NIJ Issues a Revised Bomb Suit Equipment Standard

The rationale for revising the standard focused on issues with the test methods used in developing the initial standard, notably the testing methods related to field-of-view and other ergonomic requirements, as well as flammability testing. NIJ investigated each issue and developed a draft standard that incorporates revised test methods and requirements. The draft revised standard was released for public comment before it was finalized. The revised standard specifies minimum performance requirements for bomb suit equipment; however, a particular model of a suit tested and found to meet those minimum requirements may not necessarily meet the specific needs of a particular agency. Agencies are responsible for determining whether a particular model meets their needs. A copy of the revised standard can be downloaded on the NIJ website.