In this episode, Professor David Crouch, 3M’s Global Subject Matter Expert – Application Engineering (Defence & Public Safety) joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series to discuss respiratory protection as it relates to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards.

CBRN is an acronym for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear. It is a terminology used worldwide that refers to malicious incidents or weapons in which any of the four types of hazards mentioned are used to cause significant harm or disruption. It encompasses the protective measures taken in these situations and consists of passive protection, contamination avoidance and mitigation.

Guest Bio:

David Crouch (pictured left) has an extensive background in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) remediation processes and technologies, having worked with numerous international agencies and the private sector. A professional chemist, with more than 25 years’ experience in the fields of materials science, respiratory protection and CBRN decontamination science. David is also a chartered chemist, Fellow of theRoyal Society of Chemistry and Fellow of the Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management.

Prior to his current role David spent more than a decade focused on CBRN decontamination related topics at Pursuit Dynamics PLC and the University of Manchester concentrating primarily on novel decontaminant design and aerosol delivery technologies for CBRN remediation. Professor Crouch has completed degrees in Applied Chemistry (BSc(Hons)), Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Defence Studies (MA) and a PhD (Materials Science – Organic Photonics), Co-authoring 50 Peer reviewed publications and patents.

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In this episode, Mark & David discuss the following:

• What does CBRN mean?
• How did the term CBRN originate?
• Is there a long history of chemical warfare?
• What are the main types of chemical threats?
• What are some examples of chemical warfare agents?
• What are the types of Biological threats?
• Do you have any examples of biological threats?
• What are the radiological threats, and have the risks in this space determined?
• There are many different radioactive isotopes, are there specific isotopes of interest?
• Do you have any examples of different military/law enforcement/first responder specific CBRN hazards, and the risks they may face?
• What takeaway point would you want to leave with our listeners?
• Where can the listeners go and get further information about what we have discussed today?
• How can our listeners get in contact with yourself?

CBRN hazard responses need to be appropriate to the threats. When it comes to respiratory protection, you need to be prepared for everything and anything. It’s about understanding the hazards and the appropriate response from a PPE perspective, one that takes into consideration the hierarchy of control and hazard assessment. The key to this is realistic, real-time and regular training to understand what pieces of equipment you need for these very high risk, diverse and malicious environments. Tune in as we navigate CBRN respiratory protection, a specialist high-risk area that is quite different in comparison to conventional industrial programmes.

Additional Resources:

• Podcast Transcript
• NIOSH - Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Respiratory Protection Handbook 2018
• NIOSH Interim Guidance on the Use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Full Facepiece, Air-Purifying Respirators
• The International Atomic Energy Agency is the world’s centre for cooperation in the nuclear field, promoting the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology
• OPCW - Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
• Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
• 3M Scott Military & Law Enforcement (US)
• 3M Australia – Military, Law Enforcement & Emergency Preparedness PPE
• 3M Australia Respiratory Protection Centre of Excellence

Contact a 3M Safety Specialist at scienceofsafetyanz@mmm.com for more information.