Evaluation of Federal man tests for self-contained breathing apparatus

The transient pulmonary responses to four short duration man tests used in the Federal approval of breathing apparatus were measured. The pulmonary ventilation dropped 30 percent in the first thirty seconds in the periods assigned for samples and readings which were immediately preceded by work. A physiological deficit was incurred during the short duration man tests which meant that less O2 and ventilation were required when compared to steady state responses shown on approval tests. The scheduled man test activities for short duration breathing apparatus should be revised and made more vigorous to match the intended use of escape apparatus.