In response to a request from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Division of Earth and Life Studies (DELS) of the National Academies (NA) are conducting a series of evaluations of NIOSH research programs. Each evaluation will be conducted by an ad hoc committee, using a methodology and framework developed by the Committee to Review NIOSH Research Programs (framework committee). In addition to the review of research, this evaluation of NIOSH’s PPT program will also encompass the certification and standards development elements of the program, as they are significant components of the PPT program. 

The Committee to Review the NIOSH Personal Protective Technology Program will review and assess the relevance and impact of research programs of the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL).  In conducting the review, the evaluation committee will address the following elements for the NPPTL personal protective technology program:

1. Assessment of the program’s contribution to reductions in workplace hazardous exposures, illnesses, or injuries through:

1. an assessment of the relevance of the program’s activities to the improvement of occupational safety and health, and
2. an evaluation of the impact that the program has had in reducing work-related hazardous exposures, illnesses, and injuries.

2. Assessment of the program’s effectiveness in targeting new research areas, activities, outputs, and outcomes and identifying emerging issues in occupational safety and health most relevant to future improvements in workplace protection.

The committee will make its evaluations within the scope of the following strategic goals and objectives of NPPTL:  

1. to reduce exposure to inhalation hazards; 
2. to reduce exposure to dermal hazards; 
3. to reduce exposure to injury hazards; and 
4. certification and standards development.