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SEL Number: 01AR-05-COMB
Title: Equipment, Respiratory Protection, Combination


Last Updated: 3/20/2024 10:24:58 AM

Previous SEL Number: 01AR-05-COMB

Description: A combination unit respirator employs the technology of at least two different types of respiratory protective devices, with one being an open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
) and the other method being an air-purifying or powered air-purifying respirator. The operating mode is selectable by the wearer.

Must be approved by NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
as a compliant combination respirator in accordance with 42 CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
84, SubPart P, and be certified as compliant with the requirements of NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1987. Appropriate Cautions and Limitations of Use apply for each respirator type/mode of operation.

ImportantFeatures: Combination equipment combines the advantages of multiple operational modes. For example, an SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
/PAPR combination allows the user to extend mission time by utilizing the PAPR while ambient air is within tolerances, and switching to SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
mode when ambient oxygen is not sufficient.

NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1987, Standard on Combination Unit Respirator Systems for Tactical and Technical Operations, addresses the design, use, testing, and certification of CURs not covered by any existing provisions. This standard applies to combination PAPR or APR and self-contained breathing apparatus used in tactical operations, including:

- Rescue response missions
- Emergencies involving hazardous materials
- Terrorist incident response
- Similar types of operations where products of combustion, oxygen deficiency, particulates, or toxic products create immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres

NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1987 specifies the minimum requirements for the certification, labeling, design, performance, and testing of new CURs, replacement parts, components, and accessories. The standard specifies that CURs are tested for CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
permeation and penetration as well as environmental and human performance.

NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
approval is contingent upon and will be issued in conjunction with NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1987 certification. Appropriate Cautions and Limitations of Use apply for each respirator type/mode of operation.

Operating Considerations: Worn in conjunction with Incident Commander guidance and an NFPA-certified ensemble appropriate for threat.

It is important to note that when these devices are used, only one mode is used at a time. From a user standpoint, when a combination respirator with SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
capability is used in that mode, it should provide all of the protections and functions expected of an SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
, including CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
protection. For some threat environments, only one mode may be appropriate for the exposure conditions (e.g., use of a SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
/PAPR only in SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
mode when Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) conditions exist). The capability of operation in alternative modes does not lessen the individual protection requirements in each mode.

Consideration should be given to protection of filters in an IDLH environment to avoid passive contamination.

Training Requirements: Core Training: NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
470, Chapter 6, 8, 10 as applicable, OSHA 1910.120, OSHA 1910.134, NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1404.
Initial Training: Extensive (>2 days)
Sustainment Training: Extensive (>2 days)

Mandatory Standards:


Applicable Standards and References:


MSSL:
  • Bomb Squad
  • Forensic Technician
  • Maritime
  • Medical Point of Dispensing
  • Mortuary Operations
  • REL: Full Canadian Recommended Equipment List
  • REL: LOS-1, Multi-Agency Intervention
  • REL: LOS-2, Scout/Reconnaissance Mission