ASTM E2952-23

Standard Specification for Air-Purifying Respiratory Protective Smoke Escape Devices (RPED)

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of air-purifying respiratory protective smoke escape devices for immediate emergency evacuation without entry/re-entry.  
1.2 The purpose of this specification shall be to provide minimum requirements for respiratory protective escape devices that provide limited protection for 15 min for escape from the by-products of fire, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, other toxic gases, and the effects of radiant heat.  
1.3 The requirements of this specification specify an air-purifying respiratory protective escape device with a laboratory-tested 15-min service life intended to provide head, eye, and respiratory protection from particulate matter, irritants, and toxic gases and vapors commonly produced by fire.  
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests that are used to determine compliance with the performance requirements of this specification shall not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all situations to which individuals can be exposed.  
1.5 This specification shall not apply to the requirements for provision, installation, or use of air-purifying respiratory protective smoke escape devices.  
1.6 This specification shall not apply to respiratory protective escape devices intended for use in circumstances in which an oxygen deficiency (oxygen less than 19.5 % by volume) exists or might exist.  
1.7 This specification is not intended to be used as a detailed manufacturing or purchase specification, but shall be permitted to be referenced as a minimum requirement in purchase specifications.  
1.8 The conformity assessment requirements of Guide F3050, Model C, shall apply to the certification of products in accordance with this specification.  
1.9 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 13.340.30 - Respiratory protective devices
• Technical Committee: E54 - Homeland Security Applications
• Drafting Committee: E54.04 - Public Safety Equipment

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4101-24 - Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM F3387-23 - Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM F3387-19 - Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4101-14e1 - Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4101-14 - Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM F1140-07(2012) - Standard Test Methods for Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of Unrestrained Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1003-11 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1003-11e1 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D4101-10a - Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4101-10 - Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4101-09 - Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4101-08 - Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1003-07 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM F1140-07 - Standard Test Methods for Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of Unrestrained Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4101-07 - Standard Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2007

Overview

ASTM E2952-23: Standard Specification for Air-Purifying Respiratory Protective Smoke Escape Devices (RPED) defines the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of air-purifying smoke escape devices. These devices are intended for emergency situations, offering critical protection for individuals escaping environments filled with harmful by-products of fire, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, toxic gases, and radiant heat.

As established by ASTM International, this standard ensures that RPEDs provide at least 15 minutes of laboratory-tested protection, focusing on head, eye, and respiratory safety. This specification is crucial for manufacturers, certification bodies, and emergency preparedness professionals seeking reliable, standardized products for life safety.

Key Topics

• Design and Construction: RPEDs must consist at least of a hood and an integrated respiratory protection system. Materials must avoid sharp edges, provide eye and head protection, and include tamper-evident seals.

• Performance Requirements: The standard includes detailed criteria for:

  • Carbon dioxide and toxic gas filtration
  • Particulate filtration efficiency (minimum 95%)
  • Maximum allowable breathing resistances for inhalation and exhalation
  • Proper fit and total inward leakage
  • Optical properties, such as light transmission, minimal fogging, and field of vision
  • Resistance to flammability, soot, molten drips, radiant heat, and corrosion

• Testing and Certification: Controlled laboratory tests under various conditions (temperature, vibration, pressure, puncture/tear) validate compliance. The standard aligns conformity assessment with ASTM Guide F3050, Model C.

• Limitations and Exclusions: This specification does not address oxygen-deficient environments (oxygen less than 19.5% by volume), requirements for provision, installation, or user training, or serve as a detailed manufacturing or purchase specification beyond setting minimum requirements.

Applications

Air-Purifying RPEDs specified under ASTM E2952-23 are vital for emergency evacuations during building fires in settings such as:

• Commercial and residential buildings
• Industrial and manufacturing facilities
• Public transportation systems (e.g., subway stations, airports, tunnels)
• Hotels, hospitals, and high-occupancy structures

These devices are often included in emergency kits for personnel, building occupants, and visitors. They are especially valuable for environments where fire by-products present acute, short-duration breathing hazards, but oxygen levels remain adequate. Compliance with this standard assures users and safety managers that escape devices meet recognized international safety and performance benchmarks.

Related Standards

Professionals referencing ASTM E2952-23 should be aware of these closely related standards and procedures:

• ASTM B117: Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus (relevant for corrosion testing)
• ASTM D1003: Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics (used for optical testing)
• ASTM F3387: Practice for Respiratory Protection
• EN 136: Respiratory protective devices - Full face masks - Requirements, testing, marking
• ISO/IEC 17065: Conformity Assessment - Product Certification Requirements
• ISO 9001 / 9002: Quality Management Systems
• NFPA 1981: Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Service
• NIOSH CBRN Procedures: Laboratory durability and conditioning protocols for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear escape respirators

