ASTM F2704-17

4.1 As with other hazardous materials protective ensembles, air-fed protective ensembles include clothing and equipment items needed for dermal and respiratory protection, including protective suits, gloves, footwear, and eye/face protection. Unlike other protective ensembles, air-fed protective ensembles do not use separate respiratory protective devices such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or non-powered air-purifying respirators (APRs).

4.2 Air-fed protective ensembles are used to protect workers in a number of applications.

4.3 The requirements of this specification have been partly based on the NFPA 1991 standard, which establishes criteria for vapor-protective ensembles used in hazardous materials emergencies. NFPA 1991 establishes requirements for a protective ensemble that encapsulates the wearer and the breathing apparatus.

4.4 The qualification of the respiratory protective equipment is addressed by the applicable requirements for respirators established in 42 CFR Part 84. As such, the entire air-fed ensemble is subject to certification by NIOSH in addition to meeting the requirements in this specification.

4.5 This specification establishes classifications for the protective ensemble. The classifications include one that is determined by the configuration of the protective ensemble and one that concerns the use of the protective ensemble.

4.6 In recognition of the potential diverse applications to which the protective ensemble can be used, documentation requirements are provided for manufacturers to base claims for permeation resistance of ensemble materials against specific chemicals or for claims of ensemble material performance against bloodborne (or liquidborne) pathogens. Similar requirements are established for the respiratory protective equipment, when this equipment is based on the use of filters, cartridges, or canisters.

4.7 An extensive section is provided in the specification addressing the certification of air-fed protective ensembles. This certification section is based on provisions established in NFPA 1991 and other National Fire Protection Association product standards for emergency services protective clothing and equipment.

1.1 This specification establishes design, performance, classification, documentation, labeling, and certification requirements for protective ensembles that deliver air to the wearer by means of an air line or powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).

1.2 As a prerequisite to this specification, regulations within Title 42 Federal Code of Regulations, Part 84 are used to establish the conformance of the air-fed protective ensemble to respiratory protection requirements.

1.3 This specification addresses protective ensembles used for environments involving chemical, biological, and radiological/nuclear particulate hazards.

1.4 This specification sets specific criteria for air-fed protective ensembles used to prevent exposure to substances such as, but not limited to, chemical hazards, infectious microorganisms requiring Biosafety Level 4 (BLS4) protection, and environments where it is possible radiological or nuclear particulates will be found.

1.5 This specification is further used for classification of the protective ensemble as limited use or multiple use.

1.6 The values stated in SI units or in other units shall be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.