Executive Protection Systems Announces Distribution of First NIOSH Approved Escape Respirator that Protects Against Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear Agents

Winchester, VA (October 28, 2005)—Executive Protection Systems (EPS), a leading turnkey provider of emergency preparedness solutions, equipment and training, announced today its distribution of the first escape respirator of its kind to meet government standards for protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents.

Manufactured by MSA (Mine Safety Appliances Company) headquartered in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, The Safe Escape™ Respirator earned the distinction of being the first respirator protective device to gain certification by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for 15-minute CBRN protection.

Developed for a wide range of users, including personnel in government installations, underground transit workers, first responders and law enforcement officers, the Safe Escape Respirator is a hood-style device that features a large, one-piece bonded lens and translucent chemical-resistant hood. This design provides wearers with a wide field of vision to minimize the likelihood of claustrophobia while enabling quick and easy face recognition. The respirator features a single canister containing a CBRN high-efficiency particulate filter and activated carbon.

The CBRN standard for full-face air-purifying respirators was issued by NIOSH in 2003. In conjunction with military testing labs, NIOSH tests and approves devices as “CBRN-compliant” according to stringent test protocols for:

• Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents.
• Mask penetration and permeation.
• Carry and transportation durability.
• Use performance.
• Quality assurance.

"For months we’ve been researching a combination of escape hoods that have been in line for NIOSH testing and possible approval," said Mark Miller, President and Chairman. "And with their track-record of solid, time-tested and approved safety products, our distributorship with MSA positions us to achieve our mission to provide our clients with the highest level of protection available during an emergency."

The Safe Escape Respirator is available in three sizes – small, medium and large – to accommodate a diverse range of wearers. Additionally, because of its hood-style design, the device can be worn with long hair, glasses and/or facial hair. Featuring self-adjusting cradle-type head straps and a high-stretch neck seal, the Safe Escape Respirator is easier to don than earlier generation devices and provides excellent communications capability.

The Safe Escape Respirator is packed in a sealed foil package and protected by a durable polyethylene Hextreme™ case that provides a five-year shelf life from the date of manufacture. Cases are color coded and marked according to size, making them easily identified in an emergency situation.

Executive Protection Systems, headquartered in Winchester, Virginia, is a small, service-disabled veteran-owned business dedicated to providing the finest WMD, industrial safety protective equipment, training and consulting services nationwide. EPS corporate headquarters is located at 230 Aviation Drive in Winchester. Website: www.epssafety.com.

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