N†m newton meter wk week

gr grain nm nanometer wt weight

H henry No. number yr year

area=unit2 (e.g., ft2, in2, etc.); volume=unit3 (e.g., ft3, m3, etc.)

ACRONYMS SPECIFIC TO THIS DOCUMENT

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials NIJ National Institute of Justice

BW Biological Warfare NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and

Health

CB Chemical and Biological NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

CBW Chemical Biological Warfare NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

CPU Collective Protective Undergarment NBC Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical

CW Chemical Warfare OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

DOD Department of Defense PAPR Powered Air Purifying Respirator

DTAPS Disposable Toxicological Agent Protective Suit PF Protection Factor

DPG Dugway Proving Grounds PICS Personal Ice Cooling System

DRES Defense Research Establishment Suffield POL Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants

ECBE Edgewood Chemical Biological Center,

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal PPV Positive Pressure Ventilation

EPA Environmental Protection Agency PVC Polyvinyl chloride

ERDEC U.S. Army Edgewood Research, Development

and Engineering Center

SBCCOM U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical

Command

FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation SCBA Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

FR Fire Resistant SCFM Standard Cubic Feet per Minute

HAZMAT Hazardous Materials STB Super Tropical Bleach

IDLH Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health TAP Toxicological Agent Protective

IAB Interagency Board TICs Toxic Industrial Chemicals

ITAR International Traffic and Arms Regulations TIMs Toxic Industrial Materials

NFPA National Fire Protection Association TOP Test Operating Procedure
ix

PREFIXES (See ASTM E380) COMMON CONVERSIONS

d deci (10-1) da deka (10) 0.30480 m =1ft 4.448222 N = lbf

c centi (10-2) h hecto (102) 25.4 mm = 1 in 1.355818 J =1 ft†lbf

m milli (10-3) k kilo (103) 0.4535924 kg = 1 lb 0.1129848 N m = lbf†in

μ micro (10-6) M mega (106) 0.06479891g = 1gr 14.59390 N/m =1 lbf/ft

n nano (10-9) G giga (109) 0.9463529 L = 1 qt 6894.757 Pa = 1 lbf/in2

p pico (10-12) T tera (1012) 3600000 J = 1 kW†hr 1.609344 km/h = mph

Temperature: T °C = (T °F –32)×5/9 Temperature: T °F = (T °C ×9/5)+32
xi

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The National Institute of Justice is the focal point for providing support to State and local law

enforcement agencies in the development of counterterrorism technology and standards,

including technology needs for chemical and biological defense. In recognizing the needs of

State and local emergency first responders, the Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) at

the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), supported by the National Institute

of Justice (NIJ), the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG), the U.S. Army Soldier and

Biological Chemical Command, and the Interagency Board for Equipment Standardization and

Interoperability (IAB), is developing chemical and biological defense equipment guides. The

guides will focus on chemical and biological equipment in areas of detection, personal

protection, decontamination, and communication. This document focuses specifically on

assisting the emergency first responder community in the evaluation and purchase of personal

protective equipment.

The long range plans include these goals: (1) subject existing personal protective equipment to

laboratory testing and evaluation against a specified protocol, and (2) conduct research leading to

the development of a series of documents, including national standards, user guides, and

technical reports. It is anticipated that the testing, evaluation, and research processes will take

several years to complete; therefore, the National Institute of Justice has developed this initial

guide for the emergency first responder community in order to facilitate their evaluation and

purchase of personal protective equipment.

In conjunction with this program, additional guides, as well as other documents, are being issued

in the areas of chemical agent and toxic industrial material detection equipment, biological agent

detection equipment, decontamination equipment, and communication equipment.

The information contained in this guide has been obtained through literature searches and market

surveys. The vendors were contacted multiple times during the preparation of this guide to

ensure data accuracy. In addition, the information is supplemented with test data obtained from

other sources (e.g., Department of Defense), if available. It should also be noted that the purpose

of this guide is not to provide recommendations but rather to serve as a means to provide

information to the reader to compare and contrast commercially available personal protective

equipment. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, processes, or services by

trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its

endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The information

and statements contained in this guide shall not be used for the purposes of advertising, nor to

imply the endorsement or recommendation of the United States Government.

With respect to information provided in this guide, neither the United States Government nor any

of its employees make any warranty, expressed or implied, including but not limited to the

warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Further, neither the United

States Government nor any of its employees assume any legal liability or responsibility for the

accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process

disclosed.
xii

Technical comments, suggestions, and product updates are encouraged from interested parties.

They may be addressed to the Office of Law Enforcement Standards, National Institute of

Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8102, Gaithersburg, MD 20899−8102. It is

anticipated that this guide will be updated periodically.

Questions relating to the specific personal protective items, respiratory and percutaneous (skin)

protection, included in this document should be addressed directly to the proponent agencies or

the equipment manufacturers. Contact information for each equipment item included in this

guide can be found in Volume IIa (respiratory protection), Volume IIb (percutaneous protection–

–garments), and Volume IIc (percutaneous––other apparel).
1

GUIDE FOR THE SELECTION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT FOR EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDERS

This guide includes information that is intended to assist the emergency first responder

community in the evaluation and purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). It includes a

thorough market survey of personal protection technologies and commercially available

equipment known to the authors as of April 2001. Brief technical discussions are presented that

consider the principles of protection of several items. Readers finding this material too technical

can omit this information while still making use of the rest of the guide, and readers desiring

more technical detail can obtain it from the references listed in appendix B.

1. INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of the Guide for the Selection of Personal Protective Equipment for

Emergency First Responders is to provide emergency first responders with information to aid

them in the selection of PPE, both respiratory protection and percutaneous (skin) protection. The

guide is intended to be more practical than technical and provides information on a variety of

factors that should be considered when purchasing and using PPE, including duration of

protection, dexterity/mobility (how cumbersome is the equipment), launderability, and use/reuse,

to name a few.

Due to the large number of PPE items identified, the guide is separated into four volumes.

Volume I represents the actual guide, Volume IIa, Volume IIb, and Volume IIc serve as

supplements to Volume I since they contain the PPE data sheets only. Volume IIa contains the

data sheets for respiratory protection, Volume IIb contains the data sheets for protective

garments, and Volume IIc contains the data sheets for other protective apparel (boots, gloves,

hoods, and lab coats, etc.).

The remainder of this guide (Vol. I) is divided into several sections. Section 2 presents

background information about the function of PPE, the components of personal protective

ensembles, and the levels of protection. Section 3 provides an introduction to chemical agents,

TIMs, and biological agents. Specifically, it discusses CB agents by providing overviews,

physical and chemical properties, routes of entry, and symptoms. It also discusses the 98 TIMs

that are considered in this guide. Section 4 presents an overview of respiratory protection

equipment. Section 5 presents an overview of percutaneous protection equipment. Section 6

discusses the 12 characteristics and performance parameters that are used to evaluate PPE in this

guide (referred to as selection factors in the remainder of this guide). These selection factors

were compiled by a panel of experienced scientists and engineers with multiple years of

experience with PPE, domestic preparedness, and identification of emergency first responder

needs. The factors have also been shared with the emergency responder community in order to

get their thoughts and comments. Section 7 presents comparative evaluation of available

respiratory protection equipment. Section 8 presents comparative evaluation of available

percutaneous protective equipment (garments). Section 9 presents a comparative evaluation of

other available percutaneous protective equipment (apparel).
2

Three appendices are also included within this guide. Appendix A lists questions that could assist

emergency first responders when selecting PPE. Appendix B lists the documents that were

referenced in this guide. Appendix C provides the immediately dangerous to life and health

(IDLH) values for the chemical agents and most of the TIMs that are listed.
3

2. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The intent of this section is to provide background information about the function of PPE, the

components of personal protective ensembles, and the levels of protection provided by PPE.

2.1 The Purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The purpose of personal protective clothing and equipment is to shield or isolate individuals

from the chemical, physical, and biological hazards that may be encountered during hazardous

materials operations. During an emergency response, it is not always apparent when exposure

occurs. Many toxic materials pose invisible hazards and offer no warning properties.

PPE must be worn whenever the wearer faces potential hazards arising from toxic exposure.

Many activities associated with emergency operations that may require the wearing of PPE are

presented below:

• Site Survey: Individuals conducting an initial investigation of a hazardous materials

incident/accident site. These situations are usually characterized by a large degree of

uncertainty and mandate the highest levels of protection.

• Emergency Rescue: Individuals entering a hazardous materials area for the purpose of

removing an exposure victim. Special considerations must be given to how the selected

protective clothing may affect the ability of the wearer to carry out rescue operations.

• Hazard Mitigation: Individuals entering a hazardous materials area to prevent a potential

toxic release or to reduce the hazards from an existing release. Protective clothing must

accommodate the required tasks without sacrificing adequate protection.

• Monitoring/Supervision: Individuals entering a hazardous materials area for the explicit

purpose of observing and directing work operations or preventing unnecessary safety risks.

• Decontamination: Individuals providing decontamination support to personnel or equipment

leaving the contaminated site.

It is important that responders realize that no single combination of protective equipment and

clothing is capable of protecting against all hazards. Thus, PPE should always be used in

conjunction with other protective methods. For example, proper decontamination and

engineering or administrative controls should always be employed as additional measures for

preventing exposure.

2.2 Components of Personal Protective Ensembles

The approach in selecting PPE must encompass an “ensemble” of clothing and equipment items,

which are easily integrated to provide an appropriate level of protection while still allowing one

to carry out activities involving hazardous materials. Components forming an effective protective
4

ensemble may incorporate a wide variety of protective equipment and clothing items. For the

purpose of this guide, the evaluated items have been organized into the following three groups:

• Respiratory Equipment (e.g., air purifying respirators and supplied air respirators).

• Protective Garments (e.g., encapsulated suits, coveralls, and overgarments).

• Other Protective Apparel (e.g., protective hoods, boots, and gloves).

Two examples of items that are not specifically percutaneous apparel, but are included in this

discussion, are tape and personal cooling systems. Figure 2−1 shows an example of ChemTape,

from Kappler Safety Group. ChemTape is used to secure the wrist and ankle cuffs in all levels of

protection except Level A. Figure 2−2 shows the Personal Ice Cooling System (PICS) from

GEOMET Technologies, Inc. Although a PIC is not a percutaneous item, it does protect the user

from heat stress when worn with protective garments.

Figure 2-1. ChemTape, Kappler Safety Group Figure 2-2. Personal Ice Cooling System (PICS)

GEOMET Technologies, Inc.

The following figures are included to familiarize the reader with the types of protective apparel

that are included in protective ensembles. Figure 2−3 is an example of a protective hood, the

Tychem® TK hood/vest, pullover, PVC face shield, from DuPont Tyvek® Protective Apparel.
5

Figure 2-3. Tychem® TK hood/vest, pullover, PVC

face shield, DuPont Tyvek® Protective Apparel

Figure 2−4 and figure 2−5 are two examples of foot protection, the Bata boot/shoe covers from

Bata Shoe Co., Inc. and the Tingley Hazproof Overboot from Tingley Rubber Corporation.

2-4. Bata boot/shoe covers,

Bata Shoe Co., Inc.

Figure 2-5. Tingley Hazproof overboot,

Tingley Rubber Corporation

Figure 2−6 and figure 2−7 offer two examples of hand and arm protection. They are the chemical

protective butyl rubber gloves from Guardian Manufacturing Company, and the Lakeland

Tychem® 9400 Level B Sleeves from Lakeland Industries, Inc.
6

Figure 2-6. Chemical protective butyl rubber

gloves, Guardian Manufacturing Co.

Figure 2-7. Lakeland Tychem® 9400 Level B

Sleeves, Lakeland Industries, Inc.

2.3 Levels of Protection

It is important for responders to realize that selecting items based only on how they are designed or

configured is not sufficient to ensure adequate protection. In other words, just having the right

components to form an ensemble is not enough. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) levels

of protection do not define what performance the selected clothing or equipment must offer. Many of

these considerations are described in the “limiting criteria” column of table 2−1. Additional factors

relevant to the various clothing and equipment items are described in subsequent sections.

Table 2−1 lists ensemble components based on the widely used EPA Levels of Protection (i.e.,

Levels A, B, C, and D). These lists can be used as the starting point for ensemble creation; however,

each ensemble must be tailored to the specific situation in order to provide the most appropriate level

of protection.

In addition to the EPA Levels of Protection, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has

classified suits by their performance.

NFPA Standard 1991—Vapor-protective suits that provide “gas-tight” integrity and are intended for

response situations where no chemical contact is permissible. This type of suit would be equivalent

to EPA Level A protection.

NFPA Standard 1992—Liquid splash-protective suits offer protection against liquid chemicals in the

form of splashes, but not against continuous liquid contact or chemical vapors or gases. This type of

clothing would meet the EPA Level B needs.

NFPA Standard 1993—Support function protective garments that provide liquid splash protection

but offer limited physical protection. They are intended for use in non-emergency, nonflammable

situations where the chemical hazards have been completely characterized. Support function

protective garments should not be used in chemical emergency response or in situations where

chemical hazards remain uncharacterized.
7

Table 2-1. EPA levels of protection for ensemble components

Level A Vapor protective suit (meets NFPA 1991)

Pressure-demand, full-face SCBA, inner chemical-resistant gloves, and chemical-resistant

safety boots.

OPTIONAL: Cooling system, outer gloves, hard hat, and two-way radio communications

system.

Protection Provided: Highest available level of respiratory, skin, and eye protection from

solid, liquid, and gaseous chemicals.

Used When: The chemical(s) have been identified and pose high levels of hazards to

respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Substances are present with known or suspected skin

toxicity or carcinogenity. Operations must be conducted in confined or poorly ventilated

areas.

Limitations: Protective clothing must resist permeation by the chemical or mixtures present.

Ensemble items must allow integration without loss of performance.

Level B Liquid splash protective suit (meets NFPA 1992). Pressure demand, full facepiece SCBA,

inner chemical-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant safety boots, and hard hat.

OPTIONAL: Cooling system, outer gloves, and two-way radio communications system.

Protection Provided: Provides same level of respiratory protection as Level A, but less skin

protection. Liquid splash protection, but no protection against chemical vapors or gases.

Used When: The chemical(s) have been identified but do not require a high level of skin

protection. Initial site surveys are required until higher levels of hazards are identified. The

primary hazards associated with site entry are from liquid and not vapor contact.

Limitations: Protective clothing items must resist penetration by the chemicals or mixtures

present. Ensemble items must allow integration without loss of performance.

Level C Not Acceptable for Chemical Emergency Response

Support Function Protective Garment (meets NFPA 1993). Full facepiece, air purifying,

canister-equipped respirator, chemical-resistant gloves and safety boots, two-way radio

communications system, and hard hat.

OPTIONAL: Face shield, and escape SCBA.

Protection Provided: Provides the same level of skin protection as Level B, but a lower level

of respiratory protection. Liquid splash protection, but no protection against chemical vapors

or gases.

Used When: Contact with site chemical(s) will not affect the skin. Air contaminants have

been identified and concentrations measured. A respirator canister is available that can

remove the contaminant. The site and its hazards have been completely characterized.

Limitations: Protective clothing items must resist penetration by the chemical or mixtures

present. Chemical airborne concentration must be less than IDLH levels. The atmosphere

must contain at least 19.5 % oxygen.

Level D Not Acceptable for Chemical Emergency Response

Coveralls, safety boots/shoes, safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.

OPTIONAL: Gloves, escape SCBA, and face shield.

Protection Provided: No respiratory protection, and minimal skin protection.

Used When: The atmosphere contains no known hazards. Work functions preclude splashes,

immersion, potential for inhalation, or direct contact with hazard chemicals.

Limitations: This level should not be worn in the Hot Zone. The atmosphere must contain at

least 19.5 % oxygen.
9

3. INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS, TOXIC

INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS, AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

The purpose of this section is to provide a description of chemical warfare agents (CWA), toxic

industrial materials (TIMs), and biological agents (BA).

3.1 Chemical Warfare Agents

Chemical warfare agents are chemical substances that are intended for use in warfare or terrorist

activities to kill, seriously injure, or seriously incapacitate people through their physiological

effects. A chemical agent attacks the organs of the human body, preventing the organs from

functioning normally. The results are usually disabling or fatal. The volatility of a chemical agent

often determines how it is used. Volatility refers to a substance’s ability to become a vapor at a

relatively low temperature. A highly volatile (nonpersistent) substance poses a greater respiratory

hazard than a less volatile (persistent) substance.

The most common chemical warfare agents are the nerve agents, GA (Tabun), GB (Sarin), GD

(Soman), GF, and VX; and the blister agents, HD (sulfur mustard) and HN (nitrogen mustard)

and the arsenical vesicants, L (Lewisite). Other toxic chemicals such as hydrogen cyanide

(characterized as a chemical blood agent by the military) are included as TIMs under section 3.2

of this guide. There are also toxic chemicals derived from living organisms, generically termed

toxins. Toxins are included under section 3.3 of this guide.

3.1.1 Nerve Agents

This section provides an overview of nerve agents. A discussion of their physical and chemical

properties, their routes of entry, and descriptions of symptoms is also provided.

3.1.1.1 Overview

Among lethal chemical agents, nerve agents have had an entirely dominant role since World War

II. Nerve agents acquired their name because they affect the transmission of impulses in the

nervous system. All nerve agents belong to the chemical group of organo-phosphorus

compounds; many common herbicides and pesticides also belong to this chemical group. Nerve

agents are stable, easily dispersed, highly toxic, and have rapid effects when absorbed both

through the skin and the respiratory system. Nerve agents can be manufactured by means of

fairly simple chemical techniques. The raw materials are inexpensive but some are subject to the

controls of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Australia Group Agreement.

3.1.1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties

The nerve agents considered in this guide are:

• GA: A low volatility persistent chemical agent that is taken up through skin contact and

inhalation of the substance as a gas or aerosol.

• GB: A volatile nonpersistent chemical agent mainly taken up through inhalation.
10

• GD: A moderately volatile chemical agent that can be taken up by inhalation or skin contact.

• GF: A low volatility persistent chemical agent that is taken up through skin contact and

inhalation of the substance either as a gas or aerosol.

• VX: A low volatility persistent chemical agent that can remain on material, equipment, and

terrain for long periods. Uptake is mainly through the skin but also through inhalation of the

substance as a gas or aerosol.

Nerve agents in the pure state are colorless liquids. Their volatility varies widely. The consistency

of VX may be likened to motor oil and is therefore classified as belonging to the group of

persistent chemical agents. Its effect is mainly through direct contact with the skin. GB is at the

opposite extreme; being an easily volatile liquid (comparable with, e.g., water), it is mainly taken

up through the respiratory organs. The volatilities of GD, GA, and GF are between those of GB

and VX. Table 3−1 lists the common nerve agents and some of their physical and chemical

properties. Water is included in the table as a reference point for the nerve agents.

