ILO Home
Go to the home page
Site map | Contact us Français | Español

CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)56359
CIS number 91-1195
ISSN - Serial title Cahiers de notes documentaires - Sécurité et hygiène du travail
Year 1990
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Meyer J.P.
Title Respiratory protective equipment against dust (RPE) - Comparison of subjective assessments of comfort and efficiency with the results of standardised tests - Practical considerations
Original title Appareils de protection respiratoire contre les poussières - Comparaison de l'évaluation subjective avec les tests objectifs normalisés - Intérêt pratique [in French]
Bibliographic information 4th Quarter 1990, No.141, Note No.1805-141-90, p.825-831. Illus. 31 ref.
Abstract Subjective assessments of comfort and efficiency of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) against dust have been carried out in healthy volunteers during standardised inward leakage tests. The results show a clear-cut difference between two RPE classes, facepieces and filters (Pcart) and filtering facepieces (Ppap). Subjectively, Pcart were felt to be more efficient and less comfortable than Ppap. The comparison between subjective and objective efficiency shows that for Pcart subjective estimates have a good correlation with actual efficiency. For Ppap, whatever their measured leakage, subjective efficiency is always estimated as poor. Under the experimental conditions of this study, breathing is only slightly hampered by any RPE. The discomfort of Ppap is related to their reduced field of vision. The strap system is the main discomfort source of Pcart. These results have to be considered for dust RPE selection and user's information in order to improve the protection of workers.
Descriptors (primary) evaluation of equipment; respirators; respirable dust
Descriptors (secondary) filtration efficiency; subjective assessment; toxic substances; collection efficiency; comparative study; visual comfort; particulate removing respirators; exposure tests; comfort assessment
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceFrance
Subject(s) Dust, aerosols and related diseases
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Respiratory protection