§ 84.175 - Instantaneous filter efficiency level determination test - PAPR series HE, PAPR100-N, and PAPR100-P filtration.

§ 84.175 Half-mask facepieces, full facepieces, hoods, helmets, and mouthpieces; fit; minimum requirementsInstantaneous filter efficiency level determination test - PAPR series HE, PAPR100-N, and PAPR100-P filtration.

(a) Half-mask facepieces and full facepieces shall be designed and constructed to fit persons with various facial shapes and sizes either:

(1) By providing more than one facepiece size; or

(2) By providing one facepiece size which will fit varying facial shapes and sizes.

(b) Full facepieces shall provide for optional use of corrective spectacles or lenses, which shall not reduce the respiratory protective qualities of the respirator.

(c) Hoods and helmets shall be designed and constructed to fit persons with various head sizes, provide for the optional use of corrective spectacles or lenses, and insure against any restriction of movement by the wearer.

(d) Mouthpieces shall be equipped with noseclips which are securely attached to the mouthpiece or respirator and provide an airtight seal.

(e) Facepieces, hoods, and helmets shall be designed to prevent eyepiece fogging.

(f) Half-mask facepieces shall not interfere with the fit of common industrial safety corrective spectacles

Three filters from each powered air-purifying particulate respirator for efficiency will be tested against a neat cold-nebulized dioctyl phthalate (DOP) or equivalent aerosol at 25 ± 5 °C that has been neutralized to the Boltzmann equilibrium state.

(b) Single air-purifying particulate respirator filter units will be tested in an atmosphere concentration of 100 mg/m³ of DOP at the following continuous flow rates for a period of 5 to 10 seconds:

Type of respiratory inlet covering	Airflow rate (liters per minute)
Tight-fitting	115
Loose-fitting	170

(c) Powered air-purifying particulate respirators with multiple filter units will be tested by dividing the flow rate specified in paragraph (b) of this section by the total number of filters used.

(d) The filter will be mounted on a connector in the same manner as used on the respirator and the total efficiency must be ≥99.97 percent.