[A comparative study on sampling methods of disposable dust masks for fit tests (2)]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Industrial Hygiene
• Respiratory Protection

Background:

• Current Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) do not approve commonly used mask fit test guides.
• Fit testing is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the applicability of non-destructive test guides for fit testing under the JIS Quantitative Fit Test Short Protocol.
• To determine if widely used Japanese mask fit test guides are equivalent to approved probe attachments using light-scattering devices.

Main Methods:

• Compared Fit Factor (FF) values from test guides and disposable test guides against JIS-approved probe attachments.
• Utilized ANSI Z88.10-2010 Annex A2 criteria for evaluation.
• Employed light-scattering-based measuring devices for quantitative fit testing.

Main Results:

• Both test guides and disposable test guides demonstrated FF values meeting mandatory and additional criteria compared to probe attachments.
• Pass/fail consistency between probe attachments and test guides was approximately 80%.
• An exclusion range (FF 72-138) was calculated, accounting for device variability and excluding ~11% of data.

Conclusions:

• Test guides and disposable test guides are applicable for fit testing under the JIS short protocol using light-scattering devices.
• These guides provide evaluations equivalent to probe attachments, ensuring reliable pass/fail outcomes.
• Strict evaluation of insertion leakage with these guides reduces false positives, enhancing worker protection.