New NH15 Emergency Escape Hood Receives Full NIOSH Approval

Avon Protection Systems, part of Avon Rubber p.l.c., has been awarded full certification against the NIOSH Air Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) standard for the new 15 minute escape hood, NH15 (approval number TC-14G-0302).

The NH15 is the world’s smallest  NIOSH certified CBRN escape hood specifically designed for police, correction officers, emergency medical services and fire officers. The hood provides instant protection if caught in a CBRN incident. It provides a high level of respiratory, eye and face protection for up to 15 minutes to allow sufficient time to evacuate from a contaminated area. It has a 5 year shelf life. Use of the hood requires minimal training and it takes just 30 seconds to deploy due to the novel self adjusting harness system. It is vacuum sealed in a foil bag and is protected by a durable reinforced pouch small enough to store in a briefcase, glove compartment or drawer. The NH15 can be carried on a utility belt or be thigh mounted. The NH15 is a single use device and unlike conventional respirators does not require annual OSHA specified fit testing.

Made of clear material, the NH15 not only protects against all airborne CBRN threats but also protects the face from liquid agent splashes.  The clear material has a number of advantages; it gives a non threatening appearance, aids with recognition and also allows for better visual communication. Twin low profile filters on a unique hinge system feature the latest filtration media which reduces breathing resistance. A unique front reflector enables personnel/colleagues to be easily located in low light environments.
 
James Wilcox, Business Development Manager, Avon Protection, said “Avon is excited to gain NIOSH approval for the NH15 Escape Hood and to provide first responders with this compact protection solution against the increasing terrorist threat. Emergency response personnel are vulnerable because it is impractical to carry a traditional respirator or breathing apparatus at all times, but due to the minimal size of the NH15, first responders are now presented with a solution that can be easily transported and quickly deployed in a CBRN incident.”

For further information on these and other key respiratory equipment, please visit www.avon-protection.com

Avon Rubber p.l.c. is a world leader in the design, test and manufacture of advanced Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection solutions to the worlds military, law enforcement, first responder, emergency services, fire and industrial markets. Avon has a unique capability in CBRN protection based on a range of advanced CBRN technologies in respirator design, filtration and compressed air breathing apparatus. This enables Avon to develop specialized solutions that take full account of user requirements. Avon also owns a world leading dairy business manufacturing liners and tubing for the automated milking process. For further information please visit the Group’s website www.avon-rubber.com