Evaluation of the NIOSH Certification Program Division of Safety Research Testing and Certification Branch

Regulation, technical reports, and program strategies of the NIOSH testing and Certification Branch (TCB) programs for the evaluation and certification of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard measuring instruments (HMI) were analyzed by independent consultants in an effort to improve the program. The major conclusions reached by the consultants were that NIOSH should assume a major responsibility to the public for the reliability of PPE and HMI performance; that the agency needs to substantiate for the need for the program in terms of its structure, that product performance should be based on the user rather than the manufacturer; and that NIOSH should develop basic performance criteria geared to the users. The consultants recommend that NIOSH hold public meetings to help establish testing policy, establish a division that focuses on TCB responsibilities, and develop a feedback system of test results.

Evaluation of the NIOSH Certification Program Division of Safety Research Testing and Certification Branch [PDF - 8.33 MB]