OSHA/NIOSH Interim Guidance - August 30, 2004^* -
Notes on PPE Selection Matrix for Emergency Responders:
Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)

Technical advice and information for incident commanders regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) specifically for Radiological Dispersal Device event response

PPE Type	Recommended Equipment	Protection offered	Guidance & Caveats
Dermal	Bunker gear (aka fire fighter "turn out" gear)	Protects against internal and external contamination	Cannot prevent external radiation exposure from high energy, highly penetrating ionizing radiation Personal radiation dosimeter should be included as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) to track total time of exposure to penetrating ionizing radiation (e.g., gamma)
Respiratory	NIOSH-certified CBRN self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)	SCBA provides the highest level of respiratory protection	Incident commanders may permit the use of other NIOSH-approved respirators when NIOSH-certified CBRN respiratory protection not available Environmental sampling data may allow downgrade or removal of respiratory protection
Respiratory	NIOSH-certified CBRN powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) NIOSH-certified CBRN air-purifying respirators (APRs)	PAPRs and APRs with P-100 or HEPA filter Provide minimum acceptable level of respiratory protection Protect against inhalation of radioactive particulates only Do not protect against biological or chemical agents

References:

OSHA/NIOSH Interim Guidance - August 30, 2004* - Notes on PPE Selection Matrix for Emergency Responders: Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)