Comparison of Five Methods for Fit-Testing N95 Filtering-Facepiece Respirators

Coffey, Christopher C.; Lawrence, Ryan E.; Zhuang, Ziqing; Campbell, D.; Jensen, Paul; Myers, Walter Dean

doi:10.1080/10473220290107002

Cited by 62 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…(2) The α errors for the three fit-test methods used in this study were approximately 50 percent. If these false conclusions of inadequate protection were removed from the data set of subjects failing a fit-test method, then the resulting 5th percentile could be much lower.…”

Section: Effect Of Fit Testing On Level Of Protectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Because current fit-test methods are not error free, the errors inherent in fit-testing methods can result in individuals inappropriately being assigned poorly fitting respirators for use in hazardous environments. (2) The chance of an individual being assigned a poorly fitting respirator rises with increasing fit-testing error and falls with improvements in the face-fitting characteristics of the respirator.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparison of Performance of Three Different Types of Respiratory Protection Devices

Lawrence

Duling

Calvert

et al. 2006

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene

Self Cite

130

136

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Respiratory protection is offered to American workers in a variety of ways to guard against potential inhalation hazards. Two of the most common ways are elastomeric N95 respirators and N95 filtering-facepiece respirators. Some in the health care industry feel that surgical masks provide an acceptable level of protection in certain situations against particular hazards. This study compared the performance of these types of respiratory protection during a simulated workplace test that measured both filter penetration and face-seal leakage. A panel of 25 test subjects with varying face sizes tested 15 models of elastomeric N95 respirators, 15 models of N95 filtering-facepiece respirators, and 6 models of surgical masks. Simulated workplace testing was conducted using a TSI PORTACOUNT Plus model 8020, and consisted of a series of seven exercises. Six simulated workplace tests were performed with redonning of the respirator/mask occurring between each test. The results of these tests produced a simulated workplace protection factor (SWPF). The geometric mean (GM) and the 5th percentile values of the SWPFs were computed by category of respiratory protection using the six overall SWPF values. The level of protection provided by each of the three respiratory protection types was compared. The GM and 5th percentile SWPF values without fit testing were used for the comparison, as surgical masks were not intended to be fit tested. The GM values were 36 for elastomeric N95 respirators, 21 for N95 filtering-facepiece respirators, and 3 for surgical masks. An analysis of variance demonstrated a statistically significant difference between all three. Elastomeric N95 respirators had the highest 5th percentile SWPF of 7. N95 filtering-facepiece respirators and surgical masks had 5th percentile SWPFs of 3 and 1, respectively. A Fisher Exact Test revealed that the 5th percentile SWPFs for all three types of respiratory protection were statistically different. In addition, both qualitative (Bitrex and saccharin) and quantitative (N95-Companion) fit testing were performed on the N95 filtering- and elastomeric-facepiece respirators. It was found that passing a fit test generally improves the protection afforded the wearer. Passing the Bitrex fit test resulted in 5th percentile SWPFs of 11.1 and 7.9 for elastomeric and filtering-facepiece respirators, respectively. After passing the saccharin tests, the elastomeric respirators provided a 5th percentile of 11.7, and the filtering-facepiece respirators provided a 5th percentile of 11.0. The 5th percentiles after passing the N95-Companion were 13.0 for the elastomeric respirators and 20.5 for the filtering-facepiece respirators. The data supports fit testing as an essential element of a complete respiratory protection program.

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Section: Effect Of Fit Testing On Level Of Protectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of Performance of Three Different Types of Respiratory Protection Devices

Lawrence

Duling

Calvert

et al. 2006

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene

Self Cite

130

136

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, the procedure requires rather expensive and complex devices as well as trained specialists. Moreover, the obtained results will depend not only upon particle size and testing method but also upon the conditions of mixing the flows under the half-mask, the position of sampling probe, and the gap along the obturation line, if any [7][8][9]. The method disadvantage is the impossibility to evaluate the protective properties under working conditions as to obtain the average coefficient of penetration.…”

Section: Analysis Of Scholarly Research Sourcesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation оf the Protective Properties of Filtering Half-Masks by Measuring Pressure Difference

Голинько¹,

Cheberiachko²,

Yavorska³

2018

Sci. innov.

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Introduction. An important characteristic of respirator is the capability of its half-mask to protect the respiratory organs against the surrounding contaminated atmosphere due to a tight half-mask-face contact. Problem statement. Keeping a constant pressure difference under the mask is a low-cost and simple method of alternative diagnostics of half-mask protective properties involving special-purpose test aerosols. The method is based on the determination of the air amount entrained through the gaps while generating rarefaction within the under-mask area. However, there have been no recommendations on the use of the method for evaluating the insulating properties of lightweight filtering half-masks from under which it is impossible to evacuate air. Purpose is to represent a simplified method with measuring the rarefaction under a filtering half-mask making possible to determine its insulating properties and protection coefficient. Materials and Methods. Protection coefficient of respirator can be evaluated in terms of air amount passing through the filtering material and gaps with the preset coefficient of penetration and suction. The latter is calculated as coefficient of aspiration into the gap of the preset length. Air consumption is determined experimentally as pressure difference between the half-mask mounted tightly on a dummy and the tubes of preset diameter positioned along the obturation line. Results. A calibration line of the relation between the pressure difference and the air consumption through a gap for the filtering half-masks has been developed. Coefficients of insulation and protection of Lepestok-type respirators have been calculated. The protection coefficients have been established to proportionally depend on the ratio of air consumption through a filter and gaps between the face and the half-mask along the obturation line.Conclusions. It has been proved that the methods for determining the protective properties of filtering half-masks in terms of measuring pressure difference may be used as a low-cost alternative to expensive diagnostics of the quality of respiratory protective devices. Also, they can be employed for selecting and training workers to properly use the respirators under manufacturing conditions in accordance with EN 529:2006 requirements.

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“…Normally, institutions have several sizes and styles of respirators available because no one size or style fits every face. More details on respirator use and fit testing are available on line (http:// www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/ disp_part/) (Coffey et al 2002). Surgical masks are sometimes recommended for patients who cannot cover their coughs or sneezes, they are less expensive in one study; however, they provided only a 53% reduction in infectious cough aerosol (Dharmadhikari et al 2012).…”

Section: Respiratory Protectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transmission and Institutional Infection Control of Tuberculosis

Nardell

2015

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med

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Tuberculosis (TB) transmission control in institutions is evolving with increased awareness of the rapid impact of treatment on transmission, the importance of the unsuspected, untreated case of transmission, and the advent of rapid molecular diagnostics. With active case finding based on cough surveillance and rapid drug susceptibility testing, in theory, it is possible to be reasonably sure that no patient enters a facility with undiagnosed TB or drug resistance. Droplet nuclei transmission of TB is reviewed with an emphasis on risk factors relevant to control. Among environmental controls, natural ventilation and upper-room ultraviolet germicidal ultraviolet air disinfection are the most cost-effective choices, although high-volume mechanical ventilation can also be used. Room air cleaners are generally not recommended. Maintenance is required for all engineering solutions. Finally, personal protection with fittested respirators is used in many situations where administrative and engineering methods cannot assure protection. HOW TUBERCULOSIS IS TRANSMITTED

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Comparison of Five Methods for Fit-Testing N95 Filtering-Facepiece Respirators

Cited by 62 publications

References 7 publications

Comparison of Performance of Three Different Types of Respiratory Protection Devices

Comparison of Performance of Three Different Types of Respiratory Protection Devices

Evaluation оf the Protective Properties of Filtering Half-Masks by Measuring Pressure Difference

Transmission and Institutional Infection Control of Tuberculosis

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