SUMMARY OF NFPA 1994 PROTECTIVE ENSEMBLES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS TO CBRN TERRORISM INCIDENTS, 2007 EDITION

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1 SUMMARY OF NFPA 1994 PROTECTIVE ENSEMBLES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS TO CBRN TERRORISM INCIDENTS, 2007 EDITION Gavin Burdge BMT Designers and Planners CNIC RPP Contract Support Introduction The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) protective ensembles, NFPA 1994 was originally published in NFPA 1994 was revised in 2007 and sets performance and certification requirements for CBRN protective ensembles. The standard provides minimum design, testing and performance standards for outer garments intended to provide first responders skin, eye, feet, and face protection in the event of a CBRN terrorist incident. NFPA 1994 ensembles are not, however, for protection from flames, welding/cutting, molten metals, hot liquids, steam, electrical arc, thermal radiation, explosions or flash fire. The original standard established three (3) levels of protection: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. In the newest edition, the highest level of protection, Class 1 was removed and addressed in NFPA The newer edition also added a fourth level offering specific protection against particulates including certain human disease-causing agents (), toxins or radiological dusts or mists. All of the NFPA 1994 levels of protection require a NIOSH-approved CBRN respirator. Discussion Class 1 totally encapsulating suits including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are specialized, high performance products used by highly trained hazardous material response teams. Class 1 suits are stressful, more likely to cause heat related disorders, cumbersome, difficult to don and doff, and the most difficult to use. Class 2 ensembles include a SCBA and provide liquid protection. A Class 2 ensemble is for IDLH atmospheres where potential health hazards from skin exposures are not life threatening or do not pose severe risks. NFPA 1994 is not intended for fire fighting, and does not establish respiratory protection requirements involving CBRN terrorism agents. Understanding this standard is needed to assess the protective apparel for the Navy Installation Protection Program because NFPA 1994 applies across any of the areas of first response whether fire, security, law enforcement, or medical. Key NFPA test methods are found at: 1

2 Summary The following are the main issues addressed in the standard: NFPA 1994 provides performance standards for minimum levels of protection for first responders involving CBRN terrorism agents. NFPA 1994 establishes requirements for protective ensembles that are designed for a single exposure wearing at CBRN terrorism incidents. There are four (4) classes of protection: Class 1 (highest level), Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4. Class 1 ensembles are not addressed in NFPA Class 1 ensembles are covered in NFPA 1991, Standards for Vapor Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies. Class 4 ensembles are for particulates, notably biological or radiological particulate agents such as anthrax spores. NIOSH CBRN-approved respirators are specified for Class 2 through Class 4 ensembles. Ensembles include a complete set of protective gear including the respirator specified by the manufacturer for the specified class of protection. Classes 1 through 4 NFPA ensembles are similar but not equivalent to OSHA/EPA Levels A, B, C and D personal protective equipment. The difference is NFPA specifies the performance specifications for the different levels of protection. Also, Class 4 protection requires a NIOSH-approved CBRN air-purifying respirator with much more strict protective apparel than OSHA Level D. Class 2 ensembles require an SCBA for responders in IDLH atmospheres. Class 3 ensembles are not for IDLH atmospheres and involve low levels of vapors or liquid hazards where air purifying respirators are permitted. All NFPA protective ensembles are certified completely as a Class and must include protection to the upper and lower torso, head, arms, legs, hands, wrists and feet and respiratory system. A third party certifies that a product demonstrates compliance with the testing and recertification requirements of the standard which authorizes the manufacturer to use a label indicating the Class of protective ensemble. 2

3 All respirators, SCBA, PAPR or APR for NFPA 1994 levels of protection, must be certified by NIOSH as CBRN compliant. Class 2 and Class 3 garments are tested for permeation resistance against HD mustard and GD Soman nerve agents, and for permeation resistance against liquid and gaseous industrial chemicals (using test agents). Class 4 garments are tested for resistance to liquid or bloodborne using a bacteriophage viral penetration test. Class 2, 3, and 4 ensembles must past liquid integrity tests under a shower spray while on a mannequin and other physical integrity tests against punctures and cut resistance. COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT NFPA 1994 LEVELS OF PROTECTION Class 1 Ensemble Not addressed in NFPA 1994 For example, Dupont Tychem TK 612T, Class 1 Suit Gas- and vapor-tight, fully encapsulating suit is intended for use in the worst-case circumstances where the substance(s) involved create an immediate threat with unidentified and unknown concentrations of contaminants. Provides the highest level of protection. Ensemble consists of a suit with attached gloves that totally encapsulates the wearer and breathing apparatus. Garment, visor, gloves, footwear and seams provide the highest level of permeation resistance against chemical and biological agents as well as from high-threat industrial chemical liquids and gases. Tychem TK suit must be worn with a separate over-cover for abrasion, tear, cut, flame & puncture resistance. No measurable penetration or permeation. High levels of durability to abrasion, tearing, punctures and cuts. Includes all the protective equipment elements-visors, gloves, footwear and special seams. o Expanded back o Attached 3-layer gloves, outer, middle and inner gloves; for example Viton, Silver Shield /4H, KEVLAR knit o Attached sock boots (sock boots must be covered with NFPA 1991 compliant outer boot) o Outer boot flaps & faceshield, for example 40 mil PVC, 5 mil Teflon, 20 mil PVC o Gas-tight zipper closure, double storm flaps, four exhaust valves (pressure demand) Class 2 Ensemble for example Geomet Technologies DTAPS (Disposable Toxicological Agent Protective System) The agent or threat has generally been identified and the actual release has subsided. A Class 2 ensemble protects responders at C/B terrorism incidents where it is necessary to provide vapor 3

