Personal Protective Technology Identification and Evaluation

A surge in federal funding combined with a perceived heightened vulnerability at the local level since September 11, 2001, is pushing personal protective tech­ nology acquisitions into new territory for many communities. Decisions regard­ ing how personal protection technologies are identified, acquired, and used in the field vary significantly among agencies, many study participants noted. Numerous issues and concerns were raised that have implications for PPT re­ search and development needs. This chapter addresses issues surrounding the procurement; certification; and storage, transportation, and maintenance (col­ lectively referred to here as “logistics”) of personal protective technologies.