OSHA/NIOSH Interim Guidance - April 2005* -
Notes on PPE Selection Matrix for Emergency Responders
Guidance Overview
- OSHA/NIOSH Interim Guidance provides technical advice and information to incident commanders regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) selection for all-hazards CBRN event response
- PPE selection is based on:
- Assessment of risk to emergency responders
- Agents released
- Conditions present
- Higher levels of protection may be required when:
- Emergency responders enter increasingly toxic or hazardous OSHA Control Zones
- CBRN agents manifest toxicity by dual routes (e.g., skin and inhalation)
- Typical indicators of exposure are absent (e.g., no obvious odor, smoke, or fume)
- Exposure monitoring is complicated or unavailable in real-time
- Emergency response to CBRN events regulated by OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard: 29CFR1910.120
- Appendix B: General description and discussion of the levels of protection and protective gear describes PPE to be used by workers entering contaminated environments (including respiratory protective equipment)
Guidance on Respiratory Protective Equipment
- Respiratory protective equipment used by first responders in CBRN-contaminated environments must be tested and certified by NIOSH and may include:
- CAVEAT
- During initial emergency operations NIOSH-certified CBRN-approved respiratory protective equipment may be in limited supply, especially in large events
| OSHA/NIOSH Recommended Respiratory PPE | Indicated Uses | Contraindications |
| Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) | Whenever inhalational hazards are unknown/uncharacterized or expected to be high Whenever making entries into environments containing less than 19.5% (i.e., low) oxygen |
|
| Powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) | After characterization of response scene identifies lower risk of potential internal contamination | Not for use in areas characterized as immediately dangerous to life and health Not for use in environments containing less than 19.5% (i.e., low) oxygen |
| Air-purifying respirator (APR) | After characterization of response scene identifies lower risk of potential internal contamination | Not for use in areas characterized as immediately dangerous to life and health Not for use in environments containing less than 19.5% (i.e., low) oxygen |
Control Zone Categories
- OSHA Control Zones
- Categorized by color (red, yellow, green) according to level of risk
- Control zone categories may be used as complimentary guidance for selecting PPE
- PPE selection determined by anticipated threats to life and health within a given control zone
- Use of control zone categories is not mandatory nor exclusionary of other site control concepts
- Various agencies and radiation control programs have developed other systems for site control
| Control Zone Category | Category Definition | OSHA/EPA PPE Requirements for Entry | Additional Prudent Work Practices |
| Red | Areas confirmed to be contaminated with life-threatening dermal and/or inhalational toxins Areas suspected to be contaminated with life-threatening dermal and/or inhalational toxins (pending confirmation) |
Level A PPE until risk assessment allows for change/downgrade in PPE level | Limit time spent on scene Perform only essential activities
Avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces or potentially contaminated materials Take advantage of natural ventilation to reduce contamination Complete a mandatory radiation survey and assisted or self-decontamination upon exit |
| Yellow | Areas in close proximity to release area Areas known to be contaminated with CBRN agents Areas in which active release has ceased and initial monitoring information exists |
Select PPE and limit work duration to reduce risk of contamination and exposure | |
| Green | Areas where contamination with CBRN agents is unlikely Areas beyond expected dispersal range of initial event Areas beyond contamination range created by traffic and emergency responders NOTE: transient, minimal contamination potential does exist within the Green Zone |
Level D PPE | Inform people of location of event and Red and Yellow Zones Suggest means for reporting suspected contamination Suggest attention to general hygiene Provide information on voluntary use of PPE |
References:
*OSHA/NIOSH Interim Guidance (April 2005). Chemical - Biological - Radiological - Nuclear (CBRN) Personal Protective Equipment Selection Matrix for Emergency Responders (OSHA, HHS/CDC/NIOSH)