1.1 Scope. 1.1.1* This standard shall establish the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, documentation, and certification of protective ensembles and ensemble elements for protection from chemicals, biological agents, and radiological particulates (CBRN) terrorism agents. A.1.1.1 The ensemble classes described in this document were developed for use in environments that can generally be described by considering the following: (1) Exposure and delivery method (2) Potential for skin contact (3) Contaminant identification and concentration level (4) Persistency (longevity) of the contaminant (5) Threat of contamination and cross-contamination Table A.1.1.1 provides a general description of the environment from which Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, and NFPA 1991 compliant ensembles are designed to provide CBRN protection. Selection of the appropriate class ensemble should be based on a thorough risk assessment of the incident. 1.1.2* This standard shall establish requirements for protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are worn for a single exposure at incidents involving CBRN terrorism agents. A.1.1.2 Users are cautioned that exposure of ensembles to CBRN agents should require disposal, particularly if the effectiveness of decontamination cannot be assessed. 1.1.3 This standard shall establish requirements for new CBRN protective ensembles and ensemble elements. 1.1.4* This standard shall not establish requirements for respiratory protection for incidents involving CBRN terrorism agents. Appropriate respiratory protection for the incidents involving specific CBRN terrorism agent exposure is a critical part of overall protection and shall be specified and provided by the authority having jurisdiction. A.1.1.4 In selecting respiratory equipment, organizations should consider how the respiratory equipment interfaces with the protective ensemble. In particular, organizations should take into account how the ensemble, or portions of the ensemble, can be removed without subsequently exposing the individual wearer to respiration of residual contaminants. This is best accomplished by removal of the garments, gloves, and footwear without interrupting or terminating the respiratory protection or breaking the respirator facepiece-to-face seal. 1.1.5 This standard shall not establish requirements for any fire-fighting applications. 1.1.6* This standard shall not establish requirements for protection at incidents involving ionizing radiation, liquefied gas, cryogenic liquid hazards, explosives, or explosive atmospheres. A.1.1.6 Organizations responsible for response to specialized hazardous materials, including radiological, cryogenics, or fire-fighting applications, should use protective clothing and equipment specifically designed for those activities. 1.1.7* CBRN protective ensembles and ensemble elements that are certified as compliant with NFPA1994 shall be permitted also to be certified to NFPA1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, NFPA1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, and the single-use requirements of NFPA 1999, Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations. A.1.1.7 This cross-certification is permitted because these other standards also are premised on a single wear protocol or at most a single exposure protocol. One example of a product being certified to two standards is a hazardous materials protective ensemble, an ensemble element, or protective clothing that is certified as compliant with NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, that is also being certified as a Class 3 chemical/biological protective ensemble in accordance with this standard. Ensembles, ensemble elements, or protective clothing that is certified as compliant with any NFPA PPE standard, other than PPE for hazardous materials emergencies and PPE for emergency medical operations, cannot be also certified as compliant with NFPA 1994. 1.1.8 This standard shall not apply to any accessories that could be attached to the certified product, before or after purchase, but are not necessary for the certified product to meet the requirements of this standard. 1.1.9 This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns associated with the use of compliant CBRN protective ensembles and ensemble elements. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use compliant CBRN protective ensembles and ensemble elements to establish safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.1.10 This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with the use of this standard by testing facilities. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use this standard to conduct testing of CBRN protective ensembles and ensemble elements to establish safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to using this standard for any designing, manufacturing, and testing. 1.1.11 Nothing herein shall restrict any jurisdiction or manufacturer from exceeding these minimum requirements.