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FAQs on Respiratory Protection

Protection Factor

FAQs 2.How to assess respirator fitting?
1. How to calculate protection factor? Face fit for the wearer is critical as the face-fitting
You should aim at reducing the concentration inside the respirator range relies on a tight face fit, to be effective. Facial
to below any applicable occupational exposure limit (OEL). RPD features such as scars and beards, as well as the
uses a system called Assigned Protection Factor (APF), the factor by shape and size of the wearer's head and face can
which the equipment reduces the contaminant concentration. An affect the fit. A formal fit test is essential.
APF of 4, for example, means that the contaminant concentration
will reduce to a quarter. Choose the equipment that has an APF 3.When is respirator fit test required?
which exceeds the OEL, keeping margin for equipment error and Fit testing of all negative or positive pressure tight-
other factors. fitting face piece respirators is required prior to initial
use, whenever a different respirator face piece is
used, and at least annually thereafter. An additional
Example 1: Complete Equipment fit test is required whenever there are changes in the
Filtering half mask FFP1 user's physical condition that could affect respirator
Permitted total inward leakage=22%
fit (e.g. facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic
Nominal 1 1 surgery, or an obvious change in body weight). The
Protection = = X 100 =4.5
Factor Permitted total 22 employee must be fit tested with the same make,
inward leakage model, style, and size of respirator that will be used.

Example 2: Multi-component Equipment 4. What are the guidelines for Selection, Training,
Particle filter P1 and half mask Use, Maintaining and Storing respirators?
Permitted inward leakage through the filter 20% Refer to IS 9623:2008 & IS 8347:2007
Permitted inward leakage at the face seal and exhalation valve 2%
22% 5.How long can a particulate respirator be used
1
Nominal Protection factor = X 100 =4.5 before it must be discarded?
22
Respirators with replaceable filters are reusable, and a
Example 3: respirator classified as disposable may be reused
How to estimate the protection factor required? depending upon the intensity of particulate
Contaminant: Harmful airborne dust matter in the atmosphere. All filters must be replaced
Concentration: The time-weighted average is 20 mg/m 3 whenever they are damaged, soiled, or causing
The occupational exposure limit: 0.2 mg/m 3 discomfort to the wearer (e.g. increased breathing
The required minimum protection factor is 20/0.2=100 resistance). Before each use, the exterior of the
from the list of respiratory protection devices can be seen the types filter material should be inspected. If the filter
of equipment which may meet this requirement if used correctly. material is physically damaged or soiled, the filter
should be changed (in the case of respirators with
replaceable filters) or the respirator discarded (in the
Example 4: case of disposable respirators). Always follow the
The maximum allowed concentration of contaminant with P2 filter respirator manufacturer user instructions. Employers
and full face mask: must develop standard operating procedures for
Contaminant : Chlorine storing, reusing and disposing of respirators that have
Occupational exposure limit : 1 ppm been designated as disposable and for disposing of
Full face mask gives a nominal protection factor replaceable filter elements.
P2 + full mask gives a nominal protection factor 2000
2000x1ppm=2000 ppm=0.2% chlorine

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