Update of the NIOSH and MSHA Collection and Testing of the CSE SR-100

NIOSH Respirator User Notice

Issue Date:February 15, 2011

From: Heinz Ahlers, Chief, Technology Evaluation Branch, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory

Subject: Update of the NIOSH and MSHA Collection and Testing of the CSE SR-100

Beginning on October 4, 2010, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) began collecting SR-100s from a random list of serial numbers as prescribed in the sampling protocol. The agencies need to collect 500 units for evaluation and testing. For more detailed information see the December 30, 2010, update.

As of February 15, 2011, a total of 109 units have been collected and tested. One unit has failed the test criteria. NIOSH and MSHA are continuing with the collection of the remaining 391 samples so that testing can be completed.

Until NIOSH and MSHA are able to evaluate the data from the completed audit sample of field-deployed units and offer additional guidance based on the results of the testing, mine operators and miners are reminded of the guidance found in the NIOSH and MSHA June 23, 2010, Respirator User Notice. This notice provides guidance to miners that they should immediately obtain another SCSR if they encounter any difficulty with the operation of an SCSR.

Update of the NIOSH and MSHA Collection and Testing of the CSE SR-100 [PDF – 32KB] [PDF – 32KB]