An evaluation of the efficiency of various respiratory protective equipment, used within platinum processing

Abstract

Workplace performance measurements of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) are fundamental to understanding how well users are protected during work activities. This study evaluated the effectiveness of various respiratory protective devices used within the platinum producing industry and whether facial hair influenced the seal efficiency of the facepiece. Three life-size mannequins, each connected to a personal sampling pump, were used to test the efficiency of respirators within three different work environments. It was found that the 3M 8822, 3M 6000, Moldex 8000 and Drager air-stream helmet all provided effective respiratory protection against airborne contaminants. Results indicated that the 3M 8822 showed an 18% contaminant concentration on the inside of the facepiece, while the 3M 6000 indicated 15% and the Moldex 8000 only 11 %. The airstream helmet was shown to be the most effective with only 2.5% of exposure concentrations being measured on the inside of the mask. Respiratory devices showed a significant effect in two of the sampling areas, concluding that the sampling area does have an effect on the respiratory efficiency. Conversely the effect of facial hair on the seal efficiency of the respirators only indicated a tendency, but no conclusive data were obtained during this study.