T.O.C.

N95 FIT TEST - SACCHARIN/BEATRIX® PROTOCOL

1. The test subject shall be allowed to smell a weak concentration of the agent to familiarize themselves with its characteristic taste. This step can be delayed and incorporated into the final step of the fit test procedure.
   
2. The test subject shall properly don the respirator selected as above, and wear it for at least 5-10 minutes before starting the fit test.
   
3. The test conductor shall review this protocol with the test subject before testing.
   
4. The test subject shall perform the conventional positive pressure fit check as prescribed by the manufacturer. Failure of the fit check shall be cause to select an alternate respirator.
   
5. Pour approximately 10 milliliters of fit test solution into a clean nebulizer .
   
6. Advise the test subject that the aerosol generated may be irritating to the eyes and instruct the test subject to keep their eyes closed while the test is performed.
   
7. Place the fit test hood over the test subject. The test conductor shall insert the tip of the nebulizer through the opening of the visor and introduce 10 puffs of the test agent. Introduce one puff every 5 seconds for the entire test.
   
8. The following exercises shall be performed while the respirator seal is being challenged by the smoke. Each shall be performed for one minute.
   
   • Normal breathing
     
   • Deep breathing. Breaths should be deep and regular .
     
   • Turning head from side-to-side. Be certain movement is complete. Alert the test subject not to bump the respirator on the shoulders. Have the test subject inhale when his head is at either side.
     
   • Nodding head up-and-down. Be certain motions are complete and made about every second. Alert the test subject not to bump the respirator on the chest. Have the test subject inhale when his head is in the fully up position.
     
   • Reciting the rainbow passage
     
   • Normal breathing
     
   • Detection of the test agent by cracking seal between face to respirator seal.
     
9. If the test agent produces either a sweet or bitter taste detected by the test subject, the test conductor shall stop the test. In this case the test respirator is re-fitted and upon failure of the second trial rejected and another respirator selected.
   
10. Each test subject passing the SaccharinlBeatrix@ test without evidence ofa response shall be given a sensitivity check of the test agent from the same nebulizer to determine whether he/she reacts to the sm-oke. Failure to evoke a response shall void the fittest.
    
11. Respirators successfully tested by the protocol may be used in contaminated atmospheres up to ten times the PEL. In other words this protocol may be used to assign protection factors not exceeding ten.