Avon Protection Systems Inc. and Avon-International Safety Instruments, Inc. has announced that the Avon ST53 SCBA system is now certified by NIOSH for industrial protection under 42 CFR 84 as SCBA. The ST53 SCBA system utilizes the NIOSH certified FM53 APR facemask as part of the ST53 System. The FM53 APR facemask is certified to NIOSH CBRN APR standard cap1 with the CBRNF12B filter canister under Avon Rubber p.l.c., manufactured by Avon Protection Systems. 

The Avon Protection ST53 system serves the unique respiratory requirements of special operations units, first responders, law enforcement, drug lab entry and remediation teams, specialist entry teams, SWAT teams, and non-DOD Federal agencies who must respond to changing operational conditions and respiratory threats.

"Avon is committed to providing our end users with innovative respiratory protection solutions that meet or exceed certification standards, such as NIOSH, to address new threats," says Gary Dunn, vice president of sales and marketing for Avon Protection. "End-user safety is our top priority and we will continue to lead the charge in this area." 

The industrial certified Avon ST53 SCBA system is a back frame mounted breathing apparatus with 30, 45 or 60 minute air cylinder options, and can be used with specified accessories including communications and additional visual enhancements. The complete system provides flexible respiratory protection against select Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs) and particulate matter, including radioactive dust threats to the operator. 

Note: The ST53 system utilizes the NIOSH certified FM53 APR facemask as part of the ST53 System. The FM53 APR facemask can be configured to function as an SCBA, PAPR or CCBA. NIOSH does not certify or approve respirators for multi-functional, combination use. The ST53 is NIOSH certified for industrial protection under 42 CFR 84 as an SCBA only. The use of the FM53 APR facemask as a means for CBRN protection with an SCBA, PAPR or CCBA has not yet been approved or allowed by NIOSH.