"Determination of Inhalation Resistance Test, Air-Purifying Respirators Standard Test Procedure (STP)"

This document establishes the procedure for ensuring that the inhalation breathing resistance of chemical cartridge respirators, particulate respirators, gas masks, and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (APRs) submitted for Approval, Extension of Approval, or examined during Certified Product Audits, meets the minimum inhalation resistance requirements set forth in 42CFR, Part 84, Subpart I, Section 84.122, Subpart K, Section 84.172, Subpart L, Section 84.203the Statement of Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Full-Facepiece Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) Revision 2 dated 4-4-2003, and the Statement of Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) dated 9-30-2003.This STP describes the Determination of Inhalation Resistance Test, Air-Purifying Respirators Test in sufficient detail that a person knowledgeable in the appropriate technical field can select equipment with the necessary resolution, conduct the test, and determine whether or not the product passes the test.

A definitive procedure that produces a test result: Examples of test methods include, but are not limited to: identification, measurement, and evaluation of one or more qualities, characteristics, or properties. A precision and bias statement shall be reported at the end of a test method.

A breathing device worn to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. Respirators protect the user in two basic ways. The first is by the removal of contaminants from the air. Respirators of this type include particulate respirators, which filter out airborne particles; and "gas masks” which filter out chemicals and gases. Other respirators protect by supplying clean respirable air from another source. Respirators that fall into this category include airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source; and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which include their own air supply.

• Respirators, General

• Inhalation