Work Item
ASTM WK89129
New Test Method for a Simulated Workplace Protection Factor Protocol
1. Scope
In OSHA’s 2006 rulemaking to establish assigned protection factors (APFs), the role and quality of WPF and SWPF studies were a central issue. Ultimately, the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) designated an APF of 25 for a powered air purifying or continuous flow supplied air respirator equipped with a helmet or hood. However, an APF of 1000 is possible if the respirator manufacturer can demonstrate such with a WPF or SWPF study or equivalent testing.2 Unfortunately, since there was no established protocol for determining an SWPF, the agency was left relying on future studies that were “consistent with” the types of SWPF studies that had been submitted.
“Based on its review of the record regarding these respirators, the Agency believes that tight-fitting facepiece PAPRs with hoods and helmets tested in a manner that is consistent with the SWPF testing performed previously under the ORC-LLNL study of respirators in this class [Ex. 3-4-1] will provide the required level of protection for employees who use these respirators.”
The 2001 OCR-LLNL mentioned in the OSHA rule involved subjects performing 12 exercises in a chamber containing a polyethylene glycol aerosol.3 Since that time, SWPF studies of other respirator classes have varied considerably in choice of challenge agent, exercises, laboratory setting, instrumentation, number and nature of subjects, and statistical analyses. The variability ultimately presents OSHA with significant challenges when evaluating the quality of such studies to determine if they meet some measure of minimum quality such that they can be relied upon for decisions related to worker protection.
In addition to allowing a manufacturer to test up to the APF for certain PAPRs, a standardized SWPF protocol might help the agency in evaluating new fit test methods, respirator designs, and applications. The agency is very interested in ensuring that the respiratory protection standard continues to be both relevant and supportive of technological advances. A standardized method for conducting a simulated workplace protection factor study could be incorporated by reference in the OSHA respiratory protection standard to allow new methods, designs or applications. By law, the agency has a bias toward using consensus standards in its rulemakings where possible and appropriate. As OSHA considers the ongoing evolution of respiratory protection, the agency and the profession would benefit from the expertise of the ASTM F23.65 committee in the establishment of recognized and standardized methods for conducting SWPF studies.
Keywords
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Rationale
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The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 01-05-2024
Technical Contact: Lisa Brosseau
Item: 000
Ballot:
Status: