For Respirator Manufacturers

Respirator Certification Information

Standard Application for the Approval of Respirators, Version 7

Standard Application Procedure for the Certification of Respirators Under 42 CFR 84 [PDF - 869 KB]
It is recommended that applicants review the entire document before submitting a respirator for approval.

Standard Test Procedures (STPs)
Each respirator and component submitted for certification must meet the applicable requirements outlined in 42 CFR Part 84 subparts H through L. The standard test procedures used by NIOSH are listed in this section.

Colors for Respirator Element Labeling
The color coding requirements of labels for canisters and cartridges as a means for secondary identification.

Respirator Certification Program Decision Review Process [PDF - 593 KB]
A structured process that enables stakeholders to request a review of decisions regarding NPPTL policy statements, test procedures, and test results pertaining to ongoing respirator certification activities.

NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84, Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices
This rule addresses NIOSH certification requirements for respiratory protective devices.

Respirator User Notices

Respirator User Notices
Notices are provided to inform users of a condition or risk that may exist with a NIOSH-certified product.

• Revocations, Voluntary Recissions, Misleading Representations of Approval, and Stop Sale as Requested by Manufacturer
• NIOSH-Issued Notices
• Notices Issued by Manufacturers

NIOSH and MSHA Investigation of CSE SR 100 Starter Oxygen Assembly (Updated August 2, 2011)
A joint investigation concerning a problem with SR 100 Self-Contained Self-Rescuer.

Status of Current Certification Projects

Lists of certification projects that are currently being processed, indicating the dates that processing steps were begun and completed.

• Air-Purifying [PDF - 235 KB]
• Air-Supplied [PDF - 106 KB]
• Combination Air-purifying Air-supplied [PDF - 20 KB]

NIOSH and DHHS logos (zip file)

NIOSH-Approved Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Agents (CBRN) Logo [PDF - 9 KB]

Additional Resources

Announcement of an Opportunity for Manufacturers and Designers of Closed Circuit Escape Respirators To Participate in Performance Testing Within a Correlation Test Program

Anthropometric Data and ISO Digital Headforms
Using data collected in a 2003 survey, parameters for headforms in five size categories were developed. The 2D and 3D data is available from NIOSH.

Saving Lives: Building a Better Face Mask
Video featuring NIOSH NPPTL research to build a better face mask using facial measurements.

NIOSH "No Fit Test" Respirator Research Workshop
This workshop focused on the nature and process of product innovation and development in negative pressure half-facepiece respirators to gauge the current "state of the art" and to stimulate new designs or approaches for improved respirator fit.

Certified Equipment List (CEL)
A searchable list of commercially-available, respiratory personal protective devices certified by NIOSH to meet the requirements of Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84.

Letters to All Manufacturers and Interested Parties
Official letters announcing public meetings, new requirements, NIOSH policies and other relevant information for our stakeholders.

Proposed Sampling Plans [PDF - 232 KB]
Technical analysis of proposed sampling plans, their statistical equivalence, and comparison with sampling plans covered by existing requirements of 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart E, §84.4. Supplement to: Quality Assurance Requirements for Respirators; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 238, Wednesday December 10, 2008

Technical Support

Technical support is available by calling 412-386-4000 or by Email at npptl@cdc.gov.