Facilities available for Testing of Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RETL)

Introduction

Most of the chemicals that are used, handled, processed or manufactured in industries are harmful to the workers in varying degrees. These chemicals may be toxic, corrosive or carcinogenic and may cause health hazards through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. Technological measures are practiced in many industries to control toxic contaminants in work environment. However, there are situations when the use of respiratory devices becomes vital and essential.

Most of the chemicals that are used, handled, processed or manufactured in industries are harmful to the workers in varying degrees. These chemicals may be toxic, corrosive or carcinogenic and may cause health hazards through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. Technological measures are practiced in many industries to control toxic contaminants in work environment. However, there are situations when the use of respiratory devices becomes vital and essential.

It has been observed from the Hand Book of Labour Statistics (1992), of Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour, Government of India, Chandigarh/Shimla that every year more number of workers get exposed to the various types of chemicals and contract occupational diseases. Thus, PPE play an important role in safe-guarding the health of the industrial workers from various occupational diseases, provided they meet the requirements of the specified standard of BIS.
objective
The main objectives of Respiratory Equipment Testing Laboratory are :

• The main objectives of Respiratory Equipment Testing Laboratory are :
• To render Technical advice to the manufacturers on the functional efficiency and the quality improvement and guidance to the user industries on selection, use, care and maintenance of the respiratory PPE.

Amendment In The Factories Act

First Schedule {Section 2 (cb)} of the Factories (Amendment) Act, 1987 provides the list of 29 different industries involving hazardous processes Second Schedule (Section 41-F) lists the permissible levels of 117 toxic chemicals causing various occupational diseases by entering into body through the vital respiratory mode. In view of this, it is of foremost importance to use various respiratory PPE as the preventive measures against these toxic chemicals. Rule 81 of Model Rules under the Factories Act, 1948 (corrected upto 31.3.1987), Government of India, prescribes the use of various PPE.

Achievements
Disposable dust masks

A simple, inexpensive, comfortable and disposable type dust mask was developed by this Laboratory. It was made from low cost man-made fibres by the die-punch moulding technique. Developed masks were subjected to performance tests in accordance with the U.S. Bureau of Mines specifications. Extensive work was carried out on these masks to determine the performance parameters such as filtering efficiency, breathing resistance and mechanical strength. The complete know-how data was transferred to the National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC), New Delhi for its transmission to the industries for its commercial production.

Present Testing Facilities :

Now, this Laboratory is equipped with the facilities to undertake the testing of canister, cartridge type respirators and dust respirators as per the Standard specifications laid down by the BIS.

Canister and cartridge type respirators are tested against the following gases and vapour.

• Chlorine
• Ammonia
• Sulphur dioxide
• Hydrogen sulphide and
• Organic vapour.

Type of PPE BIS Standard and related Tests

CANISTER TYPE (Gas Mask) IS : 8523 – 1977*

Performance Tests :

Front or Back Mounted Breathing Resistance :

Chin Type	Inhalation Resistance and Exhalation Resistance
Escape Type	Life and efficiency of sorbents against the specific gas/vapour: With Equilibration and Without Equilibration Valve Leakage Test Face Piece fitness test.

CARTRIDGE TYPE IS:8522 – 1977*

Similar tests as mentioned above

DUST RESPIRATOR IS:9473 – 1980*

Reaffirmed in February, 1991

Breathing Resistance : With Equilibration and Without Equilibration Efficiency of the filter against silica dust Valve leakage test Pressure tightness test and Coal dust tightness test (face piece fitness test)

Aspects On Which The User Industries Are Advised:

• Type of PPE
• Quality and performance
• Workers’ views/suggestions towards the acceptability/suitability of PPE
• Managements’ views
• Awareness to proper selection, use, care and maintenance of PPE.

Aspects Considered Foradvising The Manufacture:

• Anthropometric data
• Ergonomic design
• Convenience and comfort during use
• Quality and reliability and
• Suitability under tropical conditions

Institutional Fee

Institutional fee is nominal and is basically promotional in nature. The current institutional fee for the service rendered by the Laboratory for testing of various types of respiratory PPE is levied as given below:

Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment

S.No.	Type of Respirator	Institute Fee (Per Sample)
1	Canister Type	Rs. 725/-
2	Combination of Cartridge and Mechanical Type (Particulate Filter)	Rs. 725/-
3	Cartridge Type	Rs. 725/-
4	Mechanical Type	Rs. 725/-
5	Breathing Air Cylinder	Rs. 725/-

Facilities available FOR testing of non – respiratory personal protective equipment (NRPPE)