Request for information about DRAFT NIOSH Healthcare Personal Protective Technology Targets for 2020 to 2030
CDC-2022-0066
NIOSH Docket Number 346
In 2006, the NIOSH Personal Protective Technology Program began an initiative to develop and execute a comprehensive strategic approach to healthcare personnel (HCP) protection. A NIOSH Healthcare PPT Action Plan was implemented in part to focus resources on, and raise awareness about, the PPT needs of HCP during an influenza pandemic. A research agenda was undertaken to advance clinical practices, drive performance standards development, and inform regulation. An information dissemination program was implemented to apprise healthcare organizations and HCP about the roles and importance of PPE to protect themselves. This Action Plan has been updated several times since its inception. The most recent plan (2013-19) focused on PPE used to reduce exposures to viral respiratory pathogens, including the influenza virus.
Reflecting on the nation’s past decade of experiences with infectious (e.g., influenza, Ebola, and coronavirus) and non-infectious (e.g., drugs) hazards, NIOSH recognizes a growing need for its unique capabilities related to PPT research, development, performance standards and test methods, and conformity assessment. In response to this growing need, NIOSH established DRAFT Healthcare PPT Targets for 2020 to 2030.
To view the notice and related materials, visit https://www.regulations.gov and enter CDC-2022-0066 in the search field and click “Search.”
Federal Register Notice: DRAFT NIOSH Healthcare Personal Protective Technology Targets for 2020 to 2030 [PDF – 198 KB]
Federal Register Notice: Draft National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Healthcare Personal Protective Technology (PPT) Targets for 2020 to 2030; Extension of Comment Period [PDF – 188 KB]
Background Information: The health and welfare of 18 million U.S. healthcare personnel (HCP) is an important priority for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NIOSH seeks to protect the U.S. workforce from injury and illness via scientific research, practice interventions, and collaborative partnerships.
While infection prevention and control efforts should emphasize the role of engineering and administrative measures, personal protective technology (PPT) also plays an important role in preventing transmission of infectious diseases. PPT includes personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by individuals (e.g., respirators, protective clothing, gloves, eye, fall and hearing protection, and hard hats) and the technical methods (e.g., fit testing methods), processes, techniques, tools, and materials that support the development and use of PPE worn by individuals.
Public Comment Period
Comments will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on August 31, 2022.
Written comments, identified by CDC-2022-0066 and docket number NIOSH-346, may be submitted by any of the following methods:
- Federal rulemaking portal: Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number. All relevant comments, including any personal information provided, will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov
- Mail: NIOSH Docket Office
1090 Tusculum Avenue
MS-C34
Cincinnati, OH 45226