Table 3–1. Physical and chemical properties of common nerve agents

Property GA GB GD GF VX Water

Molecular

Weight

162.3 140.1 182.2 180.2 267.4 18

Density, g/cm3* 1.073 1.089 1.022 1.120 1.008 1

Boiling-point, oF 464 316 388 462 568 212

Melting-point, oF 18 -69 -44 -22 < -60 32

Vapor pressure,

Mm Hg *

0.07 2.9 0.4 0.06 0.0007 23.756

Volatility, mg/m3 * 610 22000 3900 600 10.5 23010

Solubility in

Water, % *

10 Miscible with

water

2 ~2 Slightly NA

*at 77 οF

3.1.1.3 Route of Entry

Nerve agents, either as a gas, aerosol, or liquid, enter the body through inhalation or through the

skin. Poisoning may also occur through consumption of liquids or foods contaminated with nerve

agents.

The route of entry also influences the symptoms developed and, to some extent, the sequence of

the different symptoms. Generally, the poisoning works most rapidly when the agent is absorbed

through the respiratory system rather than other routes because the lungs contain numerous blood

vessels and the inhaled nerve agent can quickly diffuse into the blood circulation and thus reach

the target organs. Among these organs, the respiratory system is one of the most important. If a

person is exposed to a high concentration of nerve agent, e.g., 200 mg sarin/m3, death may occur

within a couple of minutes.

The poisoning works slower when the agent is absorbed through the skin. Since nerve agents are

somewhat fat-soluble, they can easily penetrate the outer layers of the skin, but it takes longer for
11

the poison to reach the deeper blood vessels. Consequently, the first symptoms do not occur until

20 min to 30 min after the initial exposure but subsequently, the poisoning process may be rapid

if the total dose of nerve agent is high.

3.1.1.4 Symptoms

When exposed to a low dose of nerve agent, sufficient to cause minor poisoning, the victim

experiences characteristic symptoms such as increased production of saliva, a runny nose, and a

feeling of pressure on the chest. The pupil of the eye becomes contracted (miosis), which impairs

night-vision. In addition, the capacity of the eye to change focal length is reduced, and shortrange vision deteriorates causing the victim to feel pain when trying to focus on nearby objects.

This is accompanied by a headache. Less specific symptoms are tiredness, slurred speech,

hallucinations, and nausea.

Exposure to a higher dose leads to more dramatic developments, and symptoms are more

pronounced. Bronchoconstriction and secretion of mucus in the respiratory system leads to

difficulty in breathing and to coughing. Discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract may develop into

cramping and vomiting, and there may be involuntary discharge of urine and feces. There may

be excessive salivating, tearing, and sweating. If the poisoning is moderate, typical symptoms

affecting the skeletal muscles may be muscular weakness, local tremors, or convulsions.

When exposed to a high dose of nerve agent, the muscular symptoms are more pronounced and

the victim may suffer convulsions and lose consciousness. The poisoning process may be so

rapid that symptoms mentioned earlier may never have time to develop.

Nerve agents affect the respiratory muscles causing muscular paralysis. Nerve agents also affect

the respiratory center of the central nervous system. The combination of these two effects is the

direct cause of death. Consequently, death caused by nerve agents is similar to death by

suffocation.

3.1.2 Blister Agents (Vesicants)

This section provides an overview of blister agents. A discussion of their physical and chemical

properties, their routes of entry, and descriptions of symptoms is also provided.

3.1.2.1 Overview

There are two major families of blister agents (vesicants): sulfur mustard (HD) and nitrogen

mustard (HN), and the arsenical vesicants (L). All blister agents are persistent and may be

employed in the form of colorless gases and liquids. They burn and blister the skin or any other

part of the body they contact. Blister agents are likely to be used to produce casualties rather than

to kill, although exposure to such agents can be fatal.

3.1.2.2 Physical and Chemical Properties

In its pure state, mustard agent is colorless and almost odorless. It earned its name as a result of

an early production method that resulted in an impure product with a mustard-like odor. Mustard
12

agent is also claimed to have a characteristic odor similar to rotten onions. However, the sense of

smell is dulled after only a few breaths so that the smell can no longer be distinguished. In

addition, mustard agent can cause injury to the respiratory system in concentrations that are so

low that the human sense of smell cannot distinguish them.

At room temperature, mustard agent is a liquid with low volatility and is very stable during

storage. Mustard agent can easily be dissolved in most organic solvents but has negligible

solubility in water. In aqueous solutions, mustard agent decomposes into nonpoisonous products

by means of hydrolysis but since only dissolved mustard agent reacts, the decomposition

proceeds very slowly. Oxidants such as chloramines, however, react violently with mustard

agent, forming nonpoisonous oxidation products. Consequently, these substances are used for the

decontamination of mustard agent.

Arsenical vesicants are not as common or as stable as the sulfur or nitrogen mustards. All

arsenical vesicants are colorless to brown liquids. They are more volatile than mustard and have

fruity to geranium-like odors. These types of vesicants are much more dangerous as liquids than

as vapors. Absorption of either vapor or liquid through the skin in adequate dosage may lead to

systemic intoxication or death. The physical and chemical properties of the most common blister

agents are listed in table 3–2. Water is included in the table as a reference point for the blister

agents.

Table 3–2. Physical and chemical properties of common blister agents

Property HD HN-1 HN-2 HN-3 L Water

Molecular

Weight

159.1 170.1 156.1 204.5 207.4 18

Density, g/cm31.27 at

68 °F

1.09

at 77 °F

1.15

at 68 °F

1.24

 at 77 °F

1.89

 at 68 °F

1

 at 77 °F

Boiling-point, oF 421 381 167 at 15

mm Hg

493 374 212

Freezing-point, oF 58 -61.2 -85 -26.7 64.4 to

32.18

32

Vapor pressure,

Mm Hg

0.072

 at 68 °F

0.24

 at 77 °F

0.29

 at 68 °F

0.0109

 at 77 °F

0.394

 at 68 °F

23.756

 at 77 °F

Volatility, mg/m3610

 at 68 °F

1520

 at 68 °F

3580

 at 77 °F

121

 at 77 °F

4480

 at 68 °F

23010

 at 77 °F

Solubility in

Water, %

<1 % Sparingly Sparingly Insoluble Insoluble NA

3.1.2.3 Route of Entry

Most blister agents are relatively persistent and are readily absorbed by all parts of the body.

Poisoning may also occur through consumption of liquids or foods contaminated with blister

agents. These agents cause inflammation, blisters, and general destruction of tissues. In the form

of gas or liquid, mustard agent attacks the skin, eyes, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Internal
13

organs, mainly blood-generating organs (i.e., bone marrow, spleen, and lymphatic tissue), may

also be injured as a result of mustard agents being taken up through the skin or lungs and

transported into the body. Since mustard agents give no immediate symptoms upon contact, a

delay of between 2 h and 24 h may occur before pain is felt and the victim becomes aware of

what has happened. By then, cell damage has already occurred. The delayed effect is a

characteristic of mustard agent.

3.1.2.4 Symptoms

In general, vesicants can penetrate the skin by contact with either liquid or vapor. The latent

period for the effects from mustard is usually several hours (the onset of symptoms from vapors

is 4 h to 6 h and the onset of symptoms from skin exposure is 2 h to 48 h). There is no latent

period for exposure to Lewisite.

Mild symptoms of mustard agent poisoning may include aching eyes with excessive tearing,

inflammation of the skin, irritation of the mucous membranes, hoarseness, coughing, and

sneezing. Normally, these injuries do not require medical treatment.

Severe injuries that are incapacitating and require medical care may involve eye injuries with

loss of sight, the formation of blisters on the skin, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea together with

severe difficulty in breathing. Severe damage to the eye may lead to the total loss of vision.

The most pronounced effects on inner organs are injury to the bone marrow, spleen, and

lymphatic tissue. This may cause a drastic reduction in the number of white blood cells 5 d to

10 d after exposure; a condition very similar to that after exposure to radiation. This reduction of

the immune defense will complicate the already large risk of infection in people with severe skin

and lung injuries.

The most common cause of death as a result of mustard agent poisoning is complications after

lung injury caused by inhalation of mustard agent. Most of the chronic and late effects from

mustard agent poisoning are also caused by lung injuries.

3.2 Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs)

This section provides a general overview of TIMs as well as a list of the specific TIMs

considered in this guide. Since the chemistry of TIMs is so varied, it is not feasible to discuss

specific routes of entry and descriptions of symptoms. Several documents, including 2000

Emergency Response Guidebook (A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial Phase of

a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident), provide more detailed information about

TIMs (see app. B).

TIMs are chemicals other than chemical warfare agents that have harmful effects on humans.

TIMs, often referred to as toxic industrial chemicals, or TICs, are used in a variety of settings

such as manufacturing facilities, maintenance areas, and general storage areas. While exposure to

some of these chemicals may not be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), these

compounds may have extremely serious effects on an individual’s health after multiple low-level

exposures.
14

3.2.1 General

A TIM is a specific type of industrial chemical, i.e., one that has a LCt50 value (lethal

concentration of a chemical vapor or aerosol for 50 % of the population multiplied by exposure

time) less than 100000 mg-min/m3 in any mammalian species and is produced in quantities

exceeding 30 tons per year at one production facility. Although they are not as lethal as the

highly toxic nerve agents, their ability to make a significant impact on the populace is assumed

to be more related to the amount of chemical a terrorist can employ on the target(s) and less

related to their lethality. None of these compounds are as highly toxic as the nerve agents, but

they are produced in very large quantities (multi-ton) and are readily available; therefore, they

pose a far greater threat than chemical warfare agents. For instance, sulfuric acid is not as lethal

as the nerve agents, but it is easier to disseminate large quantities of sulfuric acid because large

amounts of it are manufactured and transported everyday. It is assumed that a balance is struck

between the lethality of a material and the amount of materials produced worldwide. Materials

such as the nerve agents are so lethal as to be in a special class of chemicals.

Since TIMs are less lethal than the highly toxic nerve agents, it is more difficult to determine

how to rank their potential for use by a terrorist. Physical and chemical properties for TIMs such

as ammonia, chlorine, cyanogen chloride, and hydrogen cyanide are presented in table 3–3.

Water is included in the table as a reference point for the TIMs. The physical and chemical

properties for the remaining TIMs identified in this guide can be found in International Task

Force 25: Hazard From Industrial Chemicals Final Report, April 1998 (see app. B).

Table 3–3. Physical and chemical properties of TIMs

Property Ammonia Chlorine Cyanogen

Chloride

Hydrogen

Cyanide

Water

Molecular weight 17.03 70.9 61.48 27.02 18

Density, g/cm30.00077

at 77 °F

3.214

at 77 °F

1.18

at 68 °F

0.990

at 68 °F

1

at 77 °F

Boiling-point, oF -28 -30 55 78 212

Freezing-point, oF -108 -150 20 8 32

Vapor pressure,

Mm Hg at 77 °F

7408 5643 1000 742 23.756

Volatility, mg/m36782064 at

77 °F

21508124 at

77 °F

2600000

at 68 °F

1080000 at

77 °F

23010

at 77 °F

Solubility in

water, %

89.9 1.5 Slightly Highly

soluble

NA

3.2.2 TIM Rankings

TIMs are ranked into one of three categories that indicate their relative importance and assist in

hazard assessment. Table 3–4 lists the TIMs with respect to their hazard index ranking (high,

medium, or low hazard).3

 

3

Summary of the Final Report of the International Task Force 25 Hazard from Industrial Chemicals, 15 April 1999.
15

3.2.2.1 High Hazard

High hazard indicates a widely produced, stored or transported TIM, that has high toxicity and is

easily vaporized.

3.2.2.2 Medium Hazard

Medium hazard indicates a TIM, which may rank high in some categories but lower in others

such as number of producers, physical state, or toxicity.

3.2.2.3 Low Hazard

A low hazard overall ranking indicates that this TIM is not likely to be a hazard unless specific

operational factors indicate otherwise.
16

Table 3–4. TIMs listed by hazard index

High Medium Low

Ammonia Acetone cyanohydrin Allyl isothiocyanate

Arsine Acrolein Arsenic trichloride

Boron trichloride Acrylonitrile Bromine

Boron trifluoride Allyl alcohol Bromine chloride

Carbon disulfide Allylamine Bromine pentafluoride

Chlorine Allyl chlorocarbonate Bromine trifluoride

Diborane Boron tribromide Carbonyl fluoride

Ethylene oxide Carbon monoxide Chlorine pentafluoride

Fluorine Carbonyl sulfide Chlorine trifluoride

Formaldehyde Chloroacetone Chloroacetaldehyde

Hydrogen bromide Chloroacetonitrile Chloroacetyl chloride

Hydrogen chloride Chlorosulfonic acid Crotonaldehyde

Hydrogen cyanide Diketene Cyanogen chloride

Hydrogen fluoride 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine Dimethyl sulfate

Hydrogen sulfide Ethylene dibromide Diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate

Nitric acid, fuming Hydrogen selenide Ethyl chloroformate

Phosgene Methanesulfonyl chloride Ethyl chlorothioformate

Phosphorus trichloride Methyl bromide Ethyl phosphonothioic dichloride

Sulfur dioxide Methyl chloroformate Ethyl phosphonic dichloride

Sulfuric acid Methyl chlorosilane Ethyleneimine

Tungsten hexafluoride Methyl hydrazine Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

Methyl isocyanate Hydrogen iodide

Methyl mercaptan Iron pentacarbonyl

Nitrogen dioxide Isobutyl chloroformate

Phosphine Isopropyl chloroformate

Phosphorus oxychloride Isopropyl isocyanate

Phosphorus pentafluoride n-Butyl chloroformate

Selenium hexafluoride n-Butyl isocyanate

Silicon tetrafluoride Nitric oxide

Stibine n-Propyl chloroformate

Sulfur trioxide Parathion

Sulfuryl chloride Perchloromethyl mercaptan

Sulfuryl fluoride sec-Butyl chloroformate

Tellurium hexafluoride tert-Butyl isocyanate

n-Octyl mercaptan Tetraethyl lead

Titanium tetrachloride Tetraethyl pyroposphate

Trichloroacetyl chloride Tetramethyl lead

Trifluoroacetyl chloride Toluene 2,4-diisocyanate

Toluene 2,6-diisocyanate
17

3.3 Biological Agents

The purpose of this section is to provide a description of the biological agents likely to be used in a

terrorist attack. There are four categories under discussion: bacterial agents, viral agents, rickettsiae,

and biological toxins.

3.3.1 Bacterial Agents

Bacteria are small, single-celled organisms, most of which can be grown on solid or liquid culture

media. Under special circumstances, some types of bacteria can transform into spores that are more

resistant to cold, heat, drying, chemicals, and radiation than the bacterium itself. Most bacteria do not

cause disease in human beings but those that do cause disease by two differing mechanisms: by

invading the tissues or by producing poisons (toxins). Many bacteria, such as anthrax, have

properties that make them attractive as potential warfare agents:

• Retained potency during growth and processing to the end product (biological weapon).

• Long “shelf-life.”

• Low biological decay as an aerosol.

Other bacteria require stabilizers to improve their potential for use as biological weapons. Table 3−5

lists some of the common bacterial agents along with possible methods of dissemination, incubation

period, symptoms, and treatment.

3.3.2 Viral Agents

Viruses are the simplest type of microorganism and consist of a nucleocapsid protein coat containing

genetic material, either RNA or DNA. Because viruses lack a system for their own metabolism, they

require living hosts (cells of an infected organism) for replication. As biological agents, they are

attractive because many do not respond to antibiotics. However, their incubation periods are

normally longer than for other biological agents, so incapacitation of victims may be delayed. Table

3−6 lists the common viral agents along with possible methods of dissemination, incubation period,

symptoms, and treatment.

3.3.3 Rickettsiae

Rickettsiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that are intermediate in size between most bacteria and

viruses and possess certain characteristics common to both bacteria and viruses. Like bacteria, they

have metabolic enzymes and cell membranes, use oxygen, and are susceptible to broad-spectrum

antibiotics, but like viruses, they grow only in living cells. Most rickettsiae can be spread only

through the bite of infected insects and are not spread through human contact. Table 3−7 lists the

common rickettsiae along with possible methods of dissemination, incubation periods, symptoms,

and treatment.
18

3.3.4 Biological Toxins

Biological toxins are poisons produced by living organisms. It is the poison and not the organism that

produces harmful effects in man. A toxin typically develops naturally in a host organism (for example,

saxitoxin is produced by marine algae); however, genetically altered and/or synthetically manufactured

toxins have been produced in a laboratory environment. Biological toxins are most similar to chemical

agents in their dissemination and effectiveness. Table 3−8 lists the common biological toxins along

with possible methods of dissemination, incubation period, symptoms, and treatment.
19

Table 3-5. Bacterial agents

Biological

Agent/Disease Anthrax Brucellosis

E. coli serotype

(O157:H7) Tularemia Cholera

Likely Method

of Dissemination

1. Spores in aerosol

2. Sabotage (food)

1. Aerosol

2. Sabotage (food)

Water and food supply

contamination

1. Aerosol

2. Rabbits or ticks

1. Sabotage

(food and

water)

2. Aerosol

Transmissible

Person to

Person

No (except cutaneous) Unknown Unknown, evidence

passed person-toperson in day-care or

nursing homes

No Rare

Incubation

Period

1 d to 43 d 1 wk to 3 wk,

sometimes months

Unknown 2 d to 10 d 3 d to 5 d

Duration of

Illness

3 d to 5 d (usually

fatal)

Unknown 5 d to 10 d (most

cases)

>2 wk >1 wk

Lethality Contact or cutaneous

anthrax: fatality rate of

5 % to 20 %

Inhalational anthrax:

after symptoms appear

almost always fatal,

regardless of treatment

Low Fatality rate is 0 % to

15 % if victim

develops hemolytic

uremic syndrome

(HUS); 5 % if victim

develops thrombotic

thrombocytopenic

purpura (TTP)

Moderate if left

untreated

Low (<1 %)

with treatment;

high (>50 %)

without

Vaccine

Efficacy

(for aerosol

exposure)/

Antitoxin

Currently no human

data

Vaccine under

evaluation

No vaccine No commercially

available vaccine

No data on

aerosol

Symptoms and

Effects

Flu-like, upperrespiratory distress;

fever and shock in 3 d

to 5 d, followed by

death

Irregular

prolonged fever,

profuse sweating,

chills, joint and

muscle pain,

persistent fatigue

Gastrointestinal

(diarrhea, vomiting)

dehydration; in severe

cases, cardiac arrest

and death, HUS, or

TTP

Chills, sustained

fever, prostration,

tendency for

pneumonia,

enlarged, painful

lymph nodes,

headache, malaise,

anorexia, nonproductive cough

Sudden onset

with nausea,

vomiting,

diarrhea, rapid

dehydration,

toxemia and

collapse

Treatment Vaccine available for

cutaneous, possibly

inhalation, anthrax.

