Which agencies are responsible for testing and approving respiratory protection equipment?

The correct choice is associated with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH is specifically tasked with the testing and certification of respiratory protective devices in accordance with the standards established for ensuring the safety and efficacy of such equipment. This process involves rigorous testing to confirm that respirators provide adequate protection against hazardous airborne substances.

MSHA, which oversees safety in the mining industry, also recognizes NIOSH-approved respiratory devices, ensuring that they meet specific regulations for use in that sector. The involvement of both agencies highlights the importance of specialized standards for respiratory protection in various environments.

Other options encompass different agencies with distinct roles. For instance, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) provides regulations and guidelines for workplace safety but does not conduct equipment testing. Similarly, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) focuses on environmental standards rather than on personal protective equipment. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists) provide standards and guidelines in health and safety contexts, but neither directly tests or approves respiratory equipment. Lastly, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) also serve different functions