Selecting products in accordance with ASTM E2952-23, while considering these related standards, helps organizations optimize emergency preparedness and meet international best practices in personal protective equipment for smoke escape.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2952 − 23
Standard Specification for
Air-Purifying Respiratory Protective Smoke Escape Devices
(RPED)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2952; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.9 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
1.1 This specification covers the minimum requirements for
standard.
the design, performance, testing, and certification of air-
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
purifying respiratory protective smoke escape devices for
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
immediate emergency evacuation without entry/re-entry.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.2 The purpose of this specification shall be to provide
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
minimum requirements for respiratory protective escape de-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
vices that provide limited protection for 15 min for escape from
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
the by-products of fire, including particulate matter, carbon
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
monoxide, other toxic gases, and the effects of radiant heat.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.3 The requirements of this specification specify an air-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
purifying respiratory protective escape device with a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
laboratory-tested 15-min service life intended to provide head,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
eye, and respiratory protection from particulate matter,
irritants, and toxic gases and vapors commonly produced by
2. Referenced Documents
fire.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests that are used to determine
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance
compliance with the performance requirements of this specifi-
of Transparent Plastics
cation shall not be deemed as establishing performance levels
D4101 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
for all situations to which individuals can be exposed.
Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
F1140 Test Methods for Internal Pressurization Failure Re-
1.5 This specification shall not apply to the requirements for
sistance of Unrestrained Packages
provision, installation, or use of air-purifying respiratory pro-
F3050 Guide for Conformity Assessment of Personal Pro-
tective smoke escape devices.
tective Clothing and Equipment
1.6 This specification shall not apply to respiratory protec-
F3387 Practice for Respiratory Protection
tive escape devices intended for use in circumstances in which
2.2 CEN Standard:
an oxygen deficiency (oxygen less than 19.5 % by volume)
EN 136 Respiratory protective devices - Full face masks -
exists or might exist.
Requirements, testing, marking
1.7 This specification is not intended to be used as a detailed
2.3 ISO Standards:
manufacturing or purchase specification, but shall be permitted
ISO/IEC 17065 Conformity Assessment—Requirements for
to be referenced as a minimum requirement in purchase
Bodies Certifying Products, Processes and Services
specifications.
ISO 9001 Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in
1.8 The conformity assessment requirements of Guide
F3050, Model C, shall apply to the certification of products in
accordance with this specification.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Homeland Security Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee the ASTM website.
E54.04 on Public Safety Equipment. Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as E2952 – 22. DOI: Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
10.1520/E2952-23. la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2952 − 23
Design, Development, Production, Installation, and Ser- 3.1.10 donning time, n—time for equipment in hand to be
vicing placed over the head of the wearer and become functional. This
ISO 9002 Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in time shall include the removal of an operational packaging.
Production, Installation, and Servicing.
3.1.11 follow-up program, n—sampling, inspections, tests,
2.4 NFPA Standard:
or other measures conducted by the certification organization
NFPA 1981 Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained
on a periodic basis to determine the continued compliance of
Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Service
listed products that are being produced by the manufacturer to
2.5 NIOSH Procedures:
the requirements of this specification.
NIOSH CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0411, Rev 1.1 Laboratory
3.1.12 gas, n—fluid that has neither independent shape nor
Durability Conditioning Process for Environmental,
volume and tends to expand indefinitely.
Transportation and Rough Handling Use Conditions on
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)
3.1.13 haze, n—percent of incident light that is not trans-
(AirPurifying or Self-Contained) Escape Respirator
mitted in a straight line through the lens but forward scattered,
greater than 2.5° diverging.
3. Terminology
3.1.14 identical respiratory protective escape device,
3.1 Definitions:
n—RPED that is produced to the same engineering and
3.1.1 air-purifying respiratory protective smoke escape
manufacturing specifications.
device, RPED, n—air-purifying respirator used to protect a
person while escaping from a fire by removing certain con- 3.1.15 labeled, adj—equipment or material to which has
taminants of fire-generated products of combustion from the been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an
inhaled air. organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdic-
tion and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains
3.1.2 accessory, n—item that may be provided with an
periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or
RPED that does not affect its ability to meet the requirements
materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates
of this specification.
compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a
3.1.3 approved, adj—acceptable to the authority having
specified manner.
jurisdiction.
3.1.16 light transmission, n—ratio of the luminous (approxi-
3.1.4 authority having jurisdiction, n—organization, office,
mately 380- through 760-mm) radiant power transmitted by an
or individual responsible for approving any equipment, an
object to the incident luminous radiant power.
installation, or a procedure.
3.1.17 listed, adj—equipment, materials, or services in-
3.1.5 basic plane, n—plane through the centers of the
cluded in a list published by the certification organization.
external ear openings and the lower edges of the eye sockets.
3.1.18 melt, v—to change from solid to liquid or become
3.1.6 canister (air purifying), n—container with (1) gas and
consumed by action of heat in a manner that could injure the
vapor-removing sorbent or catalyst, or (2) gas- and vapor-
user.
removing sorbent or catalyst that removes gases and vapors
and filter that removes particles from inspired air (or air drawn
3.1.19 model, n—term used to identify an RPED, including
through the unit). F3387
all variants to its design.
3.1.7 certification/certify, n/adj—system whereby an orga-
3.1.20 product label, n—marking affixed to the RPED by
nization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the
the manufacturer containing general information, warnings,
ability to produce a product that complies with the require-
care, maintenance, or similar data.
ments of this specification, authorizes the manufacturer to use
3.1.20.1 Discussion—This product label is not the certifica-
a label on listed products that comply with the requirements of
tion organization’s label, symbol, or identifying mark;
this specification, and establishes a follow-up program con-
however, the certification organization’s label, symbol, or
ducted by the organization as a check on the methods the
identifying mark may be attached to it or be part of it. See
manufacturer uses to determine continued compliance of
labeled.
labeled and listed products with the requirements of this
specification. 3.1.21 ready-to-use configuration, n—RPED in its final
packaging state before use that, upon opening or removing this
3.1.8 certification organization, n—independent third-party
operational package, allows the user to don the RPED within
organization that determines product compliance with the
the required donning time.
requirements of this specification with a labeling/listing/
follow-up program.
3.1.22 RPED, n—a “short hand” acronym for Air-Purifying
Respiratory Protective Smoke Escape Device.
3.1.9 compliance/compliant, n/adj—meeting or exceeding
all applicable requirements of this specification.
3.1.23 service life, n—the manufacturer-declared duration
of protection provided by the RPED for escape once the
operational packaging is opened or removed from an RPED in
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
a ready-to-use configuration.
Available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600
Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, http://www.cdc.gov. 3.1.24 shall, v—indicates a mandatory requirement.
E2952 − 23
3.1.25 shelf life, n—duration that an RPED can be stored minimum gas life of 15 min for the breakthrough conditions for
under proper conditions in its ready-to-use configuration and each of the specific gases detailed herein.
remain suitable for use.
4.9 Inhalation Temperature—RPED shall be tested for in-
spired air temperature as specified in 7.9. The inhalation
4. Performance Requirements
temperature shall not exceed 90 °C dry bulb or 50 °C wet bulb
when run at a cyclic flow.
4.1 Carbon Dioxide (CO ) Inhalation—RPED shall be
tested for CO levels in the inspired air stream as specified in
4.10 Soot Particulate:
7.1 and shall not contain CO concentration levels that exceed
4.10.1 RPED shall be tested for increased inhalation breath-
2.5 %.
ing resistance as a result of soot particulate as specified in 7.10.
4.2 Donning—RPED shall be tested for donning ability as The inhalation breathing resistance shall not exceed 204 mm
specified in 7.2. The time needed to don the RPED shall not water column.
exceed 30 s.
4.10.2 RPED shall be tested for increased exhalation breath-
ing resistance as a result of soot particulate as specified in 7.10.
4.3 Breathing Resistance:
The exhalation breathing resistance shall not exceed 153 mm
4.3.1 RPED shall be tested for resistance to breathing as
water column.
specified in 7.3. The maximum inhalation resistance shall be
81.5 mm water column below ambient pressure from the 4.11 Molten Polymeric Drip Resistance:
beginning of the test until its conclusion. 4.11.1 RPED shall be tested for resistance to molten drips as
4.3.2 RPED shall be tested for resistance to breathing as specified in 7.11. Any after flame shall not exceed 5 s.
specified in 7.3. The maximum exhalation resistance shall be
4.11.2 RPED shall be tested for resistance to molten drips as
30.6 mm water column above ambient pressure from the specified in 7.11. The decrease in inhalation resistance shall not
beginning of the test until its conclusion.
exceed 25 %.
4.11.3 RPED shall be tested for resistance to molten drips as
4.4 Particulate Filtration—RPED shall be tested for the
specified in 7.11. No component shall drip, melt, or develop a
filtration of particles as specified in 7.4. The minimum filtration
hole that is visible to the unaided eye.
efficiency shall be 95 % at any time during the test.
4.5 Total Inward Leakage:
5. Design Requirements
4.5.1 RPED shall be tested for proper fit as specified in 7.5.
5.1 General:
The maximum total inward leakage of the challenge agent shall
5.1.1 The design of the RPED shall provide protection to the
be an average of 2 % of the inhaled air for any of the test
wearer’s head, eyes, and respiratory system specified by this
subjects in any of the test exercises.
specification.
4.5.2 The measured inward leakage shall include the exha-
5.1.2 The RPED shall consist of at least a hood and a
lation valve leakage.
respiratory protection system that incorporates a canister.
4.6 Optical Properties:
5.1.2.1 At a minimum, the canister shall be provided with an
4.6.1 Light Transmission—The vision area of the RPED
operational packaging seal that meets the requirements of
shall be tested for light transmission as specified in 7.6.1. The
7.7.2.
vision area shall have minimum light transmission of 20 % and
5.1.3 All materials shall be free of sharp edges, burrs, and
the haze shall not exceed 15 %.
rough spots.
4.6.2 Field of Vision—The field of vision of the RPED shall
5.1.4 Materials containing latex shall be labeled as such.
be tested as specified in 7.6.2 and shall have a score of at least
5.1.5 The RPED shall not require the use of hands to
70.
maintain the RPED in place on the user or maintain the proper
4.6.3 Fogging—The vision area of the RPED shall be tested
functioning of the RPED other than for donning and doffing.
for fogging as specified in 7.6.3. The test subject shall be
5.1.6 The RPED shall have a tamper seal in its ready-to-use
capable of reading the Snellen eye chart at the 20/100 level.
configuration. The tamper seal shall indicate whether the
4.6.4 Ocular Leakage—RPED shall be tested for ocular
ready-to-use configuration of the RPED has been breached.
leakage as specified in 7.6.4. The maximum total ocular
5.1.7 The tamper seal shall be secured against accidental
leakage of the challenge agent shall be an average of 20 % of
opening but shall be able to be broken rapidly without the use
the outside challenge environment for any of the test subjects
of tools. Where the tamper seal has been broken, it shall be
in any of the test exercises.
visually obvious.
4.7 Burst Strength: 5.1.8 The operational packaging seal required by 7.7 shall
be permitted to be the same as the tamper seal.
4.7.1 The RPED shall be tested for burst strength in its
ready to use configuration as specified in 7.7.1.
5.2 Hood:
4.7.2 The RPED in the ready-to-use configuration shall not
5.2.1 The RPED shall be designed as a hooded device. The
experience a package burst until the internal pressure has been
hood shall cover the entire head of the wearer.
raised by at least 450 mbar (6.5 psi).
5.2.2 The RPED hood shall be available in not more than
4.8 Chemical Capacity—The RPED shall be tested for gas three separate and distinct sizes that fit all the anatomical
breakthrough as specified in 7.8. The RPED shall have a dimensions specified in Table 1.
E2952 − 23
TABLE 1 Face, Neck, and Head Anatomical Dimensions
requirements of this specification with the accessories in-
Small (mm) Medium (mm) Large (mm) stalled. In all cases, such accessories shall not degrade the
Head 527–552 553–578 579–604
performance of the RPED.
Circumference
Neck 295–351 352–408 409–465
6. Conditioning
Circumference
A
Face Length 98.5–108.5 109–128.5 129–138.5
6.1 General:
Lip Length 40–46 47–54 55–61
6.1.1 For the purpose of initial certification, a total of 42
A
Menton-nasal root depression length.
RPED in the ready-to-use configuration shall be used as test
specimens.
6.1.2 Ten of the RPED to be used for testing for the
5.2.3 The RPED hood shall include an area for field of
performance requirements specified in 4.5 shall be uncondi-
vision.
tioned.
5.2.4 The hood shall be compatible with the wearing of
6.1.3 The remaining 32 RPED shall be conditioned as
eyeglasses.
specified in this section and in Table 2.
5.3 Respiratory Protection System: 6.1.3.1 Thirty-one RPED shall be sequentially subjected to
5.3.1 The respiratory protection system shall consist of a
the conditioning procedures specified in 6.2 and 6.3 before
canister and a means of conveying the purified air to the wearer testing for the performance requirements specified in 4.1, 4.3,
such that the RPED meets the performance requirements of 4.1
4.4, 4.6.1, 4.6.3, and 4.7 – 4.11.
– 4.10 except 4.7. 6.1.3.2 Two RPED shall be subjected only to the condition-
5.3.2 The respiratory protection system shall be designed in ing procedure specified in 6.4 before testing for the perfor-
such a manner that the canister(s) shall not be degraded by the mance requirements specified in 4.2 and 4.6.2
CO and humidity of the user’s exhaled air. 6.1.4 The conditioned or unconditioned state of the RPED
5.3.3 The canister(s) shall be designed and installed so that shall be as specified in Table 2.
the inhaled gas first passes through the particulate component
6.2 Vibration Conditioning:
before passing through the gas protection component.
6.2.1 Each RPED shall be placed into a compartment of the
5.4 Accessories: vibration equipment as specified in Fig. 1(a) and (b). Each
5.4.1 Any accessories that are attached to an RPED shall not RPED shall be conditioned in the ready-to-use configuration.
interfere with the function of the RPED or with the function of The compartment shall be sized to allow horizontal movement
any of the RPED component parts. in any direction of 7 mm 6 3 mm and free vertical movement.
