Revocation of Cylinder Exemption DOT-E-12695

Letter to All Respirator Manufacturers

Issue Date: August 29, 2005

From: Heinz W. Ahlers, Acting Chief, Respirator Branch, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory

Subject: Revocation of Cylinder Exemption DOT-E-12695

In an August 12, 2005 Federal Register notice, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) withdrew its authorization for cylinders manufactured under exemption DOT-E-12695. This exemption covered certain carbon fiber-reinforced cylinders manufactured by Global Composites International, Inc. of Ontario, California. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH or the Institute) specifies in Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, § 84.81(a) that cylinders used in approved respirators must meet DOT requirements.

Accordingly, any respirator incorporating a cylinder manufactured under DOT-E-12695 can no longer maintain NIOSH approval. The Institute requests that each manufacturer:

1. Determine whether DOT-E-12695 exemption cylinders are incorporated in any of your approved respirators,
2. Report your findings to NIOSH, including a list of affected approval numbers (if applicable), and
3. Provide a point of contact for product recalls.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in this matter. Inquiries may be directed to the Respirator Branch via electronic mail at npptl@cdc.gov or telephone at 412-386-4000.

Revocation of Cylinder Exemption DOT-E-12695 [PDF - 201 KB]