Using a Grain Dust Simulator with a Manikin System to Evaluate Performances of Commonly Used Respirators

This research incorporated and validated a manikin-based testing system with a grain dust simulator to simulate respirators' performance in a laboratory setting. Four commonly used respirators were quantified to estimate their SWPFs in a simulated grain-dust environment and compared to real-time dust measurements collected in on-farm grain bins. A successful simulator can advance agricultural health research where variables can be manipulated based on real-time factors to make respirator recommendations for farm use.

Grain dust is a major health risk for farmers working at on-farm grain storage facilities. To reduce exposure, farmers are advised to wear filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). A Grain Dust Simulator (GDS) was verified to simulate dusty grain storage environments in a laboratory setting. This study combined the GDS with a manikin system to evaluate the protection performance of four common respiratory protection devices (RPDs), where tests were conducted under four respirable dust concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg m⁻³) and two inhalation flow rates (30 and 85 Lmin⁻¹). Results showed that the manikin-GDS platform was validated for Simulated Workplace Protection Factors (SWPF) under simulated grain bin conditions, with good repeatability. The quantified and compared SWPFs of four respirator types in a simulated grain-dust environment showed clear performance differences, including validation that the nuisance dust mask is not recommended for the grain bin environment. With a specific focus on grain dust hazards, this research supports agricultural safety and health professionals' recommendations for farmers to better understand on-farm respiratory hazards and selection of appropriate protective equipment.