Protection factor/ratio respirators

Protection Factor (PF) The ratio of contaminant concentration outside of the respirator facepiece to that inside. It is taken as an indication of fit. PF values are established by manufacturers for specific types of respirators and are indicators only. Actual protection will depend on how a specific respirator fits a specific individual. Refer also to Fit Factor. 

The protection afforded by a respirator is usually expressed as the protection factor (PF), i.e. the ratio of the concentration of agent outside to that inside the respirator. Respirators are tested on real people using simulated agents most testing is carried out in the laboratory, but work-place/field testing is increasingly being used. 

To make proper selection of any type of RPE, an Indication is needed of Its likely efficiency, when used correctly. In relation to the hazard guarded against. The technical term used in respiratory protection standards to define the equipment s capability is the nominal protection factor, or NPF. For each class of equipment, it is the total Inward leakage requirement set for that class, and therefore does not vary between products meeting the class standards. Manufacturers will supply information on the NPF for their product range — it is the simple ratio between the contaminant outside the respirator (in the ambient air) and the acceptable amount inside the facepiece. Examples of typical NPFs are ... 

First responder operations level individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release OSHA mandates these individuals must receive at least eight hours of training or have sufQcient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in specific critical areas Fission splitting of a nucleus into at least two other nuclei that releases a large amount of energy Fit factor a quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific Individual typically estimates the ratio of the concentration of a substance in ambient air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn... 

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