Protective Technology Program at NIOSH
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 certifying 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.
NIOSH NPPTL Research Projects
The NPPTL projects are summarized in the form of quad charts. The quad charts provide a quick visual snapshot of the project by providing the 1) objective of the project, 2) key milestones for the project, 3) lists of partners and stakeholders, 4) outputs and outcomes. The quad charts for NPPTL are separated by the branch. The quad charts for FY 17 are listed below.