5.4.2 Where an RPED is provided with an accessory or 6.2.2 The vibration equipment shall consist of a steel case
accessories that are attached to or integrated with the RPED, affixed to a vertically moving piston that is attached to a
the RPED shall meet all of the design and performance rotating cam. The combined piston and case shall be raised by
TABLE 2 RPED Initial Certification Testing Matrix
Test Specimen Number
Conditioning Section
Test Section
Vibration 6.2 Durability 6.3 Temperature 6.4 No Conditioning
7.1 CO 41 41 41
7.2 Donning 1-2
7.3 Air Flow Resistance 3–4 3–4 3–4
7.4 Particulate Filtration 4 4 4
7.5 Inward Leakage Fit 5–14
7.6.1 Light Transmission 15 15 15
7.6.2 Field of Vision 1
7.6.4 Ocular Leakage 5–14
7.7 Burst Strength Test 16 16 16
7.8 Capacity 17–37 17–37 17–37
7.9 Inhalation Temperature 38 38 38
7.10 Soot Particulate 39 39 39
7.11 Molten Polymeric Drip 40 40 40
Test Specimen Number Test Section Conditioning Requirements
1 7.6.2 Field of Vision Temperature (6.4)
1–2 7.2 Donning Temperature (6.4)
3–4 7.3 Air Flow Resistance All
4 7.4 Particulate Filtration All
5–14 7.5 Inward Leakage Fit None
5–14 7.6.4 Ocular Leakage None
15 7.6.1 Light Transmission All
16 7.7 Burst Strength Test All
17–37 7.8 Capacity All
38 7.9 Inhalation Temperature All
39 7.10 Soot Particulate All
40 7.11 Molten Polymeric Drip All
41 7.1 CO All
E2952 − 23
FIG. 1 (a) Vibration Test Device
FIG. 1 (b) Vibration Test Device (continued)
a rotating cam to a vertical height of 19 mm 6 1 mm and 6.3 Durability Conditioning:
allowed to fall under its own weight onto a steel plate as the 6.3.1 The rough handling drop test will be conducted on the
cam rotates at a rate of 100 rpm 6 2 rpm. number of required RPED test specimens as listed in Table 2 of
6.2.3 Each RPED shall be vibrated for 10 000 cycles. this standard. The test specimens shall be conditioned as
E2952 − 23
specified in Section 6 and in Table 2 of this standard. The test 7.3.4 The open end of the pressure probe shall extend a
method shall be in accordance with NIOSH CET-APRS-STP- maximum of 460 mm and a minimum of 25 mm outward from
CBRN-0411, Rev 1.1, sections 5.6.1 through 5.6.9. the back surface of the test head form.
7.3.5 A maximum 1.5 m length of nominal 5 mm inside
6.4 Temperature Conditioning:
diameter (ID) flexible smoothbore tubing with a nominal 2 mm
6.4.1 RPED shall be conditioned at 0 °C 6 2 °C for 24 h 6
wall thickness shall be permitted to be connected from the open
1 h, followed by conditioning at 70 °C 6 2 °C for 24 h 6 1 h.
end of the pressure probe to the inlet of the pressure transducer.
6.4.2 The transfer time of RPED between the elevated and
7.3.6 A differential pressure transducer that has the follow-
low temperatures shall not exceed 5 min.
ing characteristics shall be used:
6.4.3 The low-temperature chamber recovery time after the
7.3.6.1 Range—226 mm of water differential,
door is closed shall not exceed 10 min.
7.3.6.2 Linearity—60.5 % full-scale (FS) best straight line,
6.4.4 After thermal conditioning, all but two of the RPED
7.3.6.3 Line Pressure Effect—Less than 1 % FS zero shift/68
shall be conditioned at room temperature for a minimum of
bar,
24 h before testing begins.
7.3.6.4 Output—62.5 V DC for 6FS,
6.4.5 The two remaining RPED shall be used for the testing
7.3.6.5 Output Ripple—10 mV peak to peak,
required by 7.2.
7.3.6.6 Regulation—FS output shall not change more than
7. Test Methods 60.1 % for input voltage change from 25 V to 35 V DC,
NOTE 1—Unless otherwise specified, tolerances of 60.1 mm shall be
7.3.6.7 Operating Temperature—From -54 °C to 121 °C,
applied for dimensions of test fixtures.
7.3.6.8 Compensated Temperature—From -18 °C to 71 °C,
7.1 Carbon Dioxide Test: and
7.1.1 One RPED of each style or model of RPED shall be 7.3.6.9 Temperature Effects—Within 2 % FS/56 °C error
tested. band.
7.1.2 Testing shall be conducted as specified in the carbon
7.3.7 The differential pressure transducer shall be appropri-
dioxide test in EN 136.
ately connected to a strip chart recorder or suitable data
acquisition system that has the following characteristics:
7.2 Donning Test:
7.3.7.1 A chart width of 250 mm,
7.2.1 The donning test shall be performed within 1 h after
7.3.7.2 A pen speed of at least 730 mm/s (0.333-s FS),
the RPED has been removed from the conditioning specified in
7.3.7.3 An accuracy of 60.25 % FS,
6.4.4.
7.3.7.4 An input voltage range of 0 V to 1 V FS, and
7.2.2 There shall be two test subjects who have not been
7.3.7.5 A span set at 25 mm of chart per 25 mm water
trained in RPED use and have not previously donned an RPED.
column.
The test subjects shall be one female and one male. Neither test
7.3.8 The test head form shall be equipped with a stainless-
subject shall have any obvious mental or physical disabilities
steel breathing tube that has a 23 mm ID. The metal breathing
that prevent donning of the RPED.
tube shall be located on the centerline of the mouth and shall
7.2.3 The test subjects shall be given an RPED in the
be flush with the test head form.
ready-to-use configuration. The test subjects shall be given
7.3.9 The metal breathing tube shall extend outward from
120 s to view the donning instructions that are supplied by the
the back or the base surface of the test head form a minimum
manufacturer or printed on the RPED.
of 203 mm and a maximum of 457 mm.
7.2.4 After the 120 s required in 7.2.3 has passed, the test
7.3.10 If flexible smoothbore tubing is run from the metal
subjects shall be instructed to immediately don the RPED
breathing tube to the inlet connection of the breathing machine,
without any further instruction and the timer shall be started.
it shall have a minimum length of 1.2 m and an ID of 19 mm
7.2.5 The test conductor shall confirm that the unit is
with a nominal 3 mm wall thickness.
positioned on the wearer’s head consistent with the user
7.3.11 A breathing machine as specified in NFPA 1981 shall
information provided by the manufacturer.
be used. The breathing machine shall be calibrated before use.
7.3 Air Flow Resistance Test:
7.3.11.1 The breathing machine shall use the lung breathing
7.3.1 The RPED that is to be tested shall be secured to a
waveform for 40 L ⁄min volume work rate but be set at 19
temperature resistant full-face test head form. Where
breaths per minute yielding a constant ventilation rate of
applicable, manufacturers shall supply fixtures to connect
31.7 L ⁄min and a peak inspiratory flow of 95 L ⁄min 6
mouthpieces to the test head form.
1 L ⁄min.
7.3.2 A pressure probe shall be attached to the test head
7.3.11.2 The test conditions shall be as follows:
form. The pressure probe shall be a 6 mm outside diameter
(1) Ambient Temperature—22 °C 6 3 °C,
(OD) with 2 mm wall thickness metal tube having one open
(2) Relative Humidity—50 % 6 25 %, and
end and one closed end. The closed end shall have four equally
(3) Barometric Pressure—750 mm Hg + 50/-70 mm Hg.
spaced holes, each 2 mm 6 0.1 mm and positioned 6 mm 6
7.3.11.3 The pressure shall be read from the strip chart
0.5 mm from the end of the pressure probe.
recorder to determine pass/fail.
7.3.3 The closed end of the pressure probe shall extend
through the test head form and shall exit at the center of the 7.4 Particulate Filtration Test:
mouth. The pressure probe shall extend 13 mm 6 1.5/-0 mm 7.4.1 The RPED shall be mounted and sealed on a Scott
outward from the surface of the center of the lips. Aviation model No. 803609-01 or 803606-02 test head form, or
E2952 − 23
equivalent, and shall be tested at a continuous air flow rate of categories of Table 1, the RPED shall be apportioned among
85 L ⁄min 6 2.5 L ⁄min. test subjects in the following manner:
(1) Two test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the
7.4.2 The challenge aerosol shall be an unadulterated and
undiluted sodium chloride with a purity level of 99 % or better. small size category of Table 1 shall each be fit tested with one
RPED designed to fit the small/medium size categories,
The temperature of the challenge aerosol during testing shall be
maintained at 25 °C 6 5 °C. The sodium chloride shall have a (2) Two test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the
large size category of Table 1 shall each be fit tested with one
particle size distribution with a count median diameter of
0.075 μm 6 0.020 μm and a maximum standard geometric RPED designed to fit the medium/large size categories,
(3) Three test subjects that meet any combination of the
deviation of 1.86 at the specified test conditions as determined
by a scanning mobility particle size or equivalent instrumen- dimensions specified in Table 1 for the small size or medium
size category shall be fit tested with one RPED designed to fit
tation.
the small/medium size categories, and
7.4.3 The RPED shall be exposed to a maximum challenge
(4) Three test subjects that meet any combination of the
aerosol concentration of 200 mg/m that has been neutralized
dimensions specified in Table 1 for the medium size or large
to the Boltzmann equilibrium state until the RPED has reached
size category shall be each fit tested with one RPED designed
its minimum efficiency or an aerosol mass of at least 200 mg
to fit the medium/large size categories.
has contacted the filter, whichever occurs first.
7.5.2.4 When the manufacturer requests certification for an
7.4.4 The efficiency of the RPED shall be continuously
RPED of three different sizes that meet all three size categories
monitored and recorded throughout the test period by a suitable
of Table 1, the RPED shall be apportioned among test subjects
forward-light-scattering photometer or equivalent instrumenta-
in the following manner:
tion. Sampling shall be “downstream” of the mouth of the test
(1) Three test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the
head. The minimum efficiency shall be noted for each test.
small size category of Table 1 shall each be total inward
7.5 Total Inward Leakage Fit Test:
leakage tested with three RPED designed to fit the small size
7.5.1 RPED Modifications:
category,
7.5.1.1 When an RPED is designed with a mouthpiece, it
(2) Four test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the
shall be modified by being equipped with a sampling probe that
medium size category of Table 1 shall be each total inward
is located between the mouthbit and the filtering element, but
leakage tested with one RPED designed to fit the medium size
as close to the mouth as practical. The probe shall be leak tight.
categories, and
7.5.1.2 When an RPED is designed without a mouthpiece, it
(3) Three test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the
shall be modified by being equipped with a sampling probe that
large size category of Table 1 shall each be total inward
is located approximately 0.6 cm from the skin at a point
leakage tested with one RPED designed to fit the large size
midway between the nose and upper lip as close to the center
category.
line of the face as possible. The probe shall extend into the
7.5.3 Procedure:
oral/nasal cup if present. The exact final position of the sample
7.5.3.1 If specified by the manufacturer’s instructions in
probe will depend on the design of the RPED. The probe shall
9.2.6, test subjects shall position their hair so that it does not
be leak tight.
interfere with any seal of the RPED that is intended to protect
7.5.2 Test Subjects:
the wearer.
7.5.2.1 The inward leakage test shall be performed using ten
7.5.3.2 Test subjects shall not have significant facial hair,
RPED on test subjects. The manufacturer shall provide RPED
scarring in the area of the face seal, significant dental
with size categories that fit ten test subjects whose facial, head,
abnormalities, or other condition that interferes with the seal of
and neck dimensions are provided in Table 1.
the RPED that is intended to protect the wearer.
7.5.2.2 When the manufacturer requests certification for one
7.5.3.3 Test subjects shall don the RPED as specified by the
size of RPED that fit all three head size categories of Table 1, manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with 9.2.6. The test
the RPED shall be apportioned among test subjects in the
supervisor shall ensure that the test subject has read the RPED
following manner:
instructions.
(1) Two test subjects that meet all dimensions of the small
7.5.3.4 All instruments and equipment shall be calibrated
size category of Table 1 shall each be total inward leakage
before use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
tested with one RPED,
7.5.3.5 The RPED sampling probe shall be connected to an
(2) Two test subjects that meet all dimensions of the large
instrument to measure the concentration inside and outside the
size category of Table 1 shall each be total inward leakage
face piece. Such instrumentation shall:
tested with one RPED, and
(1) Use a condensation nuclei counter;
(3) The six remaining subjects that meet any combination
(2) Measure aerosol only in the approximate (mass median
of the dimensions specified in Table 1 shall each be total
aerodynamic diameter) size range of 0.02 μm to 0.06 μm; and
inward leakage tested with one of the six remaining RPED. (3) Respond linearly, within 65 %, over the approximate
7.5.2.3 When the manufacturer requests certification for an concentration range of 0.1 particles ⁄cm to 10 000 parti-
RPED of only two different sizes that meet all three size cles ⁄cm .
E2952 − 23
7.5.3.6 The test subject shall perform the exercises specified where:
in 7.5.3.6 (1) – (5) for 30 s each while walking on a treadmill
C = average concentration as calculated in 7.5.3.7, and
i
that operates at a rate of approximately 5 km/h. The total test
C = average concentration outside the RPED.
O
time shall be 2 ⁄2 min. The exercises shall be performed in the
7.5.3.9 The total inward leakage for all ten test subjects
following order:
shall be calculated to determine pass/fail as specified in 4.5.
(1) Normal breathing,
(2) Deep breathing, 7.6 Optical Properties Test:
(3) Turning head side to side, 7.6.1 Light Transmission Test:
(4) Moving head up and down
7.6.1.1 A 25 mm-diameter sample shall be cut from the
(5) Bending movement, and vision area of the RPED.
(6) Normal breathing.
7.6.1.2 The light transmission and haze of the sample shall
7.5.3.7 The average concentration of the challenge particles
be determined in accordance with Test Method D1003.
within the probed space shall be obtained for each exercise.
7.6.2 Field of Vision Test:
The average value for all five average concentrations shall be
7.6.2.1 An apertometer head form as show in Fig. 2 shall be
calculated. The instrumentation described in 7.5.3.5 shall
used.
measure the C and C .
i O
7.6.2.2 The RPED hood shall be mounted and the hood
7.5.3.8 Total inward leakage shall be calculated as:
vision area shall be located on the apertometer head form
C ⁄ C (1) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
i O
FIG. 2 Apertometer Head Form (Dimensions in mm)
E2952 − 23
7.6.2.3 The effective field of vision shall be measured in an
apertometer apparatus as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
7.6.2.4 The effective field of vision shall be transferred to
the field of vision scoring grid overlay as shown in Fig. 4.
7.6.2.5 The effective field of vision shall be determined by
counting the dots within the effective field of vision for the
RPED being tested, as shown in Fig. 5.
7.6.3 Fogging Test:
7.6.3.1 The test subject shall have a minimum visual acuity
of 20/20 in each eye, uncorrected or corrected, as determined
by a visual acuity test or doctor’s examination.
7.6.3.2 The temperature of the test environment shall be
measured and should be 22 °C 6 2 °C.
7.6.3.3 Visual acuity testing shall be conducted using a
standard 6.1 m Snellen eye chart, with normal lighting range of
1076 lx to 1615 lx at the chart.
7.6.3.4 Within 30 s after completion of the total inward
leakage test, the test subject shall exit the chamber if necessary
to be positioned 6.1 m in front of a standard 6.1 m Snellen eye
chart illuminated at 1076 lx to 1615 lx. The test subject shall
then attempt to read the Snellen eye chart at the 20/100 line to
determine pass/fail. FIG. 4 Vision Scoring Grid Overlay
7.6.4 Ocular Leakage Test:
7.6.4.1 RPED shall be modified to allow connection through
7.7 Burst Strength Test of the Sealed Canister:
all necessary layers to connect the ocular sampling probe to the
7.7.1 The RPED in the ready-to-use configuration shall be
test fixture. All connections shall be leak tight.
pressurized until it bursts open in response to pressurization.
7.6.4.2 The ocular leakage test fixture shall be adjusted such
7.7.2 Pressurization shall be in accordance with Test Meth-
that the fixture sample ports are located in-line with each test
ods F1140.
subjects’ center of pupil.
7.7.3 The pressure required to burst the package shall be
7.6.4.3 Using the same test subjects in 7.5.2 and following
recorded.
the same test procedure in 7.5.3, samples shall be drawn from
7.7.4 Pass/fail shall be determined in accordance with 4.7.2.
each port. Caution should be taken to avoid contact between
the eye and the test fixture. 7.8 Chemical Capacity Test:
FIG. 3 Field of Vision in Apertometer Apparatus
E2952 − 23
FIG. 5 Typical Effective Field-of-Vision Scoring
7.8.1 Overview—Subsection 7.8 is intended to provide a
