Who is NIOSH and what do they have to do with respirators?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. As part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), NIOSH helps assure safe and healthful working conditions by conducting scientific research, developing guidance and authoritative recommendations, disseminating information, and responding to requests for workplace health hazard evaluations.

The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) is the division within NIOSH responsible for the certification and approval of respirators for use in occupational settings, including those under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This authority is implemented through regulations in Part 84 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (42 CFR 84).

This NIOSH regulation defines the following authority:

1. establish certain procedures and requirements, which manufacturers must meet when filing applications for NIOSH certification of newly developed respirators or modification to previously approved respirators;
2. establish a schedule of fees charged to each applicant for inspections, examinations, and testing conducted by the Institute under the provisions 42 CFR 84;
3. issue certificates of approval, or modifications to certificates of approval, for respirators which have met the applicable construction, performance, and respiratory protection requirements set forth in 42 CFR 84; and
4. specify minimum requirements and to prescribe methods to be carried out by both the Institute and by the applicant in conducting inspections, examinations, and tests to determine the effectiveness of respirators used during entry into or escape from hazardous atmospheres.