The key to advanced respiratory protection is adequate funding.
Throughout Respiratory Protection Week 2024 we have seen companies spotlight respiratory protection issues. We applaud the many training sessions and awareness efforts we’ve participated in to highlight the importance of this hazard.
Let’s, however, not forget one important issue when it comes to respiratory protection in America – FUNDING.
It’s critical for NIOSH’s Respiratory Approval Program to have the funding it needs to test and certify respirators that protect nearly 50 million workers in the U.S.
ISEA has been a long-time proponent and advocate for additional funding in this area.
“The safety and well-being of our nation’s workforce are paramount,” said Cam Mackey, ISEA President & CEO. “By investing in respiratory protection research and approval programs, we can ensure that workers across all sectors have access to the most advanced and effective protective equipment.”
This year, ISEA worked with US Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) to request an increase of $4 million for the NIOSH Respirator Approval Program (RAP), including brand protection, and related respiratory protection research. This funding is crucial to address the escalating demand for respiratory protection expertise and services, especially amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.
The proposed increase in funding will also support essential research activities, including:
- the “Respirator Fit Evaluation Challenge” that will allow members of the public and those without a respirator program at work to ensure respirators fit appropriately
- the development of a “Mobile Facial Scanning App” that will tell a worker which one of the respirators in the nation’s Strategic National Stockpile, used in public health emergencies, will fit the best
- a “Train-the-Trainer Fit Test Framework” pilot program, where firehouses provide respirator fit-testing
- implementing long-overdue enhancements to NPPTL operations, including updates to the online application portal, creating a new system for automatic updates to the NIOSH Certified Equipment List, and additional staffing.
How Can You Help?
Contact me (Dan Glucksman, ISEA Senior Director of Policy) to learn how you can support our efforts to ensure workers have access to the best respiratory protection available. You can reach me at dglucksman@safetyequipment.org.