Cutaneous anthrax

responds to antibiotics

(penicillin, terramycin,

chloromycetin), sulfadiazine and immune

serum. Pulmonary

(inhaled) anthrax

responds to immune

serum in initial stages

but is little use after

disease is well

established. Intestinal,

same as for pulmonary

Antibiotics Antibiotics available;

most recover without

antibiotics within

5 d to 10 d; do not use

antidiarrheal agents

Vaccination using

live attenuated

organisms reduces

severity and

transmittability;

antibiotics

(streptomycin,

aureomycin,

chloromycetin,

doxycycline,

tetracycline, and

chloramphenical)

Replenish fluids

and electrolytes;

antibiotics

(tetracycline,

ciprofloxicin,

and

erythromycin)

enhance

effectiveness of

rehydration and

reduce organism

in body

Potential as

Biological

Agent

High, Iraqi and USSR

biological programs

worked to develop

anthrax as a bioweapon

Unknown Unknown High, if delivered

via aerosol form

(highly infectious,

90 % to 100 %)

Not appropriate

for aerosol

delivery
20

Table 3-5. Bacterial agents-Continued

Biological

Agent/Disease Diphtheria Glanders Melioidosis

Plague (Bubonic

and Pneumonic) Typhoid Fever

Likely Method

of Dissemination

Unknown 1. Aerosol

2. Cutaneous

1. Food

contamination

(rodent feces)

2. Inhalation

3. Insect bites

4. Direct contact

with infected

animals

1. Infected fleas

(Bubonic and

Pneumonic)

2. Aerosol

(Pneumonic)

1. Contact with

infected person

2. Contact with

contaminated

substances

Transmissible

Person to

Person

High High No High (Pneumonic) High

Incubation

Period

2 d to 5 d 3 d to 5 d Days 1 d to 3 d 7 d to 14 d

Duration of

Illness

Unknown Unknown 4 d to 20 d 1 d to 6 d (usually

fatal)

Unknown

Lethality 5 % to 10 % fatality 50 % to 70 % Variable 5 % to 10 % if

treated;

Bubonic: 30 % to

75 % if untreated

Pneumonic: 95 % if

untreated

<1 % if treated

10 % to 14 % if

untreated

Vaccine

Efficacy

(for aerosol

exposure)/

Antitoxin

DPT vaccine 85 %

effective; booster

recommended every

10 yr

No vaccine No vaccine Vaccine not

available

Oral vaccine (Vivotif)

and single dose

injectable vaccine

(capsular polysaccharide antigen);

both vaccines are

equally effective and

offer 65 % to 75 %

protection against the

disease

Symptoms and

Effects

Local infection usually

in respiratory passages;

delay in treatment can

cause damage to heart,

kidneys, and central

nervous system

Skin lesions,

ulcers in skin,

mucous

membranes, and

viscera; if

inhaled, upper

respiratory tract

involvement

Cough, fever,

chills, muscle/joint

pain, nausea, and

vomiting;

progressing to

death

Enlarged lymph

nodes in groin;

septicemic (spleen,

lungs, meninges

affected)

Prolonged fever,

lymph tissue

involvement;

ulceration of

intestines;

enlargement of

spleen; rose-colored

spots on skin;

constipation or

diarrhea

Treatment Antitoxin extremely

effective; antibiotic

(penicillin) shortens the

duration of illness

Drug therapy

(streptomycin and

sulfadiazine) is

somewhat

effective

Antibiotics

(doxycycline,

chlorothenicol,

tetracycline), and

sulfadiazine

Doxycycline

(100 mg 2x/d for

7 d); ciprofloxicin

also effective

Antibiotics

(amoxicillin or

cotrimoxazole)

shorten period of

communicability and

cure disease rapidly

Potential as

Biological

Agent

Very low––symptoms

not severe enough to

incapacitate; rare cases

of severe infection

Unknown Moderate––rare

disease, no vaccine

available

High––highly

infectious,

particularly in

pneumonic (aerosol)

form; lack of

stability and loss of

virulence

complicate its use

Not likely to be

deployed via aerosol;

more likely for covert

contamination of

water or food.
21

Table 3-6. Viral agents

Biological

Agent/Disease Marburg Virus Junin Virus

Rift Valley

Fever Virus Smallpox

Venezuelan Equine

Encephalitis

Likely Method of

Dissemination

Aerosol Epidemiology not

known

Mosquito-borne; in

biological

scenario, aerosols

or droplets

Aerosol 1. Aerosol

2. Infected vectors

Transmissible

Person to Person

Unknown Unknown Unknown High No

Incubation Period 5 d to 7 d 7 d to 16 d 2 d to 5 d 10 d to 12 d 1 d to 6 d

Duration of

Illness

Unknown 16 d 2 d to 5 d 4 wk Days to weeks

Lethality 25 % 18 % <1 % 20 % to 40 %

(Viriole major)

<1 % (Viriole

minor)

1 % to 60 %

Vaccine Efficacy

(for aerosol

exposure)/

Antitoxin

No vaccine No vaccine Inactivated vaccine

available in limited

quantities

Vaccine protects

against infection

within 3 d to 5 d of

exposure

Experimental only:

TC−83 protects

against 30 LD50s to

500 LD50s in

hamsters

Symptoms and

Effects

Sudden onset of

fever, malaise,

muscle pain,

headache and

conjunctivitis,

followed by sore

throat, vomiting,

diarrhea, rash, and

both internal and

external bleeding

(begins 5th day).

Liver function may

be abnormal and

platelet function

may be impaired.

Hemorrhagic

syndrome, chills,

sweating,

exhaustion and

stupor

Febrile illness,

sometimes

abdominal

tenderness; rarely

shock, ocular

problems

Sudden onset of

fever, headache,

backache, vomiting,

marked prostration,

and delirium; small

blisters form crusts

which fall off 10 d

to 40 d after first

lesions appear;

opportunistic

infection

Sudden illness with

malaise, spiking

fevers, rigors, severe

headache,

photophobia and

myalgias

Treatment No specific

treatment exists.

Severe cases require

intensive supportive

care, as patients are

frequently

dehydrated and in

need of intravenous

fluids.

No specific

therapy;

supportive

therapy essential

No studies, but IV

ribavirin (30 mg/

kg/6 h for 4 d, then

7.5 mg/kg/8 h for

6 d) should be

effective

Vaccinia immune

globulin (VIG), and

supportive therapy

Supportive

treatments only

Potential as

Biological Agent

High––actually

weaponized by

former Soviet

Union biological

program

Unknown Difficulties with

mosquitos as

vectors

Possible, especially

since routine

smallpox

vaccination

programs have been

eliminated worldwide (part of USSR

offense bioprogram)

High––former US

and USSR offensive

biological programs

weaponized both

liquid and dry forms

for aerosol

distribution.
22

Table 3-6. Viral agents-Continued

Biological

Agent/Disease Yellow Fever Virus Dengue Fever Virus Ebola Virus

Congo-Crimean

Hemorrhagic

 Fever Virus

Likely Method of

Dissemination

Mosquito-borne Mosquito-borne 1. Direct contact

2. Aerosol (BA)

Unknown

Transmissible

Person to Person

No No Moderate Yes

Incubation Period 3 d to 6 d 3 d to 15 d 4 d to 16 d 7 d to 12 d

Duration of

Illness

2 wk 1 wk Death between 7 d to

16 d

9 d to 12 d

Lethality 10 % to 20 % death in

severe cases or full

recovery after 2 d to

3 d

5 % average case

fatality by producing

shock and hemorrhage,

leading to death

High for Zaire strain;

moderate with Sudan

15 % to 20 %

Vaccine Efficacy

(for aerosol

exposure)/

Antitoxin

Vaccine available;

confers immunity for

>10 yr

Vaccine available No vaccine No vaccine available;

prophylactic ribavirin

may be effective

Symptoms and

Effects

Sudden onset of chills,

fever, prostration,

aches, muscular pain,

congestion, severe

gastrointestinal

disturbances, liver

damage and jaundice;

hemorrhage from skin

and gums

Sudden onset of fever,

chills, intense

headache, pain behind

eyes, joint and muscle

pain, exhaustion and

prostration

Mild febrile illness,

then vomiting,

diarrhea, rash, kidney

and liver failure,

internal and external

hemorrhage (begins 5th

day), and petechiae

Fever, easy bleeding,

petechiae, hypotension

and shock; flushing of

face and chest, edema,

vomiting, diarrhea

Treatment No specific treatment;

supportive treatment

(bed rest and fluids)

for even the mildest

cases

No specific therapy;

supportive therapy

essential

No specific therapy;

supportive therapy

essential

No specific treatment

Potential as

Biological Agent

High, if efficient

dissemination device is

employed

Unknown Former Soviet Union Unknown
23

Table 3-7. Rickettsiae

Biological

Agent/Disease Endemic Typhus Epidemic Typhus Q Fever

Rocky Mountain

Spotted Fever

Likely Method of

Dissemination

1. Contaminated

feces

2. Infected insect

larvae

3. Rat or flea bites

1. Contaminated feces

2. Infected insect

 larvae

1. Sabotage (food

 supply)

2. Aerosol

Infected wood ticks

Transmissible

Person to Person

No No Rare No

Incubation

 Period

6 d to 14 d 6 d to 15 d 14 d to 26 d 3 d to 14 d

Duration

of Illness

Unknown Unknown Weeks Unknown

Lethality 1 %, increasing in

people >50 yr old

10 % to 40 %

untreated; increases

with age

Very low 15 % to 20 %

untreated, (higher in

adults); treated—death

rare with specific

therapy (tetracycline or

chloramphenicol)

Vaccine Efficacy

(for aerosol

exposure)/

Antitoxin

Unknown Vaccine confers

protection of uncertain

duration

94 % protection

against 3500 LD50s in

guinea pigs

No vaccine

Symptoms

and Effects

Sudden onset of

headache, chills,

prostration, fever,

pain; maculae

eruption on 5th day to

6

th day on upper

body, spreading to all

but palms, soles, or

face, but milder than

epidemic form

Sudden onset of

headache, chills,

prostration, fever, pain;

maculae eruption on 5th

day to 6th day on upper

body, spreading to all

but palms, soles, or

face

Mild symptoms

(chills, headaches,

fever, chest pains,

perspiration, loss of

appetite)

Fever and joint pain,

muscular pain; skin

rash that spreads

rapidly from ankles and

wrists to legs, arms,

and chest; aversion to

light

Treatment Antibiotics

(tetracycline and

chloramphenicol);

supportive treatment

and prevention of

secondary infections

Antibiotics

(tetracycline and

chloramphenicol);

supportive treatment

and prevention of

secondary infections

Tetracycline (500 mg/

6 h, 5 d to 7 d) or

doxycycline (100 mg/

12 h, 5 d to 7 d) also,

combined Erthyromycin (500 mg/6 h)

and rifampin

(600 mg/d)

Antibiotics—

tetracycline or

chloramphenicol

Potential

as Biological

Agent

Uncertain––broad

range of incubation

(6 d to 14 d) period

could cause infection

of force deploying

biological agent

Uncertain––broad

range of incubation

(6 d to 14 d) period

could cause infection of

force deploying

biological agent

Highly infectious, is

delivered in aerosol

form. Dried agent is

very stable; stable in

aerosol form.

Unknown
24

Table 3-8. Biological toxins

Biological

Agent/Disease Botulinum Toxin

Staphylococcal

enterotoxin B

Tricothecene

mycotoxins

Ricin (Isolated

from Castor Beans) Saxitoxin

Likely Method

of Dissemination

1. Aerosol

2. Sabotage (food

 and water)

1. Sabotage (food

supply)

2. Aerosol

1. Aerosol

2. Sabotage

1. Aerosol

2. Sabotage (food

 and water)

Contaminated

shellfish; in

biological scenario,

inhalation or toxic

projectile

Transmissible

Person to Person

No No No No No

Incubation

 Period

Variable (hours to

days)

3 h to 12 h 2 h to 4 h Hours to days 5 min to 1 h

Duration

of Illness

Death in 24 h to

72 h; lasts months

if not lethal

Hours Days to months Days––death within

10 d to 12 d for

ingestion

Death in 2 h to 12 h

Lethality 5 % to 60 %,

untreated

<5 % treated

<1 % Moderate 100 %, without

treatment

High without

respiratory support

Vaccine Efficacy

(for aerosol

exposure)/

Antitoxin

Botulism antitoxin

(IND)

Prophylaxis toxoid

(IND)

Toxolide

No vaccine No vaccine No vaccine No vaccine

Symptoms

and Effects

Ptosis; weakness,

dizziness, dry

mouth and throat,

blurred vision and

diplopia, flaccid

paralysis

Sudden chills,

fever, headache,

myalgia,

nonproductive

cough, nausea,

vomiting and

diarrhea

Skin––pain,

pruritis, redness

and vesicles,

sloughing of

epidermis;

respiratory––nose

and throat pain,

discharge,

sneezing,

coughing, chest

pain, hemoptysis

Weakness, fever,

cough, pulmonary

edema, severe

respiratory distress

Light headedness,

tingling of

extremities, visual

disturbances,

memory loss,

respiratory distress,

death

Treatment Antitoxin with

respiratory support

(ventilation)

Pain relievers and

cough suppressants

for mild cases; for

severe cases, may

need mechanical

breathing and fluid

replenishment

No specific

antidote or

therapeutic

regimen is

available;

supportive and

symptomatic care

Oxygen, plus drugs

to reduce

inflammation and

support cardiac and

circulatory

functions; if

ingested, empty the

stomach and

intestines; replace

lost fluids

Induce vomiting,

provide respiratory

care, including

artificial respiration

Potential

as Biological

Agent

Not very toxic via

aerosol route;

extremely lethal if

delivered orally.

Since covert

poisoning is

indistinguishable

from natural

botulism,

poisoning could

have limited use

Moderate––could

be used in food

and limited

amounts of water

(for example, at

salad bars); LD50 is

sufficiently small

to prevent

detection

High––used in

aerosol form

(“yellow rain”) in

Laos, Kampuchea

and Afghanistan

(through 1981)

Has been used in

1978––Markov

murder (see ref. 7).

Included on

prohibited Schedule

I chemicals list for

Chemical Weapons

Convention; high

potential for use in

aerosol form

Moderate, aerosol

form is highly toxic
25

4. OVERVIEW OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SYSTEMS

In the context of PPE, respiratory protection systems or respirators provide protection by

preventing the inhalation of harmful airborne substances and/or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Although there are many forms of respirators, they generally fall into the following two classes:

air-purifying respirators and atmosphere-supplying respirators.

The type of fit and the mode of operation can further subcategorize both classes. Each class of

respirator may be tight-fitting or loose-fitting. Tight-fitting respirators include facemasks made

of flexible molded rubber, silicone, neoprene, or other materials. Typical designs incorporate

rubber or woven elastic head straps. Tight-fitting respirators are available in three basic

configurations. The first, called a “quarter-mask,” covers the mouth and nose, and the lower

sealing surface rests between chin and mouth. A second type, the “half-mask,” fits over the nose

and under the chin. Half-masks are designed to seal more reliably than quarter-masks, so they are

preferred for use against greater hazards. A third type, the “full-facepiece,” covers from roughly

the hairline to below the chin. Typically, they provide the greatest protection, usually seal most

reliably, and provide eye protection as well.

Generally, loose-fitting respirators enclose at least the head. A variety of configurations include

hoods, helmets, and blouses. A light flexible device covering only the head and neck, or head,

neck, and shoulders, is called a hood. If rigid protective headgear is incorporated into the design,

it is called a helmet. Blouses extend down to the waist and some have wrist-length sleeves. Since

these respirators are not tight-fitting, it is important that sufficient air is provided to maintain a

slight positive pressure inside the hood relative to the environment immediately outside. In this

way, an outward flow of air from the respirator prevents contaminants from entering the wearers

breathing zone.

4.1 Air-Purifying Respirators

Air-purifying respirators are devices that contain a filter, cartridge, or canister that removes

specific air contaminants by passing the ambient air through the air-purifying element before it is

inhaled by the wearer. Elements that remove particulates are called filters, while vapor- and gasremoving elements are called either chemical cartridges or canisters. These respirators do not

supply oxygen and must only be used when the surrounding atmosphere contains sufficient

oxygen to sustain life, and the air contaminant level is below the concentration limits of the airpurifying element.

Filters and canisters or cartridges are the functional portions of air-purifying respirators, and they

can generally be removed and replaced once their effective life has expired. Exceptions are

filtering facepiece respirators, commonly referred to as “disposable respirators,” “dust masks,” or

“single-use respirators,” which cannot be cleaned, disinfected, or recharged after use. Airpurifying respirators are grouped into three functional types: particulate removing, vapor and gas

removing, and combination. These respirators may be nonpowered or powered.

1. Particulate-removing respirators are designed to reduce inhaled concentrations of harmful

aerosols and dusts by filtering most of the contaminants from the inhaled air before they
26

enter the breathing zone of the wearer. Different types of filtration technologies include

mechanical filters (high efficiency particulate air (HEPA), and ultra low penetration air

(ULPA)), electrostatic filters (which incorporate electrostatic charges into the filter medium),

and membrane technologies (which provide physically separate air particles based on their

size and geometry).

2. Vapor- and gas-removing respirators use sorbent chemicals such as activated charcoal or

catalysts to remove (adsorb and/or absorb) specific gases and vapors from ambient air before

they can enter the breathing zone of the wearer.

3. Combination cartridges and canisters are available to protect against particulates, as well as

vapors and gases. An example of a combined vapor separation and particulate separation

technology is the C2A1 canister, part of the M40 protective mask. The C2A1 canister

contains HEPA filter layered with tetraethylene diamine (ASZM-TEDA) activated carbon

vapor filter.

Three examples of air-purifying respirators are shown in figure 4−1, figure 4−2, and figure 4−3.

Figure 4-1. Panorama Nova Full

Facepiece, Draeger Safety, Inc.

Figure 4-2. MSA Phalanx CBA/RCA

Gas Mask, MSA

 

Figure 4-3. Survivair® Belt Mounted PAPR, Survivair, A

Division of Bacou USA Safety, Inc.
27

4.1.1 Filtration Mechanisms

There are two types of particulate filters: absolute and nonabsolute. Absolute filters use

screening to remove particles from the air; i.e., they exclude the particles that are larger than the

pores. However, most respirator filters are nonabsolute filters, which means they contain pores

that are larger than the particles to be removed. They use combinations of interception capture,

sedimentation capture, inertial impaction capture, diffusion capture, and electrostatic capture to

remove the particles. The exact combination of filtration mechanisms that comes into play

depends upon the flowrate through the filter and the size of the particle. Brief descriptions of

these filtration mechanisms follow:

1. Interception Capture. As the air streams approach a fiber lying perpendicular to their path,

they split and compress in order to flow around the fiber and rejoin on the other side. If the

center of a particle in these airstreams comes within one particle radius of the fiber, it

encounters the fiber surface and is captured. As particle size increases, the probability of

interception capture increases. The particles do not deviate from their original streamline in

this mechanism.

2. Sedimentation Capture. Only large particles (2 μ and larger) are captured by sedimentation.

Since this type of capture relies on gravity to pull particles from the airstream, flowrate

through the filter must be low.

3. Inertial Impaction Capture. As the airstreams split and change direction suddenly to go

around the fiber, particles with sufficient inertia cannot change direction sufficiently to avoid

the fiber. Thus, they impact on the surface of the fiber. The size, density, speed, and shape of

the particle determine its inertia.

