Degradation and Decontamination Efficacy of Chemical Protective Clothing (CPC)-FY09

Objective

To develop suitable methods and procedures for decontaminating and extending the useful life of CPC
To develop test criteria for evaluating decontamination efficacy of CPC; and
To provide users with guidelines for reuse, retirement, and disposal of protective clothing.
Permeation Calculator Website

Studies on decontamination efficacy of heat extraction (thermal decontamination), water/detergent, and self-decontamination
Studies on CPC reusability following thermal decontamination
Develop software to automate permeation data analysis

Q1 Submit revised ASTM standard practice on the use of the Permeation Calculator (ASTM WK9186) for F23 main committee ballot
Q2 Attend ASTM F23 meeting with revised standard practice
Q3 Attend ASTM F23 meeting with revised standard practice
Q4 Submit a manuscript on data collection by ICS for internal peer-review

Manuscripts published or submitted to peer review journals (approx. 4)
Presentations at conferences (approx. 12)
Developed “Permeation Calculator” to provide faster and more consistent results for permeation testing data analysis. The software (DHHS NIOSH) publication # 2007-143C is available either on the NIOSH website or on CD by request.
Employee invention report and a U.S. provisional patent.

Research findings were incorporated into a guideline written by the AIHA Protective Clothing & Equipment Committee for decontamination of CPC and equipment. The project officer was the lead author. Nov. 2005.
Research findings resulted in a new ASTM work item titled “Standard practice for permeation testing data analysis by use of a computer program”, which is being developed by the ASTM F23 committee.
Permeation Calculator used by CPC manufacturers and test laboratories.

Page last updated: February 10, 2009
Page last reviewed: April 14, 2009
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory