NCJ Number
217834
Journal
Law and Order: The Magazine for Police Management Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 38-42
Date Published
February 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes air purifying respirators (APRs), better known as gas masks, made by the three leading reputable companies in the field.
Abstract
APRs must function properly and according to their design. Flaws in construction, old age, and improper storage can lead to APRs that offer little to no actual protection and leave officers at risk with a false sense of security. As such, departments should be aware of the reputable manufacturers on the market and the products they have to offer. This special report article describes the APRs made by three companies: (1) Mine Safety Appliances (MSA); (2) Draeger; and (3) AVON/ISI. MSA produces a full line of APRs appropriate for any law enforcement or military need. Among their masks are those made for protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. MSA also produces several other types of masks that offer different types of protection and are designed to be lighter and more mobile. Draeger also produces several quality APR products, including the Panorama Nova that offers a full face piece for improved vision and is capable of being used with a variety of other products such as filters and power-assisted blower devices. AVON/ISI produces some of the most recognizable APRs on the market, mainly because they were used by Great Britain’s elite SAS unit during Operation Nimrod in London in May 1980. AVON originally produced the FM12 mask for military CBRN operations but now offers the mask to law enforcement agencies. AVON S50's newest mask, the C50, was designed to provide comfort while meeting all of the NATO standard protection factors. Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to thoroughly research the APR market and choose the masks best suited to the needs of the agency. Exhibits