4. Diffusion Capture. The motion of smaller particles is affected by air molecules colliding with

them. The particles can then randomly cross the air stream and encounter the fiber as they

pass. This random motion is dependent on particle size and the air temperature. As the

particle size decreases and air temperature increases, the diffusive activity of the particle

increases, which increases the probability of capture. Lower flow rate through the filter also

increases the probability of capture because the particle spends more time in the area of the

fiber.

5. Electrostatic Capture. In electrostatic capture, the target particles have a natural charge and

the filter fibers are designed with the opposite charge. Therefore, the particles are attracted to

the fibers. The electrostatic capture mechanism aids the other capture mechanisms, especially

interception and diffusion.

4.1.2 Vapor and Gas Removal Mechanisms

Vapor-and gas-removing respirators normally remove the contaminant by interaction of its

molecules with a granular, porous material, commonly called the sorbent. The general method by

which the molecules are removed is called sorption. In addition to sorption, some respirators use
28

catalysts, which react with the contaminant to produce a less toxic gas or vapor. Three removal

mechanisms are used in vapor- and gas-removing respirators.

1. Adsorption retains the contaminant molecule on the surface of the sorbent granule by

physical attraction. The intensity of the attraction varies with the type of sorbent and

contaminant. Adsorption by physical attraction holds the adsorbed molecules weakly.

However, if chemical forces are involved, as in the process called chemisorption, the bonds

holding the molecules to the sorbent granules are much stronger and can be broken only with

great difficulty.

Activated charcoal is the most common adsorbent. It is used primarily to remove organic

vapors. Activated charcoal also can be impregnated with other substances to make it more

selective against specific gases and vapors. Examples are activated charcoal impregnated

with iodine to remove mercury vapor, with metallic oxides to remove acid gases, and with

salts of metals to remove ammonia gas. Other sorbents that could be used in vapor and gas

removing respirators include molecular sieves, activated alumina, and silica gel.

2. Absorption may also be used to remove gases and vapors. Absorbents differ from adsorbents

in that, although they are porous, they do not have as large a specific surface area.

Absorption is also different because the gas or vapor molecules usually penetrate deeply into

the molecular spaces throughout the sorbent and are held there chemically. Absorption may

not be able to occur without prior adsorption on the surface of the particles. Furthermore,

adsorption occurs instantaneously, whereas absorption is slower. Most absorbents are used

for protection against acid gases. They include mixtures of sodium or potassium hydroxide

with lime and/or caustic silicates.

3. Catalysts are substances that influence the rate of chemical reaction between other

substances. A catalyst used in respirator cartridges and canisters is hopcalite, a mixture of

porous granules of manganese and copper oxides that speeds the reaction between toxic

carbon monoxide and oxygen to form carbon dioxide.

As applied to respirators, the vapor and gas removal processes described are essentially 100 %

efficient until the sorbent’s capacity to adsorb vapor and gas or catalyze their reaction is

exhausted. Then the contaminant will pass completely through the sorbent and into the facepiece.

This is in contrast to mechanical particulate-removing filters that become more efficient as

matter collects on their surface and plugs the spaces between the fibers. This difference is

important to remember. Water vapor reduces the effectiveness of some sorbents and increases

that of others. For example, increasing moisture content of a sorbent designed to sorb acid gases

may increase sorbent efficiency since most acid gases normally dissolve in water. Vapor- and

gas-removing cartridges should be protected from the atmosphere while in storage.

4.1.3 Filter Efficiency and Efficiency Degradation

Filter efficiency indicates the percentage of particles the filter can remove from the air. Filter

efficiency degradation is the lowering of filter efficiency or a reduction in the ability of the filter to

remove particles. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
29

establish nine classes of filters (three levels of filter efficiency, each with three categories of

resistance to filter efficiency degradation). The three levels of filter efficiency are 95 %, 99 %, and

99.97 %. The three categories of resistance to filter efficiency degradation are labeled N (not for

resistance to oil), R (for resistance to oil), and P (oil proof). The class of filter should be clearly

marked on the filter, filter package, or respirator box. For example, a filter marked N95 would

mean an N series filter that is at least 95 % efficient. Combination cartridges that include

particulate filter elements carry a similar marking that pertains only to the particulate filter element.

4.1.4 Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

A PAPR uses a blower to force the ambient atmosphere through air purifying elements to the inlet

covering. The covering may be a facepiece, helmet, hood, or blouse. PAPRs reduce the burden

caused by drawing air through the filter element, therefore allowing the wearer to breathe easier.

PAPRs come in several different configurations. One configuration consists of the air-purifying

element(s) attached to a small blower that is worn on the belt and is connected to the respiratory

inlet covering by a flexible tube. The device is usually powered by a small battery, either mounted

separately on the belt or as part of the blower. Some units are powered by an external DC or AC

source. Another type of PAPR consists of the air-purifying element attached to a stationary blower,

usually mounted on a vehicle, powered by a battery or an external power source and connected by

a long flexible tube to the respiratory inlet covering. The third type of powered air-purifying

respirator consists of a helmet or facepiece to which the air-purifying element and blower are

attached. Only the battery is carried on the belt.

4.2 Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators

Atmosphere-supplying respirators provide clean breathing air from an uncontaminated source

independent of the surrounding atmosphere instead of removing contaminants from the

atmosphere. These respirators are grouped by the method that is used to supply air and the way

in which the air supply is regulated. The three principle classes of atmosphere-supplying

respirators are self-contained breathing apparatus, supplied-air respirators, and combination selfcontained and supplied-air respirators.

1. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is much like the apparatus a SCUBA diver or

firefighter might use. Air is supplied from a compressed air cylinder, usually through a fullface mask, which is worn on the back. This generally allows greater movement than a

supplied-air respirator; however, the air supply is limited.

2. Supplied-air respirators (SAR) (also called airline respirators) usually involve a facemask or

hood connected to a stationary source of compressed air by a hose. The air is delivered

continuously or intermittently in a sufficient volume to meet the wearer’s breathing

requirements. Obviously, the length of the hose connection, and the dangers of damage to or

crimping of the hose, restrict the user.

3. Combination respirators have a small, auxiliary self-contained air supply that can be used if

the primary supply (either by SCBA or SAR) is interrupted or fails.
30

4.2.1 Open-Circuit vs. Closed-Circuit SCBA

Self-contained breathing apparatus’ (SCBAs) are available as open-circuit systems or closedcircuit systems. Open-circuit systems exhaust the exhaled air to the atmosphere instead of

recirculating it. For example, an open-circuit SCBA utilizes a cylinder of compressed air that

supplies air to a regulator, which reduces the pressure for delivery to the facepiece. The regulator

is either mounted directly to the facepiece, or a flexible hose connects the regulator to a

facepiece. The service life of the open-circuit SCBA is usually shorter than the closed-circuit

SCBA because the compressed air cylinder must provide the total breathing volume

requirements since there is no recirculation. Most open-circuit SCBA have a published useful

period of 30 min to 60 min. However, these times may be cut in half with moderate to heavy

workloads.

Another name for a closed-circuit SCBA is a rebreather device, indicative of its mode of

operation. The breathing gas is rebreathed after the exhaled carbon dioxide has been removed

(scrubbed) and the oxygen content restored by a compressed or liquid oxygen source or an

oxygen-generating solid. These devices are designed primarily for 1 h to 4 h use in toxic and/or

oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Figure 4−4, figure 4−5, and figure 4−6 illustrate three supplied air

systems. The SCBA is the Draeger AirBoss PSS100 from Draeger Safety, Inc.; the rebreather is

the Biomarine BioPak 240 Rebreather, from Biomarine, Inc., and the airline respirator is the

ARAP/C and ARAP/E Airline Respirator, from International Safety Instruments.

4.2.2 Airflow Regulators

Regulators within atmosphere-supplying respirators provide three types of airflow: demand

(negative pressure regulator), pressure demand (positive pressure regulator), and continuous

flow.

Figure 4-4. Draeger AirBoss

PSS100, Draeger Safety, Inc.

Figure 4-5. Biomarine BioPak

240 Rebreather, Biomarine, Inc.

Figure 4-6. ARAP/C and

ARAP/E Airline Respirator,

International Safety Instruments

In a demand or negative pressure regulator, the air supply valve stays closed as long as there is

positive pressure in the facepiece (during exhalation). Inhalation creates negative pressure in the
31

facepiece, and the supply valve opens, allowing air into the facepiece. In other words, air flows

into the facepiece only on “demand” by the wearer.

A pressure-demand or positive pressure regulator is very similar to a demand type except for a

spring that tends to hold the supply valve slightly open, theoretically allowing continual air flow

into the facepiece. However, all pressure-demand devices have a special exhalation valve that

maintains positive backpressure in the facepiece and opens only when the pressure exceeds that

value. This combination of modified regulator and special exhalation valve is designed to

maintain positive pressure in the facepiece at all times. Under certain conditions, a momentary

negative pressure may occur in the wearer’s breathing zone, although the regulator still supplies

additional air on “demand.” Because of the positive pressure, any leakage should be outward;

therefore, a pressure-demand system provides very good protection. Contrary to common belief,

the pressure-demand SCBA has the same service time as a demand version of the same device, if

it seals properly on the wearer’s face. Any leakage increases air consumption and decreases

service time.

Continuous-flow regulators maintain airflow at all times, rather than only on demand. In place of

a demand or pressure-demand regulator, an airflow control valve or orifice partially controls the

airflow. This means that by design, either the control valve cannot be closed completely, or a

continually open bypass is provided to allow air to flow around the valve, maintaining positive

flow rate. Continuous-flow regulators are used only with SARs and not SCBAs.

4.3 Escape Masks

Several models of escape masks are also included in this guide. Some escape masks are

disposable and others can be reused but offer a minimum duration of protection. Figure 4−7

shows the disposable Parat NBC Escape Hood by Draeger, Inc., and figure 4−8 shows an

emergency escape breathing apparatus, the Spiroscape Escape BA by Interspiro, Inc.

Figure 4-7. Parat NBC Escape

Hood, Draeger Safety, Inc.

Figure 4-8. Spiroscape Escape BA, Interspiro Inc.
33

5. PERCUTANEOUS PROTECTION

Percutaneous protection or “chemical protective clothing” is designed to protect the skin from

harmful exposure by either physical or chemical means. Chemical protective clothing can be

classified by design and performance. Categorizing clothing by design means describing what

areas of the body the clothing item is intended to protect. Categorizing clothing by performance

means describing the relative level of protection the garments provide the wearer against liquid,

aerosol, and vapor hazards.

5.1 Types of Chemical Protective Clothing

This guide groups chemical protective clothing into five principle classes: gas-tight

encapsulating suits, liquid splash-protective suits, permeable protective suits, nonhazardous

chemical protective clothing, and other protective apparel such as chemically resistant hoods,

gloves, and boots.

5.1.1 Gas-Tight Encapsulating Suits

Gas-tight encapsulating suits provide a vapor-protective barrier that completely covers the

wearer and their respirator. These suits are intended for response situations where no chemical

contact (neither liquid nor vapor) is permissible. This type of suit is equivalent to the clothing

required in EPA’s Level A. Figure 5−1 and figure 5−2 illustrate an EPA Level A fully

encapsulated suit and a Level A ensemble, respectively.

Figure 5-1. Tychem® BR EX Commander Level

A Fully Encapsulating Suit, DuPont Tyvek®

Protective Apparel

Figure 5-2. Tychem® TK EX Commander

Brigade Level A Ensemble, NFPA 1991

certified, DuPont Tyvek® Protective Apparel
34

5.1.2 Liquid Splash-Protective Suits

Liquid splash-protective suits are available as nongas-tight encapsulating suits, coveralls, or twopiece overgarments. These types of garments are made of essentially impermeable materials that

offer protection against liquid chemicals in the form of splashes, but not against continuous

liquid contact or chemical vapors. By wearing liquid splash-protective clothing, the wearer risks

potential exposure to chemical vapors or gases because this clothing does not offer gas-tight

performance. At best, these garments will meet the EPA Level B needs. Examples of EPA Level

B garments are shown in figure 5−3, figure 5−4, and figure 5−5.

Figure 5-3. Tychem® SL

Utility Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit, DuPont

Tyvek® Protective Apparel

Figure 5-4. Kappler Responder®

Level B Coverall with attached

hood, Kappler Safety Group

Figure 5-5. Lakeland Tyvek®

QC Level B Coverall with

collar, Lakeland Industries, Inc.

5.1.3 Permeable Protective Suits

Permeable protective suits are available as nongas-tight encapsulating suits, coveralls, or twopiece overgarments, as well as protective undergarments. These types of garments are made of

fabric that is permeable or semi-permeable to most molecules but also chemically alters or

physically removes certain toxic materials before they can reach the skin. These garments are

typically used by the military and can be worn for extended periods in situations that present a

limited exposure to hazardous vapors and gases. It is important to note that these garments are

not designed to protect against many common industrial chemicals. An example of protective

clothing that uses adsorptive technology is the Saratoga Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit

(JSLIST), from Tex-Shield, Inc., shown in figure 5−6.
35

Figure 5-6. Saratoga Joint Service Lightweight

Integrated Suit (JSLIST), Tex-Shield, Inc.

5.1.4 Nonhazardous Chemical Protective Clothing

Nonhazardous chemical protective clothing include garments made of traditional textiles that

allow vapors and liquids to pass through and, therefore, do not offer protection against highly

toxic CB agents and TIMs. These garments are generally used to keep the wearer free of dusts,

soils, stains, and electrostatic charge.

5.1.5 Other Protective Apparel

Other protective apparel includes ancillary clothing items and accessories that complete or

supplement a particular protective ensemble (e.g., hoods, aprons, sleeves, gloves, boots and boot

covers, and tape). These items are generally intended for use in situations where the physical

contact with hazardous material is limited and the hazard is completely characterized.

5.2 Material Chemical Resistance

The protective fabric technology and the protective clothing design are the two components that

provide necessary protection from percutaneous hazards of CB agents and TIMs. Ideally, the

selected fabrics that make up chemical protective clothing must resist permeation, degradation,

and penetration by the respective chemicals.

5.2.1 Permeation

Permeation is the process by which a chemical dissolves in or moves through a material on a

molecular basis. The higher the “rate of permeation,” the faster a particular chemical will move

through a select material. In most cases, there will be no visible evidence of chemicals
36

permeating a material. The rate of permeation can be influenced by several factors such as

chemical concentration, material thickness, humidity, temperature, and pressure. Permeation

“breakthrough time” is the most common result used to assess material chemical compatibility.

The time it takes a chemical to permeate completely through a particular material under a set of

standardized conditions is the breakthrough time. Breakthrough time is determined by applying a

particular chemical on the exterior surface of a fabric and measuring the time it takes to detect

the chemical on the inside surface. The breakthrough time gives some indication of how long a

garment can be used before the chemical will permeate through the material.

5.2.2 Degradation

Degradation involves physical changes in a material as the result of chemical exposure, use, or

ambient conditions (e.g., heat or sunlight). The most common observations of material

degradation are discoloration, swelling, loss of physical strength, or deterioration.

5.2.3 Penetration

Penetration is the movement of chemicals through fabric joints or openings such as zippers,

seams, pinholes, or imperfections in a protective clothing material.

5.3 Service Life

Some manufacturers of protective clothing provide a recommended service life for their suits and

apparel. Ultimately, clothing item service life is a user decision, depending on the costs and risks

associated with clothing decontamination and reuse. Protective clothing may be labeled as

reusable (for multiple wearings) or disposable (for one-time use).

Descriptive distinctions between these types of clothing are both vague and complicated.

Disposable clothing is generally lightweight and inexpensive. Reusable clothing is often more

rugged and costly. Nevertheless, extensive contamination of any garment may render it unfit for

reuse. The basis of this classification really depends on the costs involved in purchasing,

maintaining, and reusing protective clothing versus the alternative of disposing the protective

clothing following exposure. If a user can anticipate using a garment several times while still

maintaining adequate protection, the suit becomes reusable.

5.4 Percutaneous Protection Technologies

Technologies for percutaneous protection include the materials and material treatments.

Technologies are divided into permeable material treatments, permeable sorptive materials,

engineered permeable materials, and impermeable materials.

5.4.1 Permeable Material Treatments

Permeable materials are traditional textiles that allow vapors and liquids to pass through and,

therefore, do not offer protective properties against CB agents and TIMs. These materials, when

used in combination with treatments and finishes, have enhanced protective capabilities.
37

Examples of treatment technologies include high surface tension technology, wicking

technology, and electrostatic surface treatments. Treatments and finishes can be applied when the

material is fabricated or when the garment is assembled. Permeable material treatments are

further divided into high surface tension technologies (HSTT), wicking technologies, and

electrostatic surface treatment technologies.

5.4.2 Permeable Sorptive Materials

Permeable sorptive materials provide protection from vapor-phase contaminants by trapping

vapors as they pass through the fabric. However, these materials do not protect as well against

aerosols and liquids. Permeable sorptive materials are subdivided into activated carbon and

zeolites. Activated carbon, or activated charcoal, has been used historically for protection against

chemical agents, but it has limited performance, especially in humid environments. Carbon can

also sorb contaminants such as petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POLs). Zeolites can be either

naturally occurring or synthetic. Synthetic zeolites, also called molecular sieves, can be

engineered with reactive sites to tailor specificity.

5.4.3 Engineered Permeable Materials

Engineered permeable materials have been specifically engineered to restrict the penetration of

toxic contaminants through the material but still allow water vapor transmission for evaporative

cooling and personal comfort. Permeable sorptive technologies include semi-permeable

membranes, carbon-loaded semi-permeable membranes, nanofiber membranes, and reactive

material technologies. Semi-permeable membrane technology is probably the most familiar and

is commercially recognized as Gore-Tex, which uses an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene

(PTFE) polymer film. The carbon-loaded semi-permeable membrane technology was most

recently evaluated for use in the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST)

program.

5.4.4 Impermeable Materials

Impermeable materials prevent permeation of aerosols, liquids, and vapors. This applies to

exterior contaminated air as well as to moisture and vapor produced by the user, creating

uncomfortable environments when used for personal protective items. Impermeable materials are

categorized in three major groups: homogeneous materials, laminates, and composites. Butyl

rubber (used for boots, gloves, and suits) is an example of a homogeneous material. Laminates

are produced by bonding two or more layers of material together. Combinations of different

materials allow for optimization of the laminate properties. Currently, this technology is used as

a base material for the Self-Contained Toxicological Environmental Protective Overgarment

(STEPO).

5.4.5 Some Commercial Product Names and Technologies

The following table lists the names of some commercial products that are used in producing

certain kinds of personal protective clothing (e.g., gloves, aprons, vests, and suits). This list gives

the name of the manufacturer, a brief description of the material, and examples of what
38

kinds of personal protective clothing are made from these materials. For more complete

descriptions of the products and their uses and limitations, users should consult their safety

equipment supplier and/or the manufacturer.

Table 5-1. Trade names, manufacturers, and descriptions of commonly used materials

Trade Name Manufacturer Description

4HTM Safety 4, Inc. Multi-layer laminate of polyethylene (PE) and ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH

[ISO 1043−1] or EVAL)––offers protection against exposure to many

chemicals and mixtures.

BarricadeTM DuPont A chemical barrier fabric (multilayer laminate) that provides excellent chemical

resistance.

