PD ISO/TS 17420-8:2021

What is ISO/TS 17420-8 - Respiratory protective devices about?  

ISO/TS 17420-8 is the eight-part in the multi-series of international standards that specifies the requirements for respiratory protective devices for use 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 document, all incidents described here are named CBRN incidents. 

This document is focused on respiratory protection requirements, but it is recognized that CBRN RPD are always used as part of an ensemble with protective clothing. The total ensemble effectiveness is not covered by ISO/TS 17420-8. 

The requirements for respiratory protective devices (RPD) use by the following groups are not addressed by ISO/TS 17420-8: 

• Military personnel outside of first responder roles 
• Children 
• Animals 

Requirements for the following are not covered by ISO/TS 17420-8: 

• Collective protection systems including ventilated casualty/body bags 
• Methods of and criteria for decontamination of RPD 
• Disposal of used equipment 

NOTE: The performance requirements included in this document refer to laboratory testing using specified test agents under specified conditions which might not indicate the performance of the device in actual usage. 

Who is ISO/TS 17420-8 - Respiratory protective devices for?  

ISO/TS 17420-8 is applicable to respiratory protective devices 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 17420-8 - Respiratory protective devices?  

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 17420-8 provides the 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 17420-8 ensures optimal protection of the airways from particulate matter generated by droplets/aerosols, thereby preventing human infection and health hazards.  

With ISO/TS 17420-8, 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 this international standard will foster confidence and reliability for your products.