Search NIOSH | NIOSH Home | NIOSH Topics | Site Index | Databases and Information Resources | NIOSH Products | Contact Us

Fit Test Pilot Studies - FY10

NOTE: This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.

Current Information can be found at: Fit Test Pilot Studies - FY11

Objective

Evaluate the efficacy and benefit of user seal checks (USCs) on N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs)
Evaluate emerging technologies for their potential to locate FFR leaks and identify good and poor fitting FFRs

Infra Red leakage photo and person conducting User Seal Check

Applicable Standards

29 CFR 1910.134 Appendices A, B1 and D
42 CFR 84

Key Partners

None

Stakeholders

OSHA
Manufacturers
Employers
Labor Unions
AIHA
Respirator Users
Healthcare workers
Hospital administrators
Policy makers
Law enforcement
Nursing home workers
General public

Project Scope

Conduct quantitative fit tests on N95 FFRs under varied conditions to assess USC efficacy and /or determine if emerging technologies (IR camera, ultrasound) may be useful in assessing FFR fitting characteristics or discriminating between an adequate and a poor seal between the FFR and the user's face

Milestones

Q1 Complete USC data collection
Q2 Complete IR Camera pilot study data collection
Q3 Complete USC and IR Camera data analysis
Q3 Submit USC to journal
Q4 Determine if follow on studies are warranted

Outputs

Peer-reviewed publications
Presentation at conference and/or stakeholder meetings

Outcomes

Pilot data is used to support full project proposals
Pilot data is used by NIOSH, CDC, OSHA, ISO, and ANSI, in guidance documents, standards, and regulations

Page last updated: April 5, 2010
Page last reviewed: April 5, 2010
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory