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Comparison of the companion and modified PortaCount methods for fit testing N95 respirators.

Zhuang Z; Coffey CC; Campbell DL; Myers WR

ISRP International Conference 1999 Oct; :1

http://www.isrp.com.au/isrpcom/journal/pa_abstracts/abstract__zhuang.htm

20023191

In 1995, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) revised the particulate respirator performance regulations contained in Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84. Soon after questions arose regarding whether N95 respirators (one of the new classes of particulate respirators) could be quantitatively fit tested. In response, NIOSH and TSI Incorporated researchers developed a method for fit testing N95 filtering-facepiece respirators using the PortaCount Plus. The PortaCount Plus fit test was designed to measure fit factors (i.e., face seal leakage only). Due to some N95 filter media having significant penetration of ambient particles, the PortaCount Plus when used with a N95 respirator may not measure just face seal leakage but total penetration (i.e., filter penetration and face seal leakage). Total penetration was converted to face seal leakage by subtracting out filter penetration. A filter ratio test clamp was developed to measure filter penetration with the PortaCount Plus. TSI also developed a new accessory (the N95-COMPANION for the PortaCount Plus) to fit test N95 respirators. The purpose of this study was to determine how well the fit factors from these two methods correlate. The facepiece fit of each respirator model was measured on a panel of subjects with varying face sizes. A "standard" PortaCount Plus test was conducted for each subject/respirator combination. Immediately after the "standard" PortaCount Plus test, a fit test for each subject/respirator combination was conducted using the N95-COMPANION in conjunction with the PortaCount Plus without the respirator being redone. After the N95-COMPANION test, filter penetration was measured on each respirator using the PortaCount Plus with the clamp, and an adjusted fit factor computed. The results of analysis of variance indicated that the geometric mean of the N95-Companion fit factor (49) was not significantly different from the geometric mean of the adjusted fit factor (35).

Respirators; Respiratory-rate; Quantitative-analysis; Filters; Respiratory-protective-equipment; Respiratory-protection; Personal-protective-equipment

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, MS H-117, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505-2888, USA

19991010

Abstract; Conference/Symposia Proceedings

2000

DRDS

Research Tools and Approaches; Control Technology & Personal Protective Equipment

International Society for Respiratory Protection International Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, October 10-14, 1999

WV