ChemrelTM Chemron UK Multi-layered film barrier composites, laminated onto a soft polypropylene

substrate; encapsulated suits made from different Chemrel (TM) fabrics are

available, providing protection against different chemicals and gases.

KevlarTM DuPont Aramid (aromatic polyamide) fiber––tough textile fiber used in protective

clothing where resistance to cuts, heat, bullets or flying fragments is needed.

NomexTM DuPont High-temperature-resistant aramid (aromatic polyamide) fiber; resistant to a

wide range of industrial chemicals and solvents.

ResponderTM Life-Guard Multi-film material designed to offer a high degree of permeation resistance to

a broad range of chemicals; also used in Level A vapor protective suits (totally

encapsulated chemical [TECP] suits).

SaranexTM Dow Chemical

Company

Multi-layer coextruded film made from polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene

chloride (PVDC), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA or EVAC [ISO 1043−1

abbrev.]). Used as a coating for protective clothing.

Silver

ShieldTM

Siebe North

Inc.

A laminate material that offers excellent protection against a wide range of

chemicals and solvents but does not have good cut resistance. Can be used as an

inner glove to enhance protection where cuts/mechanical damage are likely.

TeflonTM DuPont Fluorocarbon polymers made from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) or a mixture of

tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene. Has excellent chemical and

thermal resistance but poor physical strength properties; is combined with other

materials in protective clothing.

TrellchemTM Trelleborg

Protective

Products AB

Trade name of a range of chemical protective suits. All are made with a

polyamide fabric coated with different materials for the outside and inside

layers, offering protection against exposure to wide range of chemicals; some

suits (HPS, VPS, TLU-A) meet NFPA flammability test criteria.

Trellchem HPS (High Performance Suit)TM––VitonTM and butyl rubber outside

and a polymer barrier laminate inside.

Trellchem VPS (Vapour Barrier Suit) TM––chloroprene rubber outside and a

polymer barrier laminate inside.

Trellchem SuperTM––VitonTM and butyl rubber outside and inside.

Trellchem ButylTM––butyl rubber outside and inside.

Trellchem LightTM ––polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outside and inside.

Trellchem TLU (Limited Use)TM ––polymer barrier laminate outside and inside.

Trellchem TLU-ATM––ensemble comprising an aluminized fiberglass fabric

over-cover and a Trellchem TLU suit.

TychemTM DuPont Offers protection against exposure to wide range of chemicals and is more tearand puncture-resistant than BarricadeTM material.

VitonTM DuPont Dow

Elastomers

Series of synthetic fluororubbers, elastomers based on polymers made from

hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride or vinyl fluoride; other

fluorocarbons may be used in some VitonTM products.

ZetexTM Newtex Clothing products are woven from highly texturized silica yarns––an alternative

to asbestos for gloves, etc., for protection against heat, flames, and sparks.
39

6. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SELECTION FACTORS

Section 6 provides a discussion of 12 selection factors that are recommended for consideration

by the emergency first responder community when selecting and purchasing PPE (respiratory

and percutaneous). These factors were compiled by a panel of experienced scientists and

engineers who have multiple years of experience in PPE, domestic preparedness, and

identification of emergency first responder needs. The factors have also been shared with the

emergency first responder community in order to get their thoughts and comments.

It is anticipated that as additional input is received from the emergency first responder

community, additional factors may be added or existing factors may be modified. These factors

were developed so that PPE could be compared and contrasted in order to assist with the

selection and purchase of the most appropriate equipment. It is important to note that the

evaluation conducted using the 12 selection factors was based solely upon vendor-supplied data

and no independent evaluation of equipment was conducted in the development of this guide.

The vendor-supplied data can be found in its entirety in Volume IIa (respiratory), Volume IIb

(percutaneous––protective garments), and Volume IIc (percutaneous––other apparel).

In addition to the selection factor information, the agency certifying the system for use (i.e.,

OSHA, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), NFPA, etc.), if any, and

testing is also included as part of the evaluation table.

The results of the evaluation of the PPE against the 12 selection factors are provided in section 7

(respiratory), section 8 (percutaneous––protective garments), and section 9 (percutaneous––other

apparel), respectively. The remainder of this section defines each of the selection factors. Details

on the manner in which the selection factor was used to assess the equipment are presented in

table 6−1 (respiratory), table 6−2 (percutaneous––protective garments), and table 6−3

(percutaneous––other apparel).

6.1 Chemical Warfare (CW) Agents Protection

This factor describes the ability of the equipment to protect from chemical agents. Chemical

agents, when referred to in this guide, refer to nerve and blister agents only. Blood agents and

choking agents are included within the list of TIMs. Nerve agents primarily consist of GB and

VX. Other nerve agents include GA, GD, and GF. Blister agents are primarily limited to mustard

(H). The blister agents considered in this guide include HD, HN, and L.

6.2 Biological Warfare (BW) Agents Protection

This factor describes the ability of the equipment to protect from biological agents. Biological

agents considered for this guide include bacteria (i.e., Anthrax), rickettsia (i.e., Typhus), toxins

(i.e., Botulinum Toxin), and viruses (i.e., Q Fever).
40

6.3 Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs) Protection

This factor describes the ability of the equipment to protect from TIMs. TIMs considered in the

development of this guide are discussed in section 3. Examples include ammonia, carbon

monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, phosgene, and mineral acids (i.e., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid,

nitric acid, etc.).

6.4 Duration of Protection

Duration of protection indicates the amount of time the equipment provides adequate protection.

Since duration varies depending on the concentration of agent, type of agent, and environmental

conditions, duration will be given with respect to specific conditions.

6.5 Environmental Conditions

This factor indicates whether the equipment is designed for use in all common outdoor weather

conditions and climates (e.g., rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and humidity) or only under

relatively controlled conditions.

6.6 Weight/Comfort

Weight/comfort is the total weight of the equipment/system and indicates how long the equipment

can be worn with no effects. This should be considered in conjunction with the dexterity/mobility

selection factor. Weight/comfort is considered for both respiratory protection and percutaneous

protection.

6.7 Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use)

Dexterity/mobility refers to the ease of use and comfort of an individual while wearing the

personal protective system. Ease of use, as well as donning and doffing information, is an

important consideration for this selection factor.

6.8 Sizes Available

Sizes available refers to the variety of sizes available to the first responder community. There

should be enough sizes to adequately fit most of the members of the response team, both male

and female.

One-size-fits-all may be attractive for certain items but may not serve the responder community that is

made up of diverse personnel. This selection factor is not considered for respiratory protection.

6.9 Visibility

Visibility indicates the percentage of unobstructed visibility the user has while wearing the

protective gear. This selection factor is appropriate for respiratory equipment, fully encapsulated

protective garments, and other protective apparel (hoods).
41

6.10 Launderability (Cleaning)

Launderability includes the laundering procedures that are safe for the item, including the

number of times it can be laundered or cleaned and remain effective. Also, launderability

includes any special procedures needed for specific components. This selection factor is

appropriate for respiratory equipment accessories (straps, harnesses), fully encapsulated

protective garments, and other protective apparel.

6.11 Training Requirements

Training requirements indicate the amount of instruction time required for the responder to become

proficient in the operation of the instrument. For example, higher-end equipment such as SCBA

and PAPR respirators require more in-depth training than an escape mask. Also, fully encapsulated

garments may require specific donning and doffing procedures.

Continuous training or periodic recertification in the use of the equipment is considered with this

selection factor.

6.12 Unit Cost 

Unit cost is the cost of the PPE, including the cost of all support equipment and consumables. This

factor, in conjunction with other selection factors, can help decide if the equipment will be deemed

suitable for disposal after use, suitable for special uses only, or suitable for all uses.
42

Table 6-1. Selection factor key for personal protective equipment (respiratory)

August 2001

Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Cost 

Protects against allnerve and blisteragents 

Protects against allbiological agents 

Protects against allTIMs listed Protects up to 2 h Protects in all environments 

Easily manageable,able to be worn forlong periods with noeffects 

Not limiting 90 % to 100 % visibility Able to be cleaned and reused greater than 50 times Little to no training required Less than or equal to $500 per unit

75 % to 90 % visibility

Able to be cleaned and reused 25 to 50times 

Protects against some of the nerve and blister agents 

Protects against some biological agents

Protects againstmultiple TIMs 

Protects 30 min to 90 min 

Protects in normalenvironments 

Manageable, butunable to wear for more than 1 h to 2 hat a time 

Some loss of mobility, range of motion

50 % to 75 % visibility

Able to be cleaned and reused 5 to 50times 

Some trainingrequired, 4 h or more 

Greater than $500but less than $1000per unit 

Not intended forreuse, but can behand cleaned to remove dirt and dust 

Protects against none of the blister or nerve agents 

Protects against nobiological agents 

Protects against none of the TIMs listed 

Protects less than 30 min 

Protects only inspecific environments 

Very heavy andcumbersome, unable to wear for prolonged periods 

Very limiting Less than 50 % visibility Unable to be reused

Continuous training required with recertification everyfew months 

Greater than or equal to $1000 per unit

The blank cells designate that the symbol is not applicable for the selection factor.A duplicate of this table is provided for quick reference as Table 7-10.

Chemical Agents Protection
43

Table 6-2. Selection factor key for percutaneous protective (garments)

August 2001

Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost (Gas Tight) Cost (Not Gas Tight) Cost (Coveralls)

Protects againstall nerve andblister agents 

Protects againstall biologicalagents 

Protects againstall TIMs listed 

Protects up to 2 h 

Protects in allenvironments 

Easilymanageable,able to be wornfor long periodswith no effects 

Not limiting At least 5 sizes available 90 % to 100 % visibility

Able to becleaned andreused greaterthan 50 times 

Little to no training required

Less than or equal to $500per unit 

Less than or equal to $100per unit 

Less than or

equal to $75 forsingle unit or$150 for bulk packaging 

75 % to 90 % visibility

Able to becleaned and reused 25 to 50times 

Protects againstsome of thenerve and blister agents 

Protects againstsome biologicalagents 

Protects againstmultiple TIMs 

Protects 30 minto 90 min 

Protects innormalenvironments 

Manageable, but unable to wear for more than 1 h to 2 h at a time 

Some loss ofmobility, range of motion 

At least 4 sizesavailable 

50 % to 75 % visibility

Able to becleaned andreused 5 to 50times 

Some trainingrequired, 4 h ormore 

Greater than$500 but lessthan $1000 perunit 

Greater than$100 but lessthan $500 perunit 

Greater than$75 (single unit)or $150 (bulk)but less than $300 for singleitem or bulkpackaging 

Not intended forreuse, but canbe hand cleanedto remove dirtand dust 

Protects againstnone of theblister or nerveagents 

Protects againstno biologicalagents 

Protects againstnone of the TIMs listed 

Protects lessthan 30 min 

Protects only inspecific environments 

Very heavy andcumbersome, unable to wear for prolonged periods 

Very limiting One size fits all Less than 50 % visibility Unable to be reused 

Continuoustraining required with recertificationevery fewmonths 

Greater than orequal to $1000per unit 

Greater than orequal to $500 per unit 

Greater than orequal to $300 for single unit or 

bulk packaging 

The blank cells designate that the symbol is not applicable for the selection factor.A duplicate of this table is provided for quick reference as Table 8-9.
44

Table 6-3. Selection factor key for percutaneous protective equipment (apparel)

August 2001

Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Hoods and Aprons Sizes Available Garments VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost (Hoods) Cost (Foot Protection) Cost (Hand and Arm Protection) Cost (Other)

Protects against all nerve and blister agents

Protectsagainst allbiologicalagents 

Protectsagainst allTIMs listed 

Protects up to 2 h

Protects in allenvironments 

Easilymanageable,able to be worn for longperiods with no effects 

Not limiting One size fits all Many available sizes 90 % to 100 % visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused greaterthan 50 times 

Little to notrainingrequired 

Less than orequal to $500per unit 

Less than orequal to $100per unit 

Less than orequal to $75 forsingle unit or$150 for bulkpackaging 

Less than or equal to $75 forsingle unit or$150 for bulkpackaging

75 % to 90 %visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused 25 to 50 times 

Protectsagainst someof the nerveand blisteragents 

Protects against somebiologicalagents 

Protectsagainstmultiple TIMs 

Protects 30min to 90 min 

Protects innormalenvironments 

Manageable,but unable towear for morethan 1 h to 2 h at a time 

Some loss of mobility, rangeof motion

Small,medium,and large 

50 % to 75 %visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused 5 to 50 times 

Some training required, 4 hor more

Greater than$500 but lessthan $1000per unit 

Greater than$100 but lessthan $500 perunit 

Greater than$75 (single unit) or $150 (bulk) but less than $300 for single item or bulk packaging 

Greater than$75 (single unit) or $150 (bulk) but less than $300 for single item or bulk packaging

Not intended for reuse, but can be hand cleaned toremove dirt and dust 

Protects against none of the blister or nerve agents 

Protects against nobiologicalagents 

Protects against noneof the TIMslisted 

Protects lessthan 30 min 

Protects onlyin specificenvironments

Very heavyand cumbersome,unable to wear for prolongedperiods 

Very limiting

Numeroussizes,requiresfit test 

One sizefits all 

Less than 50 % visibility 

Unable to bereused 

Continuous trainingrequired withrecertificationevery fewmonths 

Greater thanor equal to $1000per unit

Greater than or equal to $500 per unit 

Greater than or equal to $300 for single unit or bulk packaging 

Greater than or equal to $300 for single unit or bulk packaging 

The blank cells designate that the symbol is not applicable for the selection factor.A duplicate of this table is provided for quick reference as Table 9-11.
45

7. EVALUATION OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The market survey (refer to sec. 2.0 of Vol. IIa) conducted for CB agent and TIM personal

protective equipment identified 69 different respiratory protection items. The details of the

market survey, including data on each item, are provided in Volume IIa of this guide. This

section documents the results of evaluating each of the respiratory protection items versus the 12

selection factors provided in section 6 of this volume. Section 7.1 defines the types of respiratory

equipment and section 7.2 discusses the evaluation results.

7.1 Respiratory Protection

In order to display the evaluation results in a meaningful format, the respiratory protection

equipment were grouped into two primary categories (air purifying and atmosphere supplying)

and then further subcategorized by the mode of operation and type of fit of the equipment.

7.1.1 Air-Purifying Respirators

Air-purifying respirators contain a filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air

contaminants by passing air from the surrounding atmospheric through the air-purifying element.

Air purifying respirators may be nonpowered or powered.

• Masks are nonpowered and use the breathing action of the wearer to draw air through the

filter element.

• Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) use blowers to force ambient atmosphere

through the air purifying elements.

7.1.2 Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators

Atmosphere-supplying respirators provide air from a source independent of the surrounding

atmosphere rather than removing contaminants from the atmosphere. Level A and Level B

configurations require atmosphere-supplying respirators that produce positive pressure within the

suit.

• A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gets air from a compressed cylinder, usually

through a half-mask.

• A rebreather is a closed circuit SCBA. The exhaled air is rebreathed after it has been passed

over a scrubber to remove carbon dioxide and restore oxygen.

• Airline respirators or supplied air respirators (SARs) use supplied-air that is connected by

a hose to a stationary source of compressed breathing air. Some respirators can be configured

as either a SCBA or a SAR.
46

7.1.3 Escape Masks

Escape masks are special purpose respiratory protection devices. They are for emergency use

only. They are designed to provide short duration respiratory protection, enabling the wearer to

escape from an area that has developed a respiratory hazard. These devices may be either airpurifying or atmosphere-supplying respirators.

7.2 Evaluation Results

The evaluation results for the respiratory protective equipment are presented in tabular format for

the 69 pieces of equipment identified at the time this guide was written. A table is presented for

each of the identified categories. Each table includes the specific equipment and the symbol that

corresponds to how the equipment item was characterized based upon each of the selection factor

definitions. The acronym “TBD” is displayed in the appropriate cell if data were not available to

characterize a specific selection factor. The acronym “NA” is displayed in the appropriate cell if

the data were not applicable for a piece of equipment. The results of categorizing the

percutaneous protective garments are presented in table 7−1.

Table 7-1. Respiratory protection equipment

Respiratory Respiratory Protective Equipment

Equipment Air Purifying Supplied Air Total

Mask 29 29

PAPR 12 12

SCBA 10 10

SCBA/Rebreather 3 3

Airline 5 5

SCBA/Airline 3 3

Escape Mask 3 4 7

Total 44 25 69

Table 7-2 provides the table number and associated table pages for each of the usage categories.

Table 7-2. Evaluation results reference table

Table Name Table Number Page(s)

Respiratory protection (masks) 7−3 48−50

Respiratory protection (PAPR) 7−4 51−52

Respiratory protection (SCBA) 7−5 53

Respiratory protection (SCBA/rebreather) 7−6 54

Respiratory protection (airline respirator) 7−7 55

Respiratory protection (SCBA/airline

respirator)

7−8 56

Respiratory protection (escape masks) 7−9 57

Selection factor key for personal protection

equipment (respiratory)

7−10 58
47

7.2.1 Air-Purifying Respirators

There were 44 air-purifying respirators identified in the development of this guide. These

respirators were further divided into two subcategories, nonpowered masks and PAPRs. There

were 29 nonpowered masks and 12 PAPRs. Three devices fall into the categories of escape

masks. Table 7−3 and table 7−4 detail the evaluation results for these two air-purifying respirator

subcategories, respectively.

7.2.2 Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators

There were 25 atmosphere-supplying respirators identified in the development of this guide.

These atmosphere-supplying respirators were further divided into subcategories identifying the

air supply (self contained and stationary source). The major atmosphere-supplying respirator

category was the SCBA. There were 16 respirators identified as SCBA and five respirators with

stationary air supply. The 16 SCBAs were further divided into SCBA (ten items), SCBA/

rebreather (three items), and SCBA/airline (three items). Table 7−5, table 7−6, table 7−7, and

table 7−8 detail the evaluation results for SCBA, SCBA/rebreather, airline, and SCBA/airline,

respectively.

7.2.3 Escape Masks

There were seven escape masks included in this guide, three air-purifying respirators, and four

atmosphere-supplying respirators. Table 7−9 details the evaluation results for this category.
48

Table 7-3. Respiratory protection (masks)

August 2001

ID # Equipment Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost 1 Avon CT12 Special Forces

Respirator 

NIOSH, OSHA

TBD TBD

2 NBC FM12 Respirator NIOSH, OSHA

TBD TBD

3 NBC SF10 Respirator NIOSH, OSHA

TBD TBD

16 BG-4 w/Mask NIOSH/MSHA

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

18 Panorama Nova Full Facepiece NIOSH, NFPA, OSHA

TBD

20 Kareta M Mask NIOSH

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

25 M40 Series Gas Mask AR 70-71; Canister Mount—

NATO Standard TBD TBD TBD TBD

26 M42 Series Gas Mask AR 70-71; Canister Mount—

NATO Standard TBD TBD TBD TBD

30 INTERSPIRO Respirator TBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

31 C4 Gas Mask Canadian Department of

National Defense TBD

34 Magnum 4000 P3, with Full 

Facemask

TBD

NA NA

‘NA’ - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.‘TBD’ (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
49

Table 7-3. Respiratory protection (masks)-Continued

August 2001

ID # Equipment Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost 

TBDTBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD TBD

TBD TBDTBD TBD

TBDTBD

TBDTBD

TBD

TBDTBD

TBD TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBDTBDTBDTBD

TBDTBD

TBD

‘NA’ - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.‘TBD’ (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

54 3MTM 6000 Series Full 

Facepiece Respirator

OSHA 1910.134, NIOSHapproved when used with AEP3 cartridge (4240-01-323-3530)

53 3MTM 6000 Series Full 

Facepiece Respirators

OSHA 1910.134, NIOSHapproved when used with AEP3 cartridge (4240-01-323-3530)

55 3MTM 7800S-BA Full Facepiece 

Respirators 

TBD

60 3MTM Full Facepiece FR-M40, 

Military-Style 

NIOSHCartridge manufactured inaccordance with U.S. MILC51560 (EA) and EA-C-1704 

63 PAN1 Dual Cartridge Full Face 

Respirator 

NIOSH

64 PAN2 Single Filter Canister EN-136 Approved Respirator65 Model 4A1 NBC Respirator TBD66 M15-A30 NBC Respirator NIOSH
50

Table 7-3. Respiratory protection (masks)-Continued

August 2001

ID # Equipment Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost 

NANANA

NANANA

TBD TBD

TBD

TBD TBD TBD

TBD

TBDTBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD

‘NA’ - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.‘TBD’ (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

35 Magnum 4500 P3, with Full 

Facemask 

TBD

36 Magnum 8000 P3, with Full 

Facemask 

TBD

37 Magnum 8500 P3, with Full 

Facemask 

TBD

39 M95 Respirator NBC Protective 

Respirator 

TBD

40 MSA Advantage 1000 CBA/RCA 

Full-Face Respirator 

NIOSH/MSHA no. TC-14G-0235 

41 MSA Advantage 1000 with GMEP100 cartridges NIOSH-approved for all industrial chemicals 42 MSA Millennium ChemicalBiological Mask NIOSH evaluating45 MSA Phalanx CBA/RCA Gas 

Mask 

NIOSH No. TC-14G-0236

48 MSA Ultra-Twin® Respirators TBD49 MSA MCU-2/P and MCU-2A/P 

Series 

TBD
51

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBDTBD TBD

TBD

TBDTBD

TBD

TBD

TBDTBD

TBDTBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD TBD TBD

Table 7-4. Respiratory protection (PAPR)

August 2001

ID # Equipment Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost 

‘NA’ - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.‘TBD’ (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

12 Sabre Tornado® Respiratory 

System (PAPR) 

NIOSH regulations 42 CFR 84

22 PP Mask with ABP3/US canister Positive pressure: NIOSH-approved 

(French version EN-approved) Negative pressure: EN-approved in French version 

23 PAPR system NIOSH-approved (French version 

EN-approved) 

43 MSA OptimAir® MM 2K PAPR NIOSH approval varies depending 

on facepiece or hood style 

44 MSA OptimAir® 6A PAPR with 

CBA/RCA OptiFilter Cartridges 

NIOSH and MSHA

51 3MTM Breathe EasyTM 7 

RRPASTM Respirator 

NIOSH, OSHA 1910.134, NIOSHapproved for certain chemicals and as high efficiency filter when used with AEP3 cartridge (4240-01-323-3530) 

52 3MTM Breathe EasyTM Powered 

Air Purifying Respirator System 

OSHA 1910.134, NIOSH-approved for certain chemicals when used with AEP3 cartridge 

57 3MTM Belt-Mounted PAPR TBD
52

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBDTBD TBD TBD TBD TBDTBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD

NA

TBD TBD

Table 7-4. Respiratory protection (PAPR)-Continued

August 2001

ID # Equipment Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost 

‘NA’ - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.

‘TBD’ (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.

See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.

* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

58 3MTM GVP Belt-Mounted 

Powered Air Purifying Respirator 

OSHA 1910.134, NIOSHapproved for certain organic vapors, acid gases and as a high efficiency filter when used 

with the GVP-443 cartridge (4240-01-394-6336) 

62 Scott C420 VarifloTM PAPR NFPA, OSHA, NIOSH, DOJ 

Foundation 

67 SE400 Fan Supplied, Positive 

Pressure Respirator (FPBR) 

NIOSH, CE

69 SurvivairTM Belt Mounted 

PAPR 

NIOSH Approval No. TC-23C1053; ANSI/UL 913 standard for use in Class 1, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D hazards 
53

Table 7-5. Respiratory protection (SCBA)

August 2001

ID # Equipment Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost 

TBDTBDTBDTBD

TBDTBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD

TBD TBD TBD

TBD TBDTBD TBD

TBD

TBD

TBDTBD TBD TBD TBD

‘NA’ - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.‘TBD’ (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

4 Avon NBC-SCBA-Option NIOSH, OSHA5 NBC CoolAir SCBA TBD6 SuperCritical Air Mobility Pack 

(SCAMP®) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) 

TBD

14 AirBoss PSS100 with Flashing 

Gauge or with Sentine l 

NIOSH, MSHA, NFPA 1981/1997 edition, IPASS II or Sentinel compliant to NFPA 1982/1998 edition

15 AirBoss Evolution with Flashing 

Gauge or with Sentinel 

NIOSH, MSHA, NFPA 1981/1997 edition, IPASS II or Sentinel compliant to NFPA 1982/1998 edition

17 ProAir Evolution NIOSH28 Viking Digital SCBA NIOSH-approved 50 MSA MMR Xtreme® Air Mask ANSI/NFPA-1981 Standard for Opencircuit SCBA, 1997 Edition, NIOSH56 3MTM SCBAG Self-Contained 

Breathing Apparatus 

OSHA 1910.134, NIOSH-approved in several configurations 

68 SurvivairTM Cougar SCBA TBD
54

TBD TBD

TBD

NANA

Table 7-6. Respiratory protection (SCBA/rebreather)

August 2001

ID # Equipment Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost 

‘NA’ - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.‘TBD’ (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

7 Biomarine BioPak 60 Rebreather NIOSH/MSHA Certification 

TC-13F-371 and TC-13F-372 

8 Biomarine BioPak 240 Rebreather NIOSH/MSHA Certification 

TC-13F-185 and TC-13F-206 

32 Litpac II-Rebreather NIOSH/MSHA #TC-13F-233; DOT 

regulations for transporting full cylinders 
55

Table 7-7. Respiratory protection (airline respirator)

August 2001

9 Bullard CC20 Series Airline

Respirator 

MSHA/NIOSH, ASTM F739

11 Sabre Tornado® Respiratory System

(Airline) 

TBD

27 ARAP/C and ARAP/E Airline

Respirators 

NIOSH-approved Type Crespirators 

33 Easiflow Plus Full Facemask

Respirator and Filters 

TBD

38 9 mtr Unpowered Fresh-Air Hose

System 

TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

TBD

 Equipment Name Certification/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost ID #

TBDTBD

NANA

TBDTBDTBD

NANA

TBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD TBD TBD

TBD

TBD TBD
56

TBD TBD

TBD TBD

TBD TBD

TBD

TBDTBD

TBD

TBDTBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBDTBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

Training Requirements Cost Launderability Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Visibility Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort TIMs Protection Protection Duration Biological Agents Protection Chemical Agents Protection Certifications/Regulations* Equipment Name ID #

Table 7-8. Respiratory protection (SCBA/airline respirator)

August 2001

46 MSA PremAire XV Supplied Air

Respirator

NIOSH/MSHA for entry andescape from IDLH atmospheres

47 MSA RescueAire II Portable AirSupply System NIOSH/MSHA for entry and escape from IDLH atmospheres

61 Scott AV 2000 AV-2000®

Facepiece

TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
57

Table 7-9. Respiratory protection (escape masks)

August 2001

ID # Equipment Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost 10 Bullard Spectrum-PDE Pressure

Demand Respirator with ESCBA 

TBD

13 SR-100, 60 Minute ESCBA NIOSH/MSHA certification (TC13F-239). Meets CFR 30, part 75-

1714 and CFR 29, 1910,146Appendix E. 

19 Defend Air TBD21 Duram Emergency Escape

Respirator 

TBD

24 EVATOX Adult Escape Hood US EN-approved (French version ENapproved) 

29 Interspiro Spiroscape

Escape BA 

CE or NIOSH certification

59 3MTM Escort Combination

ESCBA/Supplied Air Respirator 

OSHA 1910.134, NIOSHapproved in severalconfigurations 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 7-10 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD TBD

TBD TBD

TBD TBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD TBD

TBD
58

Table 7-10. Selection factor key for personal protective equipment (respiratory)

August 2001

Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Cost 

Protects against allnerve and blisteragents 

Protects against allbiological agents 

Protects against allTIMs listed Protects up to 2 h Protects in all environments 

Easily manageable,able to be worn forlong periods with noeffects 

Not limiting 90 % to 100 % visibility Able to be cleaned and reused greater than 50 times Little to no training required Less than or equal to $500 per unit

75 % to 90 %visibility 

Able to be cleanedand reused 25 to 50times 

Protects againstsome of the nerveand blister agents 

Protects against some biologicalagents 

Protects againstmultiple TIMs 

Protects 30 min to90 min 

Protects in normalenvironments 

Manageable, butunable to wear formore than 1 h to 2 hat a time 

Some loss ofmobility, range ofmotion 

50 % to 75 %visibility 

Able to be cleanedand reused 5 to 50times 

Some trainingrequired, 4 h or more 

Greater than $500but less than $1000per unit 

Not intended forreuse, but can behand cleaned toremove dirt and dust 

Protects againstnone of the blister or nerve agents 

Protects against nobiological agents 

Protects against none of theTIMs listed 

Protects less than 30 min

Protects only inspecificenvironments 

Very heavy andcumbersome, unable to wear for prolonged periods 

Very limiting Less than 50 % visibility Unable to be reused

Continuous trainingrequired withrecertification everyfew months 

Greater than orequal to $1000 perunit 

The blank cells designate that the symbol is not applicable for the selection factor.
59

8. EVALUATION OF PERCUTANEOUS PROTECTION (GARMENTS)

The market survey (refer to sec. 2.0 of Vol. IIb) conducted for CB agent and TIM personal

protective equipment identified 180 different protective garments. The details of the market

survey, including data on each item, are provided in Volume IIb of this guide. This section

documents the results of evaluating each percutaneous protective garment versus the 12 selection

factors provided in section 6 of this volume. Section 8.1 defines the levels of protection of the

garments and section 8.2 discusses the evaluation results.

8.1 Levels of Protection

In order to display the evaluation results in a meaningful format, the percutaneous protective

garments were grouped into the EPA levels of protection as well as on configuration of the

garments. The garments in this section are identified as EPA Level A encapsulated suits and

ensembles, EPA Level B encapsulated suits, coveralls, garments, and ensembles with level of

protection not provided.

• EPA Level A garments are gas-tight. They provide a protective barrier that completely covers

the wearer and their respirators.

• EPA Level B garments are liquid splash-protective. They are available as nongas-tight

encapsulating suits, coveralls, or two-piece overgarments. The material is impermeable and

offers splash protection but not continuous liquid contact or vapor protection. For those

preferring additional protection for their respiratory equipment, EPA Level B encapsulated

suits are available. These suits cannot be substituted for EPA Level A suits however, because

the seams and zippers are not gas tight.

• There are other protective suits and garments, made of traditional textiles that allow vapors

and liquids to pass through. They do not offer protection against highly toxic CB and TIMs.

This category includes several EPA Level C garments and other garments that have no

protective level designation.

8.2 Evaluation Results

The evaluation results for the percutaneous protective garments are presented in tabular format

for the 180 pieces of equipment identified at the time this guide was written. A table is presented

for each of the identified categories. Each table includes the specific equipment and the symbol

that corresponds to how the equipment item was characterized based upon each of the selection

factor definitions. The acronym “TBD” is displayed in the appropriate cell if data were not

available to characterize a specific selection factor. The acronym “NA” is displayed in the

appropriate cell if the data were not applicable for a piece of equipment. The results of

categorizing the percutaneous protective garments are presented in table 8−1.
60

Table 8-1. Percutaneous protective garments

Percutaneous Protective Garments

Encapsulating Ensembles Coveralls Overgarments Total

EPA Level A 43 4 47

EPA Level B 29 89 118

Other 6 9 15

Total 72 10 89 9 180

Table 8−2 provides the table number and associated table pages for each of the usage categories.

Table 8-2. Evaluation results reference table

Table Name Table Number Page(s)

Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A

encapsulating)

8−3 61−65

Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A

ensembles)

8−4 66

Percutaneous protection (EPA Level B

encapsulating)

8−5 67−70

Percutaneous protection (coveralls) 8−6 71−79

Percutaneous protection (ensembles) 8−7 80

Percutaneous protection (overgarments) 8−8 81

Selection factor key for percutaneous

protection (garments)

8−9 82

Table 8−3 and table 8−4 detail the evaluation results for the EPA Level A encapsulated and

ensembles.

Tables 8−5 and 8−6 detail the evaluation results for EPA Level B encapsulating and coveralls.

Tables 8−7 and 8−8 detail the evaluation for other percutaneous protection ensembles and

overgarments.
61

Table 8-3. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A encapsulating)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 1 STEPO Chemical Protective Suit

(Totally encapsulating) 

Type Classified by U.S. Army,1997 

2 Tychem® 10000 Commander

Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

3 Tychem® 10000 Commander 

Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit

NA

4 Tychem® 10000 Commander 

Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit

NA

5 Tychem® 10000 Commander

Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

6 Tychem® 10000 EX 

Commander Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

7 Tychem® 10000 EX 

Commander Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

8 Tychem® 10000 EX 

Commander Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

9 Tychem® 10000 EX 

Commander Level A Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
62

Table 8-3. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A encapsulating)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

TBDTBDTBD

TBDTBDTBD

TBDTBDTBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD

62 Kappler Responder® CSM

OSHA Level A 

Each Government hasdeveloped its own internalguidance for storage and use 

66 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Economy Level AEncapsulated Suit 

OSHA Level A, ASTM F1052

67 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Economy Level AEncapsulated Suit 

OSHA Level A, ASTM F1052

68 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level A Suit 

OSHA Level A, ASTM F1052

79 Trellchem® High Performance

Suit (HPS) Level A 

NFPA 1991/2000 (USA), EN9(European); ASTM F739 

80 Trellchem® TLU (Limited Use)

Level A 

NFPA 1991/2000 (USA), EN943(European) 

81 Trellchem® Vapor Barrier Suit 

(VPI) Level A

NFPA 1991/2000 (USA), EN943(European), ASTM F739 

82 Trellchem® Vapor Barrier Suit

(VPS) Level A 

NFPA 1991/2000 (USA), EN943 (European), ASTM F739 
63

Table 8-3. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A encapsulating)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

TBD

NANANA TBD TBD

TBD TBDTBD TBDTBD TBD

TBDTBDTBD

TBDTBDTBDTBD TBDTBD

TBDTBDTBD

TBD TBD TBDTBD TBD TBD

TBD

47 Chemturion® Suit: Model 35

Level A Laboratory Suit,Reusable 

Not applicable for reusable Level A suits 

48 Chemturion® Suit: Ready 1

Model 91 Level A Limited UseChemical Protective Suit 

None 

49 Chemturion® Suit: Model 84

Level A Total EncapsulatingSuit, Reusable 

Not applicable for reusableLevel A suits 

50 Kappler Responder® Total

Encapsulating Level A (Gastight) Suit 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

51 Kappler Responder® Total

Encapsulating Level A Suit 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

52 Kappler Total Encapsulating

Level A Suit 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

53 Kappler Responder® Plus

Total Encapsulating Level ASuit 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

54 Kappler Responder® Total

Encapsulating Level A Suit,NFPA 1991 (Vapor Protective) 

NFPA 1991, 2000 Edition (to comply with NFPA 1991 certification, must be worn with aluminized overcover), OSHA 1910.132, OSHA 1910.120 
64

Table 8-3. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A encapsulating)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 19 Tychem® TK Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

20 Tychem® TK Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

21 Tychem® TK Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

23 Tychem® TK EX Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

24 Tychem® TK EX Commander 

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

25 Tychem® TK EX Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

26 Tychem® TK EX Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

43 Disposable Toxicological Agent 

Protective Suit (DTAP)/Level A 

ASTM F 1359-97; NFPA 1991,ASTM D3786, ASTM D5034,ASTM D1117; will be NFPA1994 certified 

46 Chemturion® Suit: Model 13 

Level A (SCBA), Reusable

Not applicable for reusableLevel A suits TBD TBD
65

Table 8-3. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A encapsulating)-Continued 

August 2001

10 Tychem® BR Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

11 Tychem® BR Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

12 Tychem® BR Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements of NFPA 1992 - 2000 edition

13 Tychem® BR Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

14 Tychem® BR EX Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

15 Will meet the requirements of

NFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

16 Tychem® BR EX Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

17 Tychem® BR EX Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements ofNFPA 1992 - 2000 edition 

18 Tychem® TK Commander

Level A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 

Will meet the requirements of NFPA 1992 - 2000 edition

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

Tychem® BR EX CommanderLevel A Fully EncapsulatingSuit 
66

Table 8-4. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level A ensembles)

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

TBDTBD

TBD TBD

TBD

NA

22 Tychem® TK EX Commander 

Brigade Level A Ensemble 

NFPA 1991-2000 certified 

64 Lakeland Tychem® 10000 NFPA 

Certified Level A Ensemble 

NFPA 1991-2000 edition, ASTM F1052 

65 Lakeland Tychem® 10000 

Level A Ensemble 

NFPA 1991-2000 edition, ASTM F1052 

145 NFPA 1991, 2000 Kappler Ensemble,

EPA Level A
67

Table 8-5. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level B encapsulating)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 27 Tychem® 10000 Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

28 Tychem® 10000 Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

29 Tychem® 10000 Deluxe Level B

Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

30 Tyvek® Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

TBD TBD

31 Tychem® QC Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

TBD

32 Tychem® SL Utility Level B

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

33 Tychem® SL Utility Level B

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

34 Tychem® SL Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

35 Tychem® SL Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

36 Tychem® QC Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

NA
68

Table 8-5. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level B encapsulating)-Continued

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 37 Tychem® BR Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

38 Tychem® BR Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

39 Tychem® BR Deluxe Level B

Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

40 Tychem® TK Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

41 Tychem® TK Level B Fully

Encapsulating Suit 

NA

42 Tychem® TK Deluxe Level B

Fully Encapsulating Suit 

NA

44 Disposable Toxicological Agent

Protective Suit (DTAP)/Level B 

ASTM F 1359-97; NFPA 1991,ASTM D3786, ASTM D5034,ASTM D1117; will be NFPA1994 certified 

56 Kappler Total Encapsulating

Level B Suit 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

57 Kappler CPF 3 Total

Encapsulating Level B Suit 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

NA

NA

TBD

TBD TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD TBD
69

Table 8-5. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level B encapsulating)-Continued

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements 58 Kappler Responder® Total

Encapsulating Level B (Liquid Protective) Suit 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

