Qualitative fitting characteristics of elastomeric half face-piece respirators using Isoamyl acetate agent

To examine the fit testing of elastomeric half face-piece respirators (EHRs), a total of 41 candidates were randomly assigned into seven EHRs equipped with organic vapor (OV) cartridges which were commonly used in the Iranian industrial workplaces. The qualitative fitting into the facial dimensions...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Industrial Health 2021/03/02, Vol.59(4), pp.272-282
Main Authors: FAKHERPOUR, Anahita, JAHANGIRI, Mehdi, BANAEE, Sean
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetic acid
Country Report
Elastomeric half face-piece respirators
Elastomers
Isoamyl acetate
Isoamyl Acetate (IAA) challenge agent
Local government
Methods
Organic vapor cartridges
Product testing
Protective equipment
Qualitative analysis
Qualitative fit testing
Respirator brand
Respirators
Testing
User satisfaction
Workplaces
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Summary:To examine the fit testing of elastomeric half face-piece respirators (EHRs), a total of 41 candidates were randomly assigned into seven EHRs equipped with organic vapor (OV) cartridges which were commonly used in the Iranian industrial workplaces. The qualitative fitting into the facial dimensions was assessed using the Allegro Isoamyl Acetate fit test kit. While the studied EHRs showed very low passing fit testing rates, the 3M, AoSafety (Medium), and AoSafety (Large) had the highest passing rates with 22.0%, 14.60%, and 9.76%, respectively. The AoSafety (All sizes) delivered a higher passing fit test rate than the 3M brand (29.30 vs. 22.0%). The one size fits all respirators including the DUO and Climax showed lower proportions of passing fit tests compared with AoSafety three-size system brands (2.40% and 4.90% vs. 29.30%). Low fit test passing rates were determined among different respirators. The respirators with various sizes and styles had more opportunities for different wearers to pass the fit test than single size models. The initial and annual fit testing requirements shall be developed by local government. Also, the manufacturers are required to pay attention to respirator features and subject characteristics during the production to obtain satisfactory protection for the end-users.
ISSN:0019-8366
1880-8026
DOI:10.2486/indhealth.2020-0199