4 Chemical permeation test, for CWA: cumulative permeation in 1- hour in µg/cm 2 ; for liquids and gaseous TICS, breakthrough time in mins (must be greater than 60 mins) protection with SCBA and where direct contact with liquid droplets is probable where victims are symptomatic but not able to walk: A shower test shows the suit will not allow penetration of water when sprayed from several directions. Garment, visor, gloves, footwear and seams must demonstrate permeation resistance to chemical warfare agents and liquid/gaseous toxic industrial chemicals at lower concentrations than in Class 1, and higher than Class 3. Demonstrated durability to abrasion and resistance to punctures and cuts. Garments, gloves and boots are designed for single use exposure at incidents involving CBRN terrorism agents. Not for flash fire protection will burn and possibly melt which could increase burn injuries. Liquid chemical warfare agents (CWA), 10g/m 2 Distilled sulfur mustard HD Nerve agents GD (Soman) Liquid toxic industrial chemicals, 10g/m 2 Acrolein Acrylonitrile Dimethyl sulfate Gases, 350 ppm Ammonia Chlorine Chemical vapor testing Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), 100 mg/m 3 Requires a minimum overall protection factor of 360 Man-In-Simulant-Test (MIST), Using an airborne test agent in a test chamber and measure leakage of the agent on 30 body locations under protective ensembles to determine a protection factor. Visor Tested for o Chemical permeation o Bursting strength o Puncture resistance o Cold temperature bending o Seam strength o Pathogen resistance Gloves Designed for single use with CBRN terrorism agents 4

5 No less than five separate & distinct sizes Tested for: o Liquid tight integrity & chemical permeation o Cut and puncture resistance o Hand function o Resistance to liquid or blood-borne Footwear Tested for: o Liquid tight integrity & permeation resistance o Cut, puncture & abrasion resistance o Slip resistance o Resistance to liquid or blood-borne Garment - other Tested for: o Bursting strength o Tear resistance o Seam strength o Closure strength o Resistance to liquid or blood-borne Class 3 Ensemble, for example Dupont Tychem CPF3 Chemical permeation test, for CWA: cumulative permeation in 1- hour in µg/cm 2 ; for liquids and Intended for use long after the release has occurred or in the peripheral zone of the release scene. Where hoods are provided, garment shall accommodate head protection meeting requirements of Type I, Class G helmets of ANSI Z89.1, Industrial Head Protection. Ensemble is certified with CBRN air-purifying respirator which covers the eyes, nose and mouth and which is specified by the manufacturer. Garments, gloves and boots are designed for single exposure at incidents involving CBRN terrorism agents Not for fire protection may melt in flame and increase burn injuries Liquid chemical warfare agents, 10g/m 2 Distilled sulfur mustard HD Nerve agents GD (Soman) 5

6 gaseous TICS, breakthrough time in mins (must be greater than 60 mins) Liquid toxic industrial chemicals, 10g/m 2 Acrolein Acrylonitrile Dimethyl sulfate Gases, 350 ppm Ammonia Chlorine Chemical vapor testing Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen, a surrogate agent for mustard gas), 100 mg/m 3 Requires a minimum overall protection factor of 76 Man-In-Simulant-Test (MIST), Using an airborne test agent in a closed chamber and measure leakage of the surrogate agent onto 30 body locations under protective ensembles Visor Tested for o Chemical permeation o Bursting strength o Puncture resistance o Cold temperature bending o Seam strength Gloves Designed for single use for CBRN terrorism agents No less than five separate & distinct sizes Tested for: o Liquid tight integrity & chemical permeation o Cut, puncture & pathogen resistance o Hand function Footwear Tested for: o Liquid tight integrity & chemical permeation resistance o Cut, puncture & abrasion resistance o Slip resistance o Pathogen resistance Garment - other Tested for: o Bursting strength o Tear resistance o Evaporative heat transfer o Seam strength o Closure strength o Resistance to liquid or blood-borne 6

7 Class 4 Ensemble For situations involving potential exposure to biological aerosols or particles and low level radiological particles. Uses a test for Class 4 ensembles where test subjects wear the protective ensemble inside a chamber with fluorescent particles. The test subjects perform a series of exercises. Following the test, the ensemble is removed and a UV light is used to evaluate if any particles have penetrated the ensemble. Gloves Designed for single use for CBRN terrorism agents No less than five separate & distinct sizes Tested for: o Resistance to liquid or bloodborne o Liquid tight integrity o Cut, puncture & abrasion resistance o Hand function Footwear and/or covers Tested for: o Resistance to liquid or bloodborne o Liquid tight integrity o Cut, puncture & abrasion resistance o Slip resistance 7

8 Reference: Conclusion NFPA 1994 protective ensembles are the gold standard for personal protective clothing of first responders exposed to victims, or materials during assessment, extrication, rescue, triage, decontamination, treatment, site security, crowd management and force protection operations involving CBRN terrorism agents. With the newer, more comprehensive requirements and personal protective equipment performance criteria, protective ensembles will be needed based on the threat, criticality, vulnerability and hazard assessment. Use requirements for CBRN protective ensembles are specified in NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. Future protective ensembles for approved CBRN ensembles for first responders will need to specify the Class for emergency management planning. 8