Protection Assessment Test System

The M41 Protection Assessment Test System (PATS) was fielded to validate the protection afforded by the M40, M42, and M17 series masks (Figure 16-4). The PATS is a miniature, continuous flow, condensation nuclei counter. It samples particles from ambient air and compares them with particles in the air contained inside the wearer s mask. The resulting numerical values are then used to determine the protection factor (PF) of the mask. The result of the pass/fail test is determined by the mask s ability to provide a PF of 1,667 or greater, which is the minimum army requirement. The PATS ensures that the mask is the proper size for the individual wearer, and that there are no critical leaks in the mask system due to missing or defective parts or improper maintenance. 

Fig. 16-4. The M41 Protection Assessment Test System (PATS). Ambient air is assessed through the green hose. Air inside the mask is assessed through the colorless hose, which couples with the protective mask by means of the drinking tube extension. For further information, see Department of the Army. Protection Assessment Test System (PATS). Washington, DC DA 14 January 1995. Training Circular 3 41.

Facility personnel who perform testing and maintenance on fire protection equipment and systems must be trained, experienced, and knowledgeable in the systems and the protocols for testing and maintenance. Knowledge can include work history, educational experience, craft certification, manufacturer certification, field verification, and job assessment and testing. Facility person-... 

Source characterization results are not located in a centralized facility which is constantly updated. The Environmental Protection Agency has established the Environmental Assessment Data System (EADS) (31) which contains chemical compositions of particulate matter emissions tests. This existing computerized structure can provide the centralized location for receptor model source characterization information. Procedures such as those described for ambient data in the previous section need to be developed in order to allow receptor model users access to this data base over telephone lines. The data required of receptor model source tests should be incorporated into the EADS, and source characterization results should report this information in an EADS compatible format. 

TTie ability of the ventilation system to protect the worker efficiently can readily be determined by personal samples. The PIMEX method (see Chapter 12) can be used to determine the worker s exposure during various work phases. The capture efficiency as well as the supply air fraction can be measured using tracer gas techniques. Simple evaluation is carried out visually with smoke tube or pellet tests. Daily system evaluation is recommended using airflow or static pressure measurements at appropriate parts of the system. The air velocities, turbulence intensities, air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and air humidity should also be measured to provide an assessment ol thermal comfort. 

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