59 Kappler CPF 4 Total 

Encapsulating Level B Suit

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

60 Kappler CPF 4 Total 

Encapsulating Level B Suit

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

61 Kappler Responder® Total

Encapsulating Level B Suit(liquid protective) 

None

63 Kappler Responder® CS

OSHA Level B

Each Government hasdeveloped its own internal guidance for storage and use 

69 Lakeland Tychem® 9400 Level

B Encapsulated Suit 

NA

70 Lakeland Tychem® 9400 Level

B Encapsulated Suit 

NA

71 Lakeland Tychem® SL Level B

Encapsulated Suit 

NA

TBD

72 Lakeland Tychem® 10000 

Level B Encapsulated Suit

NA

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

Unit Cost

NA

TBDTBD

TBD

TBD

NA TBD

TBD

NA

NA

TBDTBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBDTBDTBD

TBDTBDTBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD
70

Table 8-5. Percutaneous protection (EPA Level B encapsulating)-Continued

August 2001

73 Lakeland Tychem® 10000 Level 

B Coverall 

NA

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

TBD

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost
71

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)

August 2001

87 CCA_DuPont Tyvek® F 

Coverall

CE Certification

88 Tychem® 10000 Coverall NA89 Tychem® 10000 Coverall NA90 Tychem® 10000 Coverall NA91 Tychem® 10000 Coverall NA92 Tychem® 10000 Coverall NA93 Tychem® 10000 Coverall NA94 Tychem® 10000 Coverall NA95 Tyvek® Coverall NA96 Tyvek® Coverall NA97 Tyvek® Coverall NA98 Tyvek® Coverall NA

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

TBD TBD

TBD

TBD TBDTBD TBDTBD TBD

NANANANA

NA NANANANANANANANANANANANA
72

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD

TBD TBD NA NA

NANANANANANANANANA

99 Tyvek® Coverall NA

NANANANANANANANA

100 Tychem® QC Coverall

101 Tychem® QC Coverall102 Tychem® QC Coverall103 Tychem® QC Coverall104 Tychem® QC Coverall

105 Tychem® QC Coverall106 Tychem® QC Coverall107 Tychem® QC Coverall

NA 108 Tychem® QC Coverall
73

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

TBD NA

NANANANANANANANANA

NANANANANANANANANANA

109 Tychem® QC Coverall

110 Tychem® SL Coverall

111 Tychem® SL Coverall112 Tychem® SL Coverall

113 Tychem® SL Coverall114 Tychem® SL Coverall

115 Tychem® SL Coverall116 Tychem® SL Coverall

117 Tychem® SL Coverall118 Tychem® SL Coverall
74

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD

TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD

NANANANANANANANANANA

NANANANANANANANANANA

119 Tychem® SL Coverall

120 Tychem® QC Coverall

121 Tychem® QC Coverall

Tychem® QC Coverall

123 Tychem® QC Coverall124 Tychem® QC Coverall

125 Tychem® BR Coverall126 Tychem® BR Coverall127 Tychem® BR Coverall128 Tychem® BR Coverall

122
75

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

NANANANANANANANANANA

NANANANANANANANANANA

129 Tychem® BR Coverall

130 Tychem® BR Coverall

131 Tychem® BR Coverall132 Tychem® TK Coverall

133 Tychem® TK Coverall134 Tychem® TK Coverall

135 Tychem® TK Coverall136 Tychem® TK Coverall

137 Tychem® TK Coverall138 Tychem® TK Coverall
76

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)-Continued

August 2001

ID # 

139 Kappler Coverall OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA

1910.120 

NA TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

140 Kappler Coverall OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA

1910.120 

NA TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

141 Kappler CPF 3 Coverall OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA

1910.120 

NA TBD TBD TBD NA TBD

142 Kappler Responder® Level B

Coverall 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

NA TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

143 Kappler Responder® Level B

Coverall 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

NA TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

144 Kappler Responder® Level B

Coverall 

OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA1910.120 

NA TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

146 Kappler CPF 4 Coverall OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA

1910.120 

NA TBD NA TBD TBD

147 Kappler CPF 3 Coverall OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA

1910.120 

NA TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

148 Kappler CPF 4 Coverall OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA

1910.120 

NA TBD NA TBD TBD

149 Kappler CPF 3 Coverall NA

NA TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 
77

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 164 Lakeland Tychem® SL Level B

Coverall 

NA

174 Lakeland Tychem® 9400 Level B

Coverall 

NA

167 Lakeland Tychem® SL Level B

Coverall 

NA

162 Lakeland Tyvek® QC Level B

Coverall 

NA

161 Lakeland Tyvek® QC Level B

Coverall 

NA

163 Lakeland Tyvek® QC Level B

Coverall 

NA

160 Lakeland Tyvek® QC Level B

Coverall 

NA

172 Lakeland Tychem® 9400 Level B

Coverall 

NA

158 Lakeland Tyvek® QC Level B

Coverall 

NA

170 Lakeland Tychem® 9400 Level B

Coverall 

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD

NA
78

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)-Continued

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD

165 Lakeland Tychem® SL Level B

Coverall 

NA

166 Lakeland Tychem® SL Level B

Coverall 

NA

157 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level B Coverall 

NA

153 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level B Coverall 

NA

169 Lakeland Tychem® SL Level B

Coverall 

NA

159 Lakeland Tyvek QC Level B

Coverall 

NA

168 Lakeland Tychem® SL Level B

Coverall 

NA

171 Lakeland Tychem® 9400 

Level B Coverall 

NA

173 Lakeland Tychem® 9400 

Level B Coverall 

NA

150 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level B Coverall 

NA

TBD

TBD

TBD
79

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 

NA

151 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level B Coverall 

NA

154 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level B Coverall 

NA

155 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level B Coverall 

NA

152 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level B Coverall 

NA

156 Lakeland Tychem® 10000

Level B Coverall 

NA

176 The US Air Force Saratoga

CWU-66/P Chemical ProtectiveFlight Coverall 

U.S. and NATO militarychemical protectionspecifications 

178 SEA Tyvk® F Suit European standards

TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD

Table 8-6. Percutaneous protection (coveralls)-Continued

August 2001
80

Table 8-7. Percutaneous protection (ensembles - other)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 74 C-Cover S-89 One Piece NBC 

Protective Overgarment(disposable)

Meets NATO Military Standardsfor NBC EnsembleSwedish Defense Lab Certification TBD TBD TBD

76 C-Cover Dress S-97 NBC

Protective Overgarment(disposable) 

NATO Military Standards for NBCEnsembleSwedish Defense Lab Certification TBD TBD

83 Disposable Toxicological Agent

Protective Suit (DTAPS)/Level C1 (for field use) 

ASTM F 1359-97, NFPA 1991,ASTM D3786, ASTM D5034,ASTM D1117; will be NFPA 1994certified 

84 Disposable Toxicological Agent

Protective Suit (DTAPS)/Level C2 (for hospital use) 

ASTM F 1359-97, NFPA 1991,ASTM D3786, ASTM D5034,ASTM D1117; will be NFPA 1994certified 

85 Demilitarization Protective

Ensembles (DPEs) 

Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

86 "Hot" Operation: Air-Fed

Garments 

Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
81

Table 8-8. Percutaneous protection (overgarments)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 45 EUROLITE NBC-Protection Suit Products tested by TNO, which

certifies NATO standard for ourproducts. TBD

50 IPE (Individual Protection

Equipment) 

Canadian Department of NationalDefence TBD TBD

75 C-Cover S/89N (transparent body

cover)

Not specified

TBD NA TBD

77 Saratoga HAMMER Suit MIL-C-29462 78 Saratoga Joint Service

Lightweight Integrated Suit(JSLIST) 

DoD, U.S. and NATO militarychemical protectionspecifications. 

175 Chemical Protective

Overgarments (CPO)LANX Fabric Systems 

Specification MIL-U-44435. Governed by International Trafficand Arms Regulations (ITAR). TBD TBD

177 CB Incident Emergency Escape

Kit 

Not specified

TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

179 NewPac Cemi Cover Dress C/91 EU directives 89/686/EEC; Article

10, New Pac TS C/9107-2 NA

180 NewPac First Responder PPE Kit EU directives 89/686/EEC; Article

10, and pending NFPA 1994. ForAPR: 42 CFR 84, pending NFPA1994. 

TBD NA

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 8-9 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
82

Table 8-9. Selection factor key for percutaneous protection (garments)

August 2001

Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Protection Duration Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost (Gas Tight) Cost (Not Gas Tight) Cost (Coveralls)

Protects againstall nerve andblister agents 

Protects against all biologicalagents 

Protects againstall TIMs listed 

Protects up to 2 h 

Protects in allenvironments 

Easilymanageable,able to be wornfor long periodswith no effects 

Not limiting At least 5 sizes available 90 % to 100 % visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused greaterthan 50 times 

Little to notraining required 

Less than orequal to $500per unit 

Less than orequal to $100per unit 

Less than orequal to $75 forsingle unit or$150 for bulkpackaging 

75 % to 90 %visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused 25 to 50times 

Protects againstsome of thenerve and blisteragents 

Protects againstsome biologicalagents 

Protects againstmultiple TIMs 

Protects 30 minto 90 min 

Protects innormalenvironments 

Manageable, but unable to wear for more than 1 h to 2 h at a time 

Some loss ofmobility, range of motion 

At least 4 sizesavailable 

50 % to 75 %visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused 5 to 50times 

Some trainingrequired, 4 h ormore 

Greater than$500 but lessthan $1000 perunit 

Greater than$100 but lessthan $500 perunit 

Greater than$75 (single unit)or $150 (bulk)but less than$300 for singleitem or bulkpackaging 

Not intended forreuse, but canbe hand cleanedto remove dirtand dust 

Protects againstnone of theblister or nerveagents 

Protects againstno biologicalagents 

Protects against none of the TIMs listed 

Protects lessthan 30 min 

Protects only inspecificenvironments 

Very heavy andcumbersome,unable to wearfor prolongedperiods 

Very limiting One size fits all Less than 50 % visibility Unable to be reused 

Continuoustraining required withrecertificationevery fewmonths 

Greater than or equal to $1000per unit

Greater than orequal to $500per unit 

Greater than orequal to $300 for single unit orbulk packaging 

The blank cells designate that the symbol is not applicable for the selection factor.
83

9. EVALUATION OF PERCUTANEOUS PROTECTION (APPAREL)

The market survey (refer to sec. 2.0 of Vol. IIc) conducted for CB agent and TIM personal

protective equipment identified 74 additional protective items (protective apparel). The details of

the market survey, including data on each item, are provided in Volume IIc of this guide. This

section documents the results of evaluating each item versus the 12 selection factors provided in

section 6 of this volume. Section 9.1 identifies the types of protective apparel and section 9.2

discusses the evaluation results.

9.1 Protective Apparel

Other protective apparel includes ancillary clothing items and accessories that complete or

supplement a particular protective ensemble (e.g., hoods, aprons, sleeves, gloves, boots, and boot

covers). These items are generally intended for use in situations where the physical contact with

hazardous material is limited and the hazard is completely characterized.

In order to display the evaluation results in a meaningful format, the apparel was grouped into

the categories based on the type of protection that was provided and not the level of protection.

• Hoods provide a protective barrier that completely covers the heads and shoulders of the

wearer and their respirator.

• Foot protection includes safety boots, boot covers, shoe covers, and socks. Some of these

items are constructed to provide protection from crushing and others provide only barrier

protection.

• Hand protection includes gloves (inner and outer) and sleeves. Like foot protection, some

items afford abrasive protection while others provide only barrier protection.

• Aprons, labcoats, and ponchos provide barrier protection. They are available in a variety of

configurations.

• Undergarments provide an extra level of protection.

• Casualty bags provide barrier protection.

• Personal cooling equipment are not true personal protective items, but they do reduce heat

stress when worn with PPE.

9.2 Evaluation Results

The evaluation results for the percutaneous protective garments are presented in tabular format

for the 74 pieces of protective apparel identified at the time this guide was written. A table is

presented for each of the identified categories. Each table includes the specific equipment and

the symbol that corresponds to how the equipment item was characterized based upon each of

the selection factor definitions. The acronym “TBD” is displayed in the appropriate cell if data
84

were not available to characterize a specific selection factor. The acronym “NA” is displayed in

the appropriate cell if the data were not applicable for a piece of equipment. The results of

categorizing the percutaneous protective apparel are presented in table 9−1.

Table 9-1. Percutaneous protective apparel

Percutaneous Protective Items

Hoods 16

Foot protection 13

Hand protection 14

Shirts, pants, jackets, and overalls 12

Aprons, labcoats, and ponchos 10

Undergarments 2

Casualty bags 3

Personal cooling 4

Total 74

Table 9-2 provides the table number and associated table pages for each of the usage categories.

Table 9-2. Evaluation results reference table

Table Name Table Number Page(s)

Percutaneous protection (hoods) 9−3 86−87

Percutaneous protection (foot protection) 9−4 88−89

Percutaneous protection (hand protection) 9−5 90−91

Percutaneous protection (shirts, pants,

jackets, and overalls)

9−6 92−93

Percutaneous protection (aprons, labcoats,

and ponchos)

9−7 94

Percutaneous protection (undergarments) 9−8 95

Percutaneous protection (casualty bags) 9−9 96

Percutaneous protection (personal

cooling)

9−10 97

Selection factor key for percutaneous

protection (apparel)

9−11 98

Table 9−3 details the evaluation results for percutaneous protection (hoods).

Table 9−4 details the evaluation results for percutaneous protection (foot protection).

Table 9−5 details the evaluation results for percutaneous protection (hand protection).

Table 9−6 details the evaluation results for percutaneous protection (shirts, pants, jackets, and

overalls).

Table 9−7 details the evaluation results for percutaneous protection (aprons, labcoats, and

ponchos).
85

Table 9−8 details the evaluation results for percutaneous protection (undergarments).

Table 9−9 details the evaluation results for percutaneous protection (casualty bags).

Table 9−10 details the evaluation results for percutaneous (personal cooling).

Table 9–11 details the evaluation results for percutaneous protective equipment (apparel).
86

Table 9-3. Percutaneous protection (hoods)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 18 Tyvek® Hood ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D1682 (MD/CD), ASTMD1682 (MD/CD), ASTM D226(MD/CD) NA TBD TBD TBD

19 Tyvek® Hood ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D1682 (MD/CD), ASTMD1682 (MD/CD), ASTM D226(MD/CD) NA TBD TBD TBD

20 Tyvek® Hood ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D1682 (MD/CD), ASTMD1682 (MD/CD), ASTM D2261(MD/CD) NA TBD TBD TBD

24 Tychem® QC Hood ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D3786-87, ASTM D1682-64,ASTM D1117-8 TBD TBD TBD TBD

25 Tychem® QC Hood ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D3786-87, ASTM D1682-64,ASTM D1117-8 TBD TBD TBD TBD

26 Tychem® SL Hood ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D3786-87, ASTM D1682-64,ASTM D1117 TBD TBD

27 Tychem® BR Hood/vest ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D3787-89, ASTM D5034,ASTM D5597 TBD

28 Tychem® TK Hood/vest ASTM D3776, ASTM D177, ASTM

D3787, ASTM D15034, ASTMD5733 TBD

38 Kappler CPF 4 Hood OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA

1910.120, ASTM D751 Test Battery NA TBD TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
87

Training Requirements Launderability Visibility Available Sizes Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Weight/Comfort Environmental Conditions Duration of Protection TIMs Protection Certifications/Regulations* Name 42 Lakeland Tychem 10,000

Level B Hood 

Not specified

TBD TBD

46 Tyvek QC Level B Hood Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

48 Tychem SL Level B Hood Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD

49 Tychem SL Level B Hood Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD

54 Lakeland Tychem 9400

Level B Hood 

Not specified

TBD TBD TBD

55 Lakeland Tychem 9400

Level B Hood 

Not specified

TBD TBD

70 Chemical-Biological

Eye/Respiratory Disposable (C-BERD)Hood/Mask 

After testing at SBCCOM inApril under Test Support Agreement (TSA) program, willbe submitted to C-BERD forNIOSH certification 

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection Unit Cost 

Table 9-3. Percutaneous protection (hoods)-Continued

August 2001
88

Table 9-4. Percutaneous protection (foot protection)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 1 Toxicological Agent

Protective (TAP) Boot 

CW Test Reports available (to 8 h requirement) NA TBD NA NA

2 NBC Multipurpose Safety

Boot 

EN 345-2: 1997; CW Test Reportfrom FOA Sweden available 

TBD TBD NA NA

3 ACTON Basis NBC Overboot CW and Physical Property Test

Reports can be made available NA TBD NA NA

4 ACTON Lightweight NBC

Overboot 

CW and Physical Property TestReport available NA TBD NA NA

7 Bata HazMat Boots NFPA 199, 2000 Edition, ANSI

Std Z41-PR, Z41 Pt99 I/75 C/75,CSA Std Z195 M92 Grade 1 TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

8 Bata Boot/Shoe Covers NFPA 199, 2000 Edition

TBD NA TBD TBD

11 Chemical Biological 

Protective Sock

Meets NATO Military Standard and Tested to ERDEC Mil-Std byNatick NA NA

51 Tychem SL Level B Boots Not specified

TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
89

Table 9-4. Percutaneous protection (foot protection)-Continued

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost

58 Lakeland Tychem 9400

Level B Boot Covers 

Not specified

TBD NA TBD

63 Rocky Shoes and Boots 

with Crosstech 

NFPA 1999, Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations (1992 edition), ASTM F 1671, ASTM F 903 (C) 

TBD TBD TBD TBD NA NA

64 Servus HZT Hazmat Knee

Boot 

NFPA 1991 Requirements

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

66 Saratoga Chemical

Protective Socks 

System chemical tests meet requirements of PD 97-04; Independent testdata/certificate of complianceis available 

NA

68 Tingley Hazproof 

Overboot

SEI (Safety EquipmentInstitute); Tested chemical and physically per NFPA/SEIavailable 

NA

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
90

Table 9-5. Percutaneous protection (hand protection)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 5 CB Moulded Glove With 

Liner

CW Test Information will beavailable in 2nd half of 2000 

TBD TBD NA NA

6 Ansell-Edmont Sol-Vex

Gloves 

ASTM standards; FDAaccepted materials TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

9 BUTYL PLUS - NBC/Toxic

Protective Glove 

Meets OSHA PPE and NATO Military Standard NATO/UK Spec SC/4985B, MIL G-12223J & OSHA PPE Std 

TBD NA

10 MULTI- PLUS -

HAZMAT/Toxic ProtectiveGlove 

Meets OSHA PPE

TBD TBD TBD NA

29 Integrated Chemical

Biological Protective Glove 

NATO Military Standard; NATO Standard Test Requirement for CBEnsemble

NA NA

30 NBC gloves Ministry of Defense, Austria;

Test data can be obtained onrequest. NA

33 Surgical Fit Gloves 

(CP-14F, CP-14FR, CP-7F) 

ISO-9001 Registered

TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

34 Butyl Gloves ISO-9001 Registered; ASTM 

F739-85 by TRI/Environmental, Inc. Manufactured according to Mil-G-43976, Mil-G-12223, and ZZ-G-381

TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
91

Table 9-5. Percutaneous protection (hand protection)-Continued

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 35 Neoprene Gloves ISO-9001 Registered;

Manufactured according to ZZ-G-381. NFPA 1992, NFPA 1991 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

47 Tyvek QC Level B Sleeves Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD

52 Tychem SL Level B Sleeves Not specified

TBD TBD NA TBD

57 Lakeland Tychem 9400

Level B Sleeves 

Not specified

TBD NA TBD

62 North Silver Shield Gloves Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD

65 Saratoga Chemical 

Protective Gloves

Meets CW agent protection requirements of MIL-C-29462date 15 April 1992; Independenttest data/certificate of compliance available upon request

NA TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
92

Table 9-6. Percutaneous protection (shirts, pants, jackets, and overalls)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 14 Tyvek® Shirt ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D1682, ASTM D1682, ASTMD2261 NA TBD TBD TBD NA

17 Tyvek® Pants ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D1682, ASTM D1682, ASTMD2261 NA TBD TBD TBD NA

22 Tychem® QC Shirt ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D3786-87, ASTM D1682-64,ASTM D1117-80 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

23 Tychem® QC Pants ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D3786-87, ASTM D1682-64, ASTM D1117-80 TBD TBD TBD TBD NA

37 Kappler CPF 4 Bib Overall OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA 

1910.120; ASTM D751 Test Battery NA NA TBD TBD

39 Kappler CPF 4 Jacket OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA 

1910.120; ASTM D751 Test Battery NA NA TBD TBD

41 Lakeland Tychem 10,000

Level B Overalls 

Not specified

NA TBD TBD

40 Lakeland Tychem 10,000

Level B Jacket 

Not specified

NA TBD TBD

44 Tyvek QC Level B Jacket Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
93

Table 9-6. Percutaneous protection (shirts, pants, jackets, and overalls)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 14 Tyvek® Shirt ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D1682, ASTM D1682, ASTMD2261 NA TBD TBD TBD NA

17 Tyvek® Pants ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D1682, ASTM D1682, ASTMD2261 NA TBD TBD TBD NA

22 Tychem® QC Shirt ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D3786-87, ASTM D1682-64,ASTM D1117-80 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

23 Tychem® QC Pants ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64,

ASTM D3786-87, ASTM D1682-64, ASTM D1117-80 TBD TBD TBD TBD NA

37 Kappler CPF 4 Bib Overall OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA 

1910.120; ASTM D751 Test Battery NA NA TBD TBD

39 Kappler CPF 4 Jacket OSHA 1910.132 and OSHA 

1910.120; ASTM D751 Test Battery NA NA TBD TBD

41 Lakeland Tychem 10,000

Level B Overalls 

Not specified

NA TBD TBD

40 Lakeland Tychem 10,000

Level B Jacket 

Not specified

NA TBD TBD

44 Tyvek QC Level B Jacket Not specified

TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
94

Table 9-7. Percutaneous protection (aprons, labcoats, and ponchos)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 12 Tyvek® Labcoat ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64, 

ASTM D1682, ASTM D1682, ASTM D2261 NA TBD TBD TBD NA

13 Tyvek® Labcoat ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64, 

ASTM D1682, ASTM D1682, ASTM D2261 NA TBD TBD TBD NA

15 Tyvek® Labcoat ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64, 

ASTM D1682, ASTM D1682, ASTM D2261 NA TBD TBD TBD NA

16 Tyvek® Labcoat ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64, 

ASTM D1682, ASTM D1682, ASTM D2261 NA TBD TBD TBD NA

21 Tychem® QC Labcoat ASTM D3776-85, ASTM D1777-64, 

ASTM D3786-87, ASTM D1682-64, ASTM D1117-80 TBD TBD TBD TBD NA

31 NBC-Cover Poncho Ministry of Defense, Austria; Test

data can be obtained on request NA

43 Lakeland Tychem 10,000

Level B Apron 

TBD

NA TBD TBD

50 Tychem SL Level B Apron TBD

TBD TBD NA TBD

56 Lakeland Tychem 9400 

Level B Apron

TBD

TBD NA TBD

61 PONCHO NP/60 TBD

TBD TBD TBD TBD NA TBD TBD TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
95

Table 9-8. Percutaneous protection (undergarments)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 59 Chemical Protective

Undergarment (CPU) 

Military Specification MIL-U-44435;AVLAG Test Operating Procedure(TOP) 8-2-501 TBD NA TBD

67 Saratoga Chemical 

Protective Undergarment

MIL-C-29462; Independent test data/certificate of compliance isavailable upon request TBD NA

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
96

Table 9-9. Percutaneous protection (casualty bags)

August 2001

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 32 NBC-Casualty Bag Ministry of Defense, Austria; 

Test data can be obtained on request.

TBD

NA

36 Casualty Bag Canadian Department of 

National Defence; Available from Irvin Aerospace Canada Ltd. 

NA

69 Weapons of Mass Destruction

(WMD) ContaminationContainment Bag 

NA

NA

NA
97

Table 9-10. Percutaneous protection (personal cooling)

August 2001

ID # Name Certifications/Regulations* Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Available Sizes Visibility Launderability Training Requirements Unit Cost 71 ILC Model 15 Cool Vest NA

NA NA NA NA

72 ILC Model 19 Cool Vest Type Classified by United States

Army, 1997 NA NA NA NA

73 Personal Ice Cooling System

(PICS) 

NA

NA NA NA u NA

74 Flexi ICE Cold Vest NA

NA NA NA NA TBD TBD

'NA' - the specific selection factor is not applicable for the piece of equipment.'TBD' (to be determined) - there is currently no data available to support that selection factor.See Table 9-11 for selection factor definitions.* See Appendix B, References, number eight.
98

Table 9-11. Selection factor key for percutaneous protective equipment (apparel)

August 2001

Chemical Agents Protection Biological Agents Protection TIMs Protection Duration of Protection Environmental Conditions Weight/Comfort Dexterity/Mobility (Ease of Use) Sizes Available (Hoods and Aprons) Sizes Available (Garments) VisibilityLaunderability Training Requirements Cost (Hoods) Cost (Foot Protection) Cost (Hand and Arm Protection) Cost (Other)

Protects against all nerve and blister agents

Protectsagainst allbiologicalagents 

Protectsagainst allTIMs listed 

Protects up to 2 h

Protects in allenvironments 

Easilymanageable,able to be worn for longperiods with no effects 

Not limiting One size fits all Many available sizes 90 % to 100 % visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused greaterthan 50 times 

Little to notrainingrequired 

Less than orequal to $500per unit 

Less than orequal to $100per unit 

Less than orequal to $75 forsingle unit or$150 for bulkpackaging 

Less than or equal to $75 forsingle unit or$150 for bulkpackaging

75 % to 90 %visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused 25 to 50 times 

Protectsagainst someof the nerveand blisteragents 

Protects against somebiologicalagents 

Protectsagainstmultiple TIMs 

Protects 30min to 90 min 

Protects innormalenvironments 

Manageable,but unable towear for morethan 1 h to 2 h at a time 

Some loss of mobility, rangeof motion

Small,medium,and large 

50 % to 75 %visibility 

Able to becleaned andreused 5 to 50 times 

Some training required, 4 hor more

Greater than$500 but lessthan $1000per unit 

Greater than$100 but lessthan $500 perunit 

Greater than$75 (single unit) or $150 (bulk) but less than $300 for single item or bulk packaging 

Greater than$75 (single unit) or $150 (bulk) but less than $300 for single item or bulk packaging

Not intended for reuse, but can be hand cleaned toremove dirt and dust 

Protects against none of the blister or nerve agents 

Protects against nobiologicalagents 

Protects against noneof the TIMslisted 

Protects lessthan 30 min 

Protects onlyspecificenvironments

Very heavyand cumbersome,unable to wear for prolongedperiods 

Very limiting

Numeroussizes,requiresfit test 

One sizefits all 

Less than 50 % visibility 

Unable to bereused 

Continuous trainingrequired withrecertificationevery fewmonths 

Greater thanor equal to $1000per unit

Greater than or equal to $500 per unit 

Greater than or equal to $300 for single unit or bulk packaging 

Greater than or equal to $300 for single unit or bulk packaging 

The blank cells designate that the symbol is not applicable for the selection factor.
APPENDIX A––RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS ON PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
A−1

APPENDIX A––RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS ON PERSONAL

PROTECTION EQUIPMENT1

Buying detection, protection, decontamination, and communication equipment to respond to the

threatened terrorist use of chemical or biological warfare agents may be new for public safety

agencies. To help procurement officials obtain the best value for their domestic preparedness

dollar, the staff of the Center for Domestic Preparedness (Fort McClellan, AL), military

Chemical/Biological Units, the National Institute of Justice, and members of a Federal Inter

Agency Board (that includes representatives from the State and local law enforcement, medical,

and fire communities) have compiled a series of questions. These questions should assist

officials in selecting products from the large number in the present day marketplace. Requesting

vendors to provide written responses to your specific questions may also be helpful in the

decision process.

1. What chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and biological agents has the

equipment been tested against?

2. What were the testing procedures and standards NFPA, ASTM, NIOSH, U.S. Military

Standards, NATO, European Standards, MILSPEC?

3. Who conducted the tests and when? Have the test results been verified by an independent

laboratory or only by the manufacturer?

4. What types of tests were conducted––spray, vapor, man-in-simulant (MIST)?

5. Were respirators, suits, gloves, and boots tested against the agents individually or as part of

an integrated ensemble?

6. Is the test data available? Where? How can I get a copy? Curves showing concentration as

a function of time are better than just a single breakthrough time.

7. Was the equipment ever used in live agent testing? Who did the testing and is the data

available?

8. What is the fabric used to make the suits? How are the seams put together? Simple sewn

seams are weakest, covered or bound seams are better.

9. What are the breaking strength and tear strengths of the fabrics? How was the equipment

wear and tear tested?

10. If the manufacturer recommends sealing seams with tape, ask why and whether that was the

configuration the suit was tested in?

11. How flammable is the fabric and how quickly will a hot ember melt through the fabric

compromising protection? Is there an aluminized version or overcover for use where there is

a fire threat in addition to the toxic agent?

12. How long does it take to don the equipment and can one person do it or is a buddy system

required? Does the equipment allow sufficient operational flexibility to do the job to include

use of firearms?

13. What boot and glove sizes are available? Does suit sizing consider people with special

builds? For suits, ask for nominal heights and weights––one size does not fit all!

14. What training is required to fit face masks? Does the company provide those services and

how frequently? How do the masks accommodate prescription glasses, long hair or facial

hair?

 

1The information in Appendix A was provided by the National Domestic Preparedness Office (NDPO) in coordination with the National Institute

of Justice and the Technical Support Working Group.
A−2

15. How long can responder safely work in the suit at 50 oF, at 70 oF and at 90 oF? Are cooling

suits available to help manage heat stress? How much do they cost and what are the

maintenance requirements? Do the cooling suits require any penetrations of the suit?

16. Can the protective equipment be decontaminated after use or must it be disposed of? What

are the decon and sampling procedures? What tests are required to verify that protection

capability has not been compromised in the process? What are the procedures and costs for

disposing of used equipment, for example spent mask filters?

17. How long has the company/manufacturer been involved with the Chem-Bio-Nuc and first

responder industries?

18. Ask for names and phone numbers of departments currently using the company’s equipment.

Ask to follow-up on the phone any written testimonials.

19. What additional items are required to operate/maintain the equipment? At what cost?

20. What training materials are provided––manuals, videotapes? Are less expensive training

suits available? Is there a chart available identifying PPE requirements as a function of

agents and concentrations?

21. What type of warranty/maintenance support is offered? Cost?

22. What is the return rate on the equipment under warranty? What are the top five reasons for

failure?

23. What similar companies’ products has this product been tested against?

24. What is the shelf life for the equipment? (Open-exposed, closed-exposed, open-unexposed,

closed-unexposed). What is the recommended storage procedure after opening (hanging,

folded, etc.)? What factors, if any, decrease shelf life (UV, critical temperature...)?

25. What are the environmental limitations––high temp, low temp, humidity, sand/dust, or

broken glass?
APPENDIX B––REFERENCES
B–1 3

APPENDIX B––REFERENCES

1. Armando S. Bevelacqua and Richard H. Stilp, Terrorism Handbook for Operational

Responders, Emergency Film Group, Edgartown, MA, January 1998.

2. Robert E. Hunt, Timothy Hayes, and Warren B. Carroll, Guidelines for Mass Casualty

Decontamination During a Terrorist Chemical Agent Incident, Battelle, Columbus, OH,

September 1999.

3. A.K. Stuempfle, D.J. Howells, S.J. Armour, and C.A. Boulet, International Task Force 25:

Hazard from Industrial Chemicals Final Report, Edgewood Research Development and

Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, AD-B236562, ERDEC-SP-061, April

1998.

4. Responding to a Biological or Chemical Threat: A Practical Guide, U.S. Department of

State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Washington, DC, 1996.

5. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook, A Guidebook for First Responders During the Initial

Phase of a Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Incident, U.S. Department of

Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration, Tempest Publishing,

Alexandria, VA, January 2000.

6. Potential Military Chemical/Biological Agents and Compounds, FM 3-9, AFR 355-7;

NAVFAC P-467, Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL, December 12, 1990.

7. B. Newman, Opening the Case of the Poison Umbrella. The Wall Street Journal, May 24,

1991.

8. Information on equipment regulatory and/or certifying authorities listed in tables in sections

 7, 8, and 9 can be found at the following websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html

http://www.osha-slc.gov/html/subject-index.html

http://www.osha-slc.gov/

http://www.cdc.gov/other.htm

http://www.nfpa.org/Home/index.asp

http://www.osha-slc.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_viii/otm_viii_1.html
APPENDIX C––IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND

HEALTH (IDLH) VALUES
C−1

Chemical Warfare Agent IDLH (ppm)*

GA/Tabun 0.03

GB/Sarin 0.03

GD/Soman 0.008

VX 0.002

H/Mustard 0.0004

L/Lewisite 0.0003

TIMs IDLH (ppm)

1,2-Dimethylhydrazine 15

Acetone cyanohydrin **

Acrolein 2

Acrylonitrile 85

Allyl alcohol 20

Allyl chlorocarbonate

Allyl isothiocyanate

Allylamine

Ammonia 300

Arsenic trichloride

Arsine 3

Boron tribromide

Boron trichloride ND

Boron trifluoride 25

Bromine 3

Bromine chloride

Bromine pentafluoride

Bromine trifluoride

Carbon disulfide 500

Carbon monoxide 1200

Carbonyl fluoride

Carbonyl sulfide

Chlorine 10

Chlorine pentafluoride

Chlorine trifluoride 20

Chloroacetaldehyde 45

Chloroacetone

Chloroacetonitrile

Chloroacetyl chloride

Chlorosulfonic acid

Crotonaldehyde 50

Cyanogen chloride

Diborane 15

Diketene

Dimethyl sulfate 7

Diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate

 

*

parts per million (ppm).

**Blank fields not determined.
C

−2

TIMs IDLH (ppm)

Ethyl phosphonic dichloride

Ethyl phosphonothioic dichloride

Ethyl chloroformate

Ethyl chlorothiolformate

Ethylene dibromide 100

Ethylene oxide 800

Ethyleneimine 100

Fluorine 25

Formaldehyde 20

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

Hydrogen bromide 30

Hydrogen chloride 50

Hydrogen cyanide 50

Hydrogen fluoride 30

Hydrogen iodide

Hydrogen selenide1

Hydrogen sulfide 100

Iron pentacarbonyl

Isobutyl chloroformate

Isopropyl chloroformate

Isopropyl isocyanate

Methanesulfonyl chloride

Methyl bromide 250

Methyl chloroformate

Methyl chlorosilane

Methyl hydrazine 20

Methyl isocyanate3

Methyl mercaptan 150

n-Butyl chloroformate

n-Butyl isocyanate

Nitric acid, fuming 25

Nitric oxide 100

Nitrogen dioxide 20

n-Propyl chloroformate

Parathion 0.8

Perchloromethyl mercaptan 10

Phosgene2

Phosphine 50

Phosphorus oxychloride

Phosphorus pentafluoride

Phosphorus trichloride 25

sec-Butyl chloroformate

Selenium hexafluoride2

Silicon tetrafluoride

Stibine5

Sulfur dioxide 100

Sulfur trioxide1
C−3

TIMs IDLH (ppm)

Sulfuric acid 4

Sulfuryl chloride

Sulfuryl fluoride 200

Tellurium hexafluoride 1

tert-Butyl isocyanate

n-Octyl mercaptan

Tetraethyl lead 3

Tetraethyl pyrophosphate 0.4

Tetramethyl lead 3

Titanium tetrachloride

Toluene 2,4-diisocyanate 2.5

Toluene 2,6-diisocyanate 2.5

Trichloroacetyl chloride

Trifluoroacetyl chloride

Tungsten hexafluoride
ABOUT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS

STANDARDS AND TESTING PROGRAM

The Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program is sponsored by the Office of

Science and Technology of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), U.S. Department of Justice. The program

responds to the mandate of the Justice System Improvement Act of 1979, directed NIJ to encourage

research and development to improve the criminal justice system and to disseminate the results to Federal,

State, and local agencies.

The Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program is an applied research effort that

determines the technological needs of justice system agencies, sets minimum performance standards for

specific devices, tests commercially available equipment against those standards, and disseminates the

standards and the test results to criminal justice agencies nationally and internationally.

The program operates through:

The Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisory Council (LECTAC), consisting of

nationally recognized criminal justice practitioners from Federal, State, and local agencies, which assesses

technological needs and sets priorities for research programs and items to be evaluated and tested.

The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology,

which develops voluntary national performance standards for compliance testing to ensure that individual

items of equipment are suitable for use by criminal justice agencies. The standards are based upon laboratory

testing and evaluation of representative samples of each item of equipment to determine the key attributes,

develop test methods, and establish minimum performance requirements for each essential attribute. In

addition to the highly technical standards, OLES also produces technical reports and user guidelines that

explain in nontechnical terms the capabilities of available equipment.

The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC), operated by a grantee,

which supervises a national compliance testing program conducted by independent laboratories. The

standards developed by OLES serve as performance benchmarks against which commercial equipment is

measured. The facilities, personnel, and testing capabilities of the independent laboratories are evaluated by

OLES prior to testing each item of equipment, and OLES helps the NLECTC staff review and analyze data.

Test results are published in Equipment Performance Reports designed to help justice system procurement

officials make informed purchasing decisions.

Publications are available at no charge through the National Law Enforcement and Corrections

Technology Center. Some documents are also available online through the Internet/World Wide Web. To

request a document or additional information, call 800–248–2742 or 301–519–5060, or write:

National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center

P.O. Box 1160

Rockville, MD 20849–1160

E-Mail: asknlectc@nlectc.org

World Wide Web address: http://www.nlectc.org

This document is not intended to create, does not create, and may not be relied upon to create any rights,

substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any matter civil or criminal.

Opinions or points of view expressed in this document represent a consensus of the authors and do not

represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. The products and manufacturers

discussed in this document are presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product

approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The National Institute of Justice is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice

Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims

of Crime.