A manikin-based assessment of loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirator performance at variable flow rates and work rates.

ABSTRACT: Loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are used in healthcare settings, although barriers to routine, everyday usage remain, including usability concerns and potential interference with work activities. Loose-fitting PAPRs are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and must meet minimum performance requirements, including a minimum airflow requirement of 170 L/min. One course of action to address usability concerns is to allow for the use of PAPRs designed with reduced airflow rates. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of PAPR flow rate and user work rate on PAPR performance, using a manikin-based assessment method. PAPR performance was quantified using the "Manikin Fit Factor" (mFF), a ratio of the challenge

SUBMITTER: Strickland KT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10527853 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature