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Workplace protection factors--supplied air hood
T J Nelson1, T H Wheeler, T S Mustard
1NIHS Inc. Ardentown, DE 19190, USA.
AIHAJ : a Journal for the Science of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety
|March 22, 2001
Summary
This study evaluated supplied air hoods used in aircraft sanding and painting. Results show these respirators adequately protected workers from strontium chromate exposure, supporting the assigned protection factor of 1,000.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Industrial Hygiene
- Respiratory Protection
Background:
- Assigned protection factors (APFs) for supplied air hoods vary significantly between organizations, ranging from <10 to 2,000.
- Evaluating the realism of the American National Standard (ANSI) Z88.2 assigned protection factor of 1,000 for supplied air hoods is crucial for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the workplace protection factors (WPFs) of supplied air hoods during aircraft sanding and painting operations.
- To determine if the ANSI Z88.2 APF of 1,000 is a realistic measure of protection against strontium chromate exposure.
Main Methods:
- Measured workplace protection factors (WPFs) of supplied air hoods in real-world aircraft sanding and painting scenarios.
- Collected air samples inside the hoods to quantify worker exposure to strontium chromate.
Main Results:
- Supplied air hoods demonstrated adequate performance during aircraft sanding and painting.
- No exposure to strontium chromate was detected inside the hoods for employees performing these tasks.
Conclusions:
- The measured WPFs support the ANSI Z88.2 assigned protection factor of 1,000 for supplied air hoods.
- The findings are consistent with previous simulated and workplace protection factor studies, validating the respirator's efficacy.