What is ISO/TS 17420-9 about?
ISO/TS 17420-9 is the ninth part of multi-series that specifies the requirements for respiratory protective devices. These can be used by workers during the response to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) materials used with intent to cause harm or in cases of accidental release outside traditional hazardous materials response categories. For the purposes of this specification, all incidents described here are named CBRN incidents.
The requirements for RPD use by the following groups are not addressed by this document:
- Military personnel outside of first responder roles.
- Children.
- Animals.
Requirements for the following are not covered by this document:
- Collective protection systems including ventilated casualty/body bags
- Methods of and criteria for decontamination of RPD
- Disposal of used or contaminated equipment.
Who is ISO/TS 17420-8 for?
ISO/TS 17420-9 is applicable to RPD for use by personnel in the following roles:
- First responders: including police, fire service, emergency medical, search and rescue, sampling
- and detection teams.
- Workers needed for specific roles during the response (utility, transportation, service continuity).
- Medical personnel working with casualties of CBRN incidents.
- Responders to release incidents involving nuclear materials.
- Non-emergency but CBRN-related roles.
- Workers in need of protection during escape from a CBRN or radiological release incident.
- Workers in need of protection from nuclear materials.
Why should you use ISO/TS 17420-9?
Respiratory protective devices are a particular type of personal protective equipment (PPE), used to protect the individual wearer against the inhalation of hazardous substances and resulting health risks.
ISO/TS 17420-9 is focused on respiratory protection requirements which apply to all occupational airborne exposures to contaminated air when the employee is:
- Exposed to a hazardous level of an airborne contaminant
- Required by the employer to wear a respirator
- Permitted to wear a respirator.
ISO/TS 17420-9 provides classification of equipment, performance requirements and specific test methods for respiratory protective devices (RPD) for use in CBRN response.
ISO/TS 17420-9 provides classification of equipment, performance requirements and specific test methods and validation conditions for RPD for use in CBRN response. Liquid and vapour test requirements and Gas filter capacity for Escape CBRN filtering RPD is also provided.
ISO/TS 17420-9 ensures optimal protection of the airways from particulate matter generated by droplets/aerosols, thereby preventing human infection and health hazards.
With ISO/TS 17420-9, you can be assured of maintaining high levels of protection, elevated efficiency of particle filtration and optimal performance of RPDs. Thus, you will be able to deliver safe and effective products to the end-user. Moreover, conformity with international standard will foster confidence and reliability for your products.