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SEL Number: 01CB-03-ENSM
Title: Ensemble, HazMat Emergency and Terrorism Incident Protective, NFPA 1994 Class 3


Last Updated: 4/3/2024 5:01:13 PM

Previous SEL Number: 01CB-03-ENSM

Description: NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1994 Class 3 HazMat Emergency and CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
Terrorism Incident Protective Ensemble, including garment, gloves, footwear, and CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
APR or PAPR (certified as compliant with the NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1994 Class 3 requirements of NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1990). NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1994 Class 3 certifications specify these elements by make/model -- using any element other than those specified invalidates the certification. The elements of this Item should be purchased and used as a complete ensemble.

ImportantFeatures: Ensembles certified as compliant with NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1994 Class 3 requirements consist of full body one- or multi-piece suit, gloves, and CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
APR or CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
PAPR. Note that the certification applies to a specific set of elements identified by make/model (garment, gloves, boots, respirator) and the ensemble certification is void unless the specified elements are used (e.g., it is not permissible to substitute a respirator that have not been certified as part of the ensemble). Footwear certified to certain other standards (e.g., NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1950, NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1970) is acceptable if the footwear height is at least 8 inches when measured from the floor.

The ensemble is designed for protection against lower exposure levels of gases, vapors, liquids, and particulates (as compared to 1994 Class 2 ensembles). The same man-in-simulant test described for Class 2 ensembles is used to measure the inward leakage of gases or vapors, but lower criteria are set for consistency with exposure levels below IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) levels. Ensembles are evaluated for liquid integrity, but at shorter times compared to Class 2 ensembles. Materials are tested for permeation resistance to selected chemical agents and toxic industrial chemicals at concentrations consistent with the same levels used for evaluating CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
APR; materials are also tested for viral penetration resistance, and various physical properties to demonstrate adequate physical hazard resistance and durability for a single use. Ensembles are also tested for functionality.

Operating Considerations: Class 3 ensembles are designed to protect emergency first responder personnel at terrorism incidents involving low levels of vapor or liquid chemical hazards where the concentrations are below Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) levels, permitting the use of air-purifying respirators (APR) or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR).

Class 3 ensembles are intended for situations where the hazards have been characterized. These may include incidents long after the release has occurred, at relatively large distances from the point of release, or in the peripheral zone of the release scene for such functions as decontamination, patient care, crowd control, perimeter control, traffic control, and clean-up.

Class 3 ensembles should only be used when there is very little potential for vapor or gas exposure, when exposure to liquids is expected to be incidental through contact with contaminated surfaces, and when dealing with patients or self-evacuating victims. Class 3 ensembles must cover the individual, and it is preferred that this clothing also cover the wearer's respirator to limit its potential for contamination. Because these ensembles are intended for longer wearing periods, the use of NIOSH-approved CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
air-purifying or powered air-purifying respirators with these suits is likely. Use considerations are provided in OSHA Title 29 CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
Sections 1910.120 and 1910.132, and NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program.

Training Requirements: Core Training: NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
470 Chapters 6, 8, 10 as applicable, OSHA 1910.120, OSHA 1910.132.
Initial Training: Moderate (1-2 days)
Sustainment Training: Minimal (<1 day)

Mandatory Standards:


Applicable Standards and References:


MSSL:
  • Bomb Squad
  • Forensic Technician
  • Law Enforcement Mobile Field Force
  • REL: Full Canadian Recommended Equipment List
  • REL: LOS-1, Multi-Agency Intervention
  • REL: LOS-2, Scout/Reconnaissance Mission
  • REL: LOS-3, Suspicious Powder Response