NIOSH Reopens Comment Period on Fentanyl-Protective Products
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has reopened the comment period for manufacturers to take part in an expansion of the PPE-Info database — a collection of national personal protective equipment (PPE) information — by adding products that protect against fentanyl exposure. NIOSH wants electronic or written comments expressing a willingness to participate to be submitted by April 1; the prior deadline was Nov. 19, 2018. The database allows PPE standards-setting organizations, manufacturers, suppliers, purchasers, and end users to conduct searches of relevant standards, associated product types, target occupational groups, basic conformity assessment specifications, and additional pertinent information. The database is being expanded to connect existing protection standards with relevant PPE information for protection against fentanyl and its analogues, allowing end users to find products that are compliant (as confirmed by the manufacturer) with the protection standards outlined by the CDC Fentanyl PPE Guidance.