NIOSH Respiratory Protective Device Information
NIOSH CA 2023-1066
October 2023
Recently, NIOSH has become aware of underground coal miners possessing the Ocenco Inc. M-20.3 Closed-Circuit Escape Respirator (CCER1, NIOSH Approval No. TC-13G-0004) who are not carrying the units in the approved carry case. Ocenco Inc., the manufacturer of the M-20.3 CCER, requires that this CCER—whether carried or stored—must be contained at all times in the black, zippered Ocenco carry case that is provided with each CCER when purchased. When carried, the M-20.3 CCER must also be belt-worn. The carry case is included to protect the CCER from damage and is described in the M-20.3 CCER User Instruction Manual.
The carry case and M-20.3 CCER User Instruction Manual are part of the original NIOSH approval for this device. Below are the conditions of use as specified verbatim by Ocenco, Inc. in the M-20.3 User Instruction Manual in Section 6 at the bottom of page 8.
Conditions of Use:
- The visual inspections described in this manual must be performed.
- Proper care described in this manual must be performed.
- When stored, the M-20.3 EEBD must be contained in an Ocenco approved container and securely fastened to a wall or other substantial structure. Devices stored on vehicles must be secured against movement in a fully enclosed metal container.
- When belt-worn, the M-20.3 EEBD must be contained in an Ocenco approved carry case.
- At all times, the M-20.3 EEBD must be contained in an Ocenco/NIOSH approved carry case as called out on the M-20.3 Main Assembly drawing, N24000.
Importantly, storing or carrying the M-20.3 CCER without using the carry case, as specifically instructed by Ocenco, Inc. in the “Conditions of Use” above, means that the CCER is not being used in accordance with the NIOSH approval.
Supplemental Information
The information provided here informs mine operators and miners using the M-20.3 CCER about the important safety feature of the carry case and reminds them of the conditions of use that are part of the NIOSH approval. Read this notice and the M-20.3 CCER User Instruction Manual carefully and ensure you are in compliance with all Ocenco, Inc. requirements, including storing and wearing the CCER in accordance with the detailed instructions provided.
In addition to determining approval for respiratory protective devices, NIOSH conducts the Long-Term Field Evaluation (LTFE) program for CCERs, which includes acquiring previously carried or stored in-service CCERs from active mines, inspection according to the M-20.3 CCER User Instruction Manual, performance testing, and reporting test results. While conducting the LTFE program, NIOSH identified this non-compliance with the approval about how some users are incorrectly carrying M-20.3 CCERs.
A respirator user or other entity may report a potential issue with a respirator by contacting NIOSH at PPEConcerns@cdc.gov. Users may also contact the Approval Holder, Ocenco, Inc. at mikekay@ocenco.com or 262-947-9000 with any questions.
1 May also be referred to as an emergency escape breathing device (EEBD).