NIOSH Directory of Personal Protective Equipment

Overview

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Personal Protective Technology (PPT) Program’s mission is to prevent work-related injury, illness, and death by advancing the state of knowledge and application of PPT. PPT in this context is defined as the technical methods (e.g., fit testing methods), processes, techniques, tools, and materials that support the development and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by individuals to reduce the effects of their exposure to a hazard.

The PPT Program is responsible for testing and approving new respirators before they enter the market. This ensures that NIOSH-approved respirators meet the minimum construction, performance, and respiratory protection standards to keep users safe. The program conducts post-market activities such as the Long-Term Field Evaluation Program, the Certified Product Investigation Process, and the site and product audit programs. In addition, the PPT program works to evaluate and improve equipment worn by workers by conducting research on new technologies, emerging hazards, and PPE test methods. Based on the research, the Program is able to develop and implement science-based national guidance for respiratory and other personal protective technologies.

To learn more about the PPT Program and other activities in NIOSH, check out the NIOSH Program Portfolio.