FIG. 6 Constant Flow Gas Diagram
description of chemical capacity test methods sufficient to
allow a technician skilled in the art to perform laboratory
testing to determine conformance with the chemical capacity 7.8.3.3 The test flow path and setup for carbon monoxide
requirements of this specification as outlined in 4.8. Each performance involves the use of a breathing machine and will
chemical challenge test shall be conducted within the general differ from the constant flow setups. There shall be an outer
method guidelines outlined in 7.8. chamber, with its own outlet, from which challenge air is
7.8.2 Challenge Gases and Conditions—Random samples drawn through the RPED or its active element during the
of RPED that are representative of the production process shall breathing cycle. Challenge air flow shall be directed through
be tested against the challenge gases, concentrations, and the RPED or its active element during both the “inhalation”
conditions listed in Table 3 in accordance with the testing and “exhalation” portions of the breathing cycle. Check valves
matrices in 8.3 and the test methods described herein. shall be used to isolate as much of the “inhalation” and
7.8.3 Challenge Test Flow Path: “exhalation” legs of the test flow path as is practical. The
7.8.3.1 Delivery tubing, sample tubing, fittings, valves, breathing machine shall be capable of operating at an airflow
chambers, and components in the challenge test flow path shall rate of 30 L ⁄min 6 1 L ⁄min with a respiration rate of 20
be designed to minimize pressure drop and shall be constructed respirations/min and a breathing wave form that is sinusoidal in
of material that neither affects nor is affected by the challenge shape. “Exhalation” air shall be humidified to simulate exha-
agent (for example, polyolefin, polytetrafluoroethylene lation by a user by bubbling the “exhaled” air through water
[PTFE], glass, or stainless steel). maintained at a temperature of 30 °C 6 1 °C.
7.8.3.2 A typical schematic diagram for the challenge test 7.8.3.4 A typical schematic diagram for the test flow path
flow path for constant flow tests (cyclohexane, hydrogen for carbon monoxide performance is depicted in Fig. 7, but
chloride, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen cyanide) is depicted in other flow paths meeting the requirements of this specification
Fig. 6, but other flow paths meeting the requirements of this may be acceptable.
specification may be acceptable. 7.8.4 RPED Test Fixture and Chamber:
TABLE 3 Challenge Gases and Test Conditions
Challenge Agent Challenge Concentration Breakthrough Air Flow Rate Through Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity (%)
(ppm) Concentration RPED
(ppm) (L/min)
1. Cyclohexane 500 ± 15 5 30 ± 1 25 ± 2 50 ± 5
2. Hydrogen Chloride 1000 ± 30 5 30 ± 1 25 ± 2 50 ± 5
3. Sulfur Dioxide 100 ± 3 3 30 ± 1 25 ± 2 50 ± 5
A
4. Hydrogen Cyanide 400 ± 12 10 30 ± 1 25 ± 2 50 ± 5
B C
5. Carbon Monoxide 3000 ± 90 200 30 ± 1 cyclic 25 ± 2 80 ± 3
B C
6. Carbon Monoxide 5000 ± 150 200 30 ± 1 cyclic 0 ± 2 80 ± 3
A
Total of HCN and C N .
2 2
B
5-min moving time weighted average.
C
20 respirations/min with a sinusoidal wave form.
E2952 − 23
7.8.5.2 The supply air for each constant flow test setup shall
be maintained at the target humidity 65 % relative humidity
(RH) or 63 % RH for cyclical flow CO tests as a time-
weighted average throughout the test duration. The humidity
measuring device shall have an accuracy and precision of
61.0 % RH or better.
7.8.5.3 The supply air for each test setup shall be main-
tained at the target temperature 62 °C noted in Table 3
throughout the test duration. The temperature measuring de-
vice shall have an accuracy and precision of 0.2 °C or better.
7.8.5.4 The supply air for each test setup shall be main-
tained at the target flow rate 61 L/min throughout the test
duration. The flow rate measuring device shall have an
accuracy and precision of 0.5 L/min or better. The supply air
target flow rate shall be set to ensure that the total air flow
through the RPED is maintained at the flow rate specified in
Table 3 (see Note 4).
NOTE 2—For carbon monoxide testing, it will be necessary to provide
>100 L/min of supply air to the test fixture to sustain 30 L/min through the
RPED using the breathing machine without developing negative pressure
FIG. 7 Carbon Monoxide Gas Test Diagram as a result of the high instantaneous flow rates generated by the breathing
cycle.
7.8.5.5 The supply air system shall be calibrated regularly
according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
7.8.4.1 For tests requiring constant flow, the RPED, or its
7.8.6 Challenge Air Temperature and Humidity Monitoring:
active element (canister), shall be installed in a test fixture in
7.8.6.1 Temperature and humidity of the challenge air
such a way that 100 % of the flow from the test flow path is
stream shall be monitored periodically during the test by a
directed through the RPED’s active element or diverted
device placed as near to the RPED canister as is practical on
through a bypass path (during test setup and parameter
the upstream side. Temperature and relative humidity measure-
verification). This may be accomplished by installing a three-
ment devices shall be calibrated according to manufacturer’s
way valve or other switch in the test flow path to direct flow
recommendations. The challenge air for each constant flow test
either through the bypass path or the RPED active element.
setup shall be maintained at the target humidity 65 % RH or
Care shall be taken to ensure the pressure drop across both
63 % RH for cyclical flow CO tests as a time-weighted
paths is approximately equal through the use of the canisters or
average throughout the test duration. The humidity measuring
flow restriction devices to provide stable flow and concentra-
device shall have an accuracy and precision of 61.0 % RH or
tion.
better.
7.8.4.2 For tests requiring cyclical flow (for example,
breathing machine), the RPED, or its active element (canister),
NOTE 3—Temperature and humidity monitors should not be continu-
shall be installed in a test chamber such that 100 % of the flow
ously placed in the flow path downstream from the point where challenge
from the test flow path is directed to the surrounding chamber
agent is introduced because of corrosive effects of agents and the heat
produced by their interaction with the RPED canister.
or diverted through a bypass path (during test setup and
parameter verification). This may be accomplished by install-
7.8.6.2 Flow rate of the total challenge air shall be moni-
ing a three-way valve or other switch in the test flow path to
tored downstream from the test fixture. The flow rate shall be
direct flow either through the bypass path or the surrounding
maintained at the target from Table 3 61 L/min throughout the
chamber. The RPED, or its active element, shall be installed in
test duration. The flow rate measuring device shall have an
a test fixture so that challenge air is drawn from the surround-
accuracy and precision of 0.5 L/min or better.
ing chamber through the device by the breathing machine.
7.8.7 Challenge Contamination Generation:
Challenge air flow to the surrounding chamber shall be
7.8.7.1 Where the contaminant is a gas (that is, hydrogen
sufficient to prevent negative pressure within the surrounding
chloride, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide),
chamber at any point during the breathing cycle.
challenge concentrations shall be generated by adding a
7.8.5 Supply Air System:
metered flow of gaseous contaminant at a known purity into the
7.8.5.1 Supply air for each test setup shall be free of oil or
test flow path upstream from the RPED test fixture at a distance
contaminants that would affect the performance of the RPED
sufficient to provide uniform mixing with the supply air flow.
or interfere with monitoring of the challenge gas for that test
setup. Total gaseous contaminants in the supply air shall be less
NOTE 4—This may be achieved by dispensing pure or diluted contami-
nant from a pressurized, regulated cylinder through a flowmeter which has
than 1 % of the intended challenge concentration. Contamina-
been periodically cleaned and calibrated. Metered flow rate can be
tion of the supply air by the particular challenge gas or
calculated from the following equation:
contaminants that interfere with monitoring shall be less than
0.5 % of the intended challenge concentration. Q 5 C × Q ⁄ P × 10 (2)
~ ! ~ !
C CH T C
E2952 − 23
where:
7.8.9.2 The downstream monitoring instrument shall have
Q = flow rate of contaminant stream, mL/min,
an accuracy and lower detection limit less than or equal to
