Self-Contained Toxic Environment Protective Outfit (STEPO)

STEPO was developed to replace the previously fielded interim STEPO (STEPO-I) system. This advanced system was designed, developed, prototyped, and extensively tested by GEOMET.  The STEPO system is an OSHA Level A system that provides protection against Chemical Warfare Agents, toxic industrial chemicals (TICS), petroleum oil and lubricants (POLs), and rocket fuels. GEOMET was the prime contractor and system integrator for this R&D effort as well as the prime contractor for the production and fielding of the STEPO to the user community. Fielding to over 70 user locations was completed in January 2003.

The STEPO system consists of a one-piece, totally encapsulating, chemical protective garment; NIOSH approved, 4-hour, closed-circuit breathing apparatus; NIOSH approved, open circuit, self contained breathing apparatus/supplied air respirator (SCBA/SAR); personal ice cooling system; and communications equipment. Highlights of the STEPO program are as follows:

• Design and development of an integrated multi-component personal protective equipment system for use in operations involving the handling of chemical warfare agents
• Oversight/management of the design and fabrication of system subcomponents
• Review and evaluation of advanced multi-laminate material composites for use in the protective garment component
• Material test and evaluation to verify performance properties, including chemical and agent resistance, decontamination, physical properties, flame resistance, durability, and electrostatic resistance.
• Development of relevant operations and maintenance manuals as well as training materials
• Logistics support analysis and development of logistics support package including drawings, spare parts lists, tool lists, etc.

With the STEPO system, GEOMET has successfully integrated state-of-the-art technologies into a wearable, workable protective system.