What’s special about Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR)?

September 2013
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2013-156
cover of 2013-156

This guidance will help respiratory protection program administrators, managers, and powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) wearers understand the special features of a NIOSH-approved chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) PAPR. These respirators have unique performance, use limitations, and storage requirements compared to NIOSH-approved industrial PAPR. The respiratory protection program administrator should assure that PAPR manufacturer recommendations are addressed. This information may also be used by managers and PAPR wearers to optimize personal protection.

Page last reviewed: June 6, 2014