Fit Testing of Powered Respirators and Clean Space Masks My apologies my question was not clear enough.
The question is has anyone any views on testing the Clean Space masks, if so do they do it in the powered on mode or power off mode?
Background
Workers must pass a respirator fit test before they first start wearing a tight fitting respirator. Fit testing measures the effectiveness of the seal between the respirator and the wearers face. It is required for all tight fitting respirators, including:-
- lf face disposable
- half face reusable
- full face reusable
- tight
fitting powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)
Hood Type PAPR
It is not required for hood type air purifying respirators (PAPR). These devices work by over supply of air so the wearer is in positive pressure.
Tight fitting PAPR Operation
The tight fitting (PAPR) work opening the demand valve to supply air to the wearer when the positive pressure inside the facepeice decreases to a present minimum.
Testing of Tight Fitting PAPR
The requirement for testing tight fitting PAPR is to in the negative pressure mode. (fit tested as negative pressure air respirators) This means the powered unit is turned off. A tight fitting mask is not suitable for people with beards.
Clean Space how it works
With the Clean space tight fitting PAPR masks they work by oversupply of air. They maintain as it is an oversupply of air the fit testing can be done in the powered on mode.
Beards and Clean Space Masks
Clean Space advocate as their tight fitting masks work on a positive pressure mode so can be worn with people with beards.
What masks can bearded people wear?
PAPR with a hood.