Protecting law enforcement in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents

http://www.homeland1.com/homeland-security-products/bio-agent-identification-monitoring/articles/399027-protecting-law-enforcement-in-chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-incidents/

Attacks or accidents involving chemicals, biological agents, or radiation are some of the most dangerous challenges public safety officers will ever encounter. As a result, protective equipment the officers rely upon in such incidents must meet the highest standards.

Existing performance standards for such equipment serve other members of the response community well, but a law enforcement officers role requires different performance requirements for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protective equipment.

In response, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) embarked on the difficult task of developing a standard specifically for CBRN protective equipment to be used by law enforcement officers. The standard will focus on protective ensembles which are designed to provide fullbody protection against exposure to CBRN hazards.

NIJ organized a Special Technical Committee comprised of subject matter experts, many of whom are members of the law enforcement community. Other agencies represented include the National Sheriffs' Association, the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Homeland security, the Department of Defense, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and organizations that test and certify equipment.

The Committee will identify the specific needs and requirements of law enforcement, identify shortfalls in existing equipment standards and test methods, address these shortfalls, determine compliance and conformity assessment requirements, and generate a new CBRN Ensemble standard.