C
C = desired challenge concentration of contaminant, ppm,
CH 20 % of the contaminant breakthrough concentration.
Q = flow rate of challenge air supplied to test fixture, L/min, and
T
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2952 − 22 E2952 − 23
Standard Specification for
Air-Purifying Respiratory Protective Smoke Escape Devices
(RPED)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2952; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of air-purifying
respiratory protective smoke escape devices for immediate emergency evacuation without entry/re-entry.
1.2 The purpose of this specification shall be to provide minimum requirements for respiratory protective escape devices that
provide limited protection for 15 min for escape from the by-products of fire, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, other
toxic gases, and the effects of radiant heat.
1.3 The requirements of this specification specify an air-purifying respiratory protective escape device with a laboratory-tested
15-min service life intended to provide head, eye, and respiratory protection from particulate matter, irritants, and toxic gases and
vapors commonly produced by fire.
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests that are used to determine compliance with the performance requirements of this specification shall
not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all situations to which individuals can be exposed.
1.5 This specification shall not apply to the requirements for provision, installation, or use of air-purifying respiratory protective
smoke escape devices.
1.6 This specification shall not apply to respiratory protective escape devices intended for use in circumstances in which an oxygen
deficiency (oxygen less than 19.5 % by volume) exists or might exist.
1.7 This specification is not intended to be used as a detailed manufacturing or purchase specification, but shall be permitted to
be referenced as a minimum requirement in purchase specifications.
1.8 The conformity assessment requirements of Guide F3050, Model C, shall apply to the certification of products in accordance
with this specification.
1.9 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E54.04 on
Public Safety Equipment.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022May 1, 2023. Published November 2022June 2023. Originally approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 20212022 as
E2952 – 17 (2021).E2952 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/E2952-22.10.1520/E2952-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2952 − 23
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
D4101 Classification System and Basis for Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
F1140 Test Methods for Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of Unrestrained Packages
F3050 Guide for Conformity Assessment of Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
F3387 Practice for Respiratory Protection
2.2 CEN Standard:
EN 136 Respiratory protective devices - Full face masks - Requirements, testing, marking
2.3 ISO Standards:
ISO/IEC 17065 Conformity Assessment—Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, Processes and Services
ISO 9001 Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in Design, Development, Production, Installation, and Servicing
ISO 9002 Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in Production, Installation, and Servicing.
2.4 NFPA Standard:
NFPA 1981 Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Service
2.5 NIOSH Procedures:
NIOSH CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0411, Rev 1.1 Laboratory Durability Conditioning Process for Environmental, Transportation
and Rough Handling Use Conditions on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) (AirPurifying or
Self-Contained) Escape Respirator
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 air-purifying respiratory protective smoke escape device, RPED, n—air-purifying respirator used to protect a person while
escaping from a fire by removing certain contaminants of fire-generated products of combustion from the inhaled air.
3.1.2 accessory, n—item that may be provided with an RPED that does not affect its ability to meet the requirements of this
specification.
3.1.3 approved, adj—acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
3.1.4 authority having jurisdiction, n—organization, office, or individual responsible for approving any equipment, an installation,
or a procedure.
3.1.5 basic plane, n—plane through the centers of the external ear openings and the lower edges of the eye sockets.
3.1.6 canister (air purifying), n—container with (1) gas and vapor-removing sorbent or catalyst, or (2) gas- and vapor-removing
sorbent or catalyst that removes gases and vapors and filter that removes particles from inspired air (or air drawn through the unit).
F3387
3.1.7 certification/certify, n/adj—system whereby an organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, http://www.cdc.gov.
E2952 − 23
produce a product that complies with the requirements of this specification, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on listed
products that comply with the requirements of this specification, and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the
organization as a check on the methods the manufacturer uses to determine continued compliance of labeled and listed products
with the requirements of this specification.
3.1.8 certification organization, n—independent third-party organization that determines product compliance with the require-
ments of this specification with a labeling/listing/follow-up program.
3.1.9 compliance/compliant, n/adj—meeting or exceeding all applicable requirements of this specification.
3.1.10 donning time, n—time for equipment in hand to be placed over the head of the wearer and become functional. This time
shall include the removal of an operational packaging.
3.1.11 follow-up program, n—sampling, inspections, tests, or other measures conducted by the certification organization on a
periodic basis to determine the continued compliance of listed products that are being produced by the manufacturer to the
requirements of this specification.
3.1.12 gas, n—fluid that has neither independent shape nor volume and tends to expand indefinitely.
3.1.13 haze, n—percent of incident light that is not transmitted in a straight line through the lens but forward scattered, greater
than 2.5° diverging.
3.1.14 identical respiratory protective escape device, n—RPED that is produced to the same engineering and manufacturing
specifications.
3.1.15 labeled, adj—equipment or material to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an
organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic
inspection of production of labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with
appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
3.1.16 light transmission, n—ratio of the luminous (approximately 380- through 760-mm) radiant power transmitted by an object
to the incident luminous radiant power.
3.1.17 listed, adj—equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by the certification organization.
3.1.18 melt, v—to change from solid to liquid or become consumed by action of heat in a manner that could injure the user.
3.1.19 model, n—term used to identify an RPED, including all variants to its design.
3.1.20 product label, n—marking affixed to the RPED by the manufacturer containing general information, warnings, care,
maintenance, or similar data.
3.1.20.1 Discussion—
This product label is not the certification organization’s label, symbol, or identifying mark; however, the certification organization’s
label, symbol, or identifying mark may be attached to it or be part of it. See labeled.
3.1.21 ready-to-use configuration, n—RPED in its final packaging state before use that, immediately upon opening or removing
this operational package, allows the user to don the RPED.RPED within the required donning time.
3.1.22 RPED, n—a “short hand” acronym for Air-Purifying Respiratory Protective Smoke Escape Device.
3.1.23 service life, n—the manufacturer-declared duration of protection provided by the RPED for escape once the operational
packaging is opened or removed from an RPED in a ready-to-use configuration.
3.1.24 shall, v—indicates a mandatory requirement.
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3.1.25 shelf life, n—duration that an RPED can be stored under proper conditions in its ready-to-use configuration and remain
suitable for use.
4. Performance Requirements
