Quantitative fit-test method for powered air-purifying respirators.

The fit-test method for powered air-purifying respirators described here allowed quantitative determination of the leakage of PAPRs that offered PFs ranging from 50 to greater than 10,000. Five types of PAPRs were tested on 10 subjects selected from a test panel representing a wide range of facial sizes. PAPRs tested provided all subjects with PFs of 1000 or greater when operated with the blowers on, while PFs observed with the blower off, for two tight-fitting facepieces, ranged between 50 and 100. The exercises used in these test procedures are believed to be typical of movements made by persons wearing respiratory protective equipment and performing light work. Studies of PFs obtained by workers wearing respiratory protective equipment in industry would be necessary to establish how well the developed laboratory test methods predict the level of protection offered to workers wearing the equipment.