4.1 Carbon Dioxide (CO ) Inhalation—RPED shall be tested for CO levels in the inspired air stream as specified in 7.1 and shall
2 2
not contain CO concentration levels that exceed 2.5 %.
4.2 Donning—RPED shall be tested for donning ability as specified in 7.2. The time needed to don the RPED shall not exceed
30 s.
4.3 Breathing Resistance:
4.3.1 RPED shall be tested for resistance to breathing as specified in 7.3. The maximum inhalation resistance shall be 81.5 mm
water column below ambient pressure from the beginning of the test until its conclusion.
4.3.2 RPED shall be tested for resistance to breathing as specified in 7.3. The maximum exhalation resistance shall be 30.6 mm
water column above ambient pressure from the beginning of the test until its conclusion.
4.4 Particulate Filtration—RPED shall be tested for the filtration of particles as specified in 7.4. The minimum filtration efficiency
shall be 95 % at any time during the test.
4.5 Total Inward Leakage:
4.5.1 RPED shall be tested for proper fit as specified in 7.5. The maximum total inward leakage of the challenge agent shall be
an average of 2 % of the inhaled air for any of the test subjects in any of the test exercises.
4.5.2 The measured inward leakage shall include the exhalation valve leakage.
4.6 Optical Properties:
4.6.1 Light Transmission—The vision area of the RPED shall be tested for light transmission as specified in 7.6.1. The vision area
shall have minimum light transmission of 20 % and the haze shall not exceed 15 %.
4.6.2 Field of Vision—The field of vision of the RPED shall be tested as specified in 7.6.2 and shall have a score of at least 70.
4.6.3 Fogging—The vision area of the RPED shall be tested for fogging as specified in 7.6.3. The test subject shall be capable
of reading the Snellen eye chart at the 20/100 level.
4.6.4 Ocular Leakage—RPED shall be tested for ocular leakage as specified in 7.6.4. The maximum total ocular leakage of the
challenge agent shall be an average of 20 % of the outside challenge environment for any of the test subjects in any of the test
exercises.
4.7 Operational Packaging Leakage: Burst Strength:
4.7.1 RPED shall be tested for leakage in its ready-to-use configuration as specified in 7.7.1.
4.7.2 After immersion, the exterior shall be immediately dried and weighed. There shall be no additional weight gain in excess
of the tolerance of the scale.
4.7.1 The RPED shall be tested for burst strength in its ready to use configuration as specified in 7.7.27.7.1.
4.7.2 The RPED in the ready-to-use configuration shall not experience a package burst until the internal pressure has been raised
by at least 450 mbar (6.5 psi).
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4.8 Chemical Capacity—The RPED shall be tested for gas breakthrough as specified in 7.8. The RPED shall have a minimum gas
life of 15 min for the breakthrough conditions for each of the specific gases detailed herein.
4.9 Inhalation Temperature—RPED shall be tested for inspired air temperature as specified in 7.9. The inhalation temperature shall
not exceed 90 °C dry bulb or 50 °C wet bulb when run at a cyclic flow.
4.10 Soot Particulate:
4.10.1 RPED shall be tested for increased inhalation breathing resistance as a result of soot particulate as specified in 7.10. The
inhalation breathing resistance shall not exceed 204 mm water column.
4.10.2 RPED shall be tested for increased exhalation breathing resistance as a result of soot particulate as specified in 7.10. The
exhalation breathing resistance shall not exceed 153 mm water column.
4.11 Flammability:
4.11.1 RPED shall be tested for heat and flame resistance as specified in 7.11. Components of the RPED shall not have any after
flame after 5 s.
4.11.2 RPED shall be tested for heat and flame resistance as specified in 7.11. No RPED component shall drip, melt, or develop
a hole that is visible to the unaided eye or be damaged in a manner that exposes eyes or lungs to gas or smoke.
4.11.3 After having been tested for heat and flame, the RPED shall be evaluated for vision as specified in 7.11.8. The 20/100 vision
lines shall be legible.
4.11 Molten Polymeric Drip Resistance:
4.11.1 RPED shall be tested for resistance to molten drips as specified in 7.127.11. Any after flame shall not exceed 5 s.
4.11.2 RPED shall be tested for resistance to molten drips as specified in 7.127.11. The decrease in inhalation resistance shall not
exceed 25 %.
4.11.3 RPED shall be tested for resistance to molten drips as specified in 7.127.11. No component shall drip, melt, or develop a
hole that is visible to the unaided eye.
4.13 Radiant Heat Resistance:
4.13.1 RPED shall be tested for resistance to radiant heat as specified in 7.13. The temperature at the top of the head form and
in the eyepiece shall not exceed 70 °C.
4.13.2 RPED shall be tested for resistance to radiant heat as specified in 7.13. RPED shall not become damaged in a manner that
exposes eyes or lungs to gas or smoke.
4.14 Corrosion Resistance:
4.14.1 RPED shall be tested for resistance to corrosion as specified in 7.14 and shall be evaluated for the proper use and function
of all controls or operating features, as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
4.14.2 Metals that are used in the RPED, storage containers, and accessories that are inherently resistant to corrosion including,
but not limited to, stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and zinc, shall show no more than light surface-type corrosion or
oxidation. Ferrous metals shall show no corrosion of the base metals.
4.14.3 Following the corrosion resistance testing in accordance with 7.14, RPED shall then be tested for resistance to breathing
as specified in 7.3. The inhalation resistance shall not exceed 85 mm water column below ambient pressure from the beginning
of the test until its conclusion.
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4.14.4 Following the corrosion resistance testing in 7.14, RPED shall then be tested for resistance to breathing as specified in 7.3,
Air Flow Resistance Test. The exhalation resistance shall not exceed 30.6 mm water column above ambient pressure from the
beginning of the test until its conclusion.
5. Design Requirements
5.1 General:
5.1.1 The design of the RPED shall provide protection to the wearer’s head, eyes, and respiratory system specified by this
specification.
5.1.2 The RPED shall consist of at least a hood and a respiratory protection system.system that incorporates a canister.
5.1.2.1 At a minimum, the canister shall be provided with an operational packaging seal that meets the requirements of 7.7.2.
5.1.3 All materials shall be free of sharp edges, burrs, and rough spots.
5.1.4 Materials containing latex shall be labeled as such.
5.1.5 The RPED shall not require the use of hands to maintain the RPED in place on the user or maintain the proper functioning
of the RPED other than for donning and doffing.
5.1.6 The RPED shall have a tamper seal in its ready-to-use configuration. The tamper seal shall indicate whether the ready-to-use
configuration of the RPED has been breached.
5.1.7 The tamper seal shall be secured against accidental opening but shall be able to be broken rapidly without the use of tools.
Where the tamper seal has been broken, it shall be visually obvious.
5.1.8 The operational packaging seal required by 7.7 shall be permitted to be the same as the tamper seal.
5.2 Hood:
5.2.1 The RPED shall be designed as a hooded device. The hood shall cover the entire head of the wearer.
5.2.2 The RPED hood shall be available in not more than three separate and distinct sizes that fit all the anatomical dimensions
specified in Table 1.
5.2.3 The RPED hood shall include an area for field of vision.
5.2.4 The hood shall be compatible with the wearing of eyeglasses.
5.3 Respiratory Protection System:
5.3.1 The respiratory protection system shall consist of an air-purifying element a canister and a means of conveying the purified
air to the wearer such that the RPED meets the performance requirements of 4.1 – 4.10 except 4.7.
5.3.2 The respiratory protection system shall be designed in such a manner that the air-purifying element(s) canister(s) shall not
be degraded by the CO and humidity of the user’s exhaled air.
TABLE 1 Face, Neck, and Head Anatomical Dimensions
Small (mm) Medium (mm) Large (mm)
Head 527–552 553–578 579–604
Circumference
Neck 295–351 352–408 409–465
Circumference
A
Face Length 98.5–108.5 109–128.5 129–138.5
Lip Length 40–46 47–54 55–61
A
Menton-nasal root depression length.
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5.3.3 The air-purifying element(s) canister(s) shall be designed and installed so that the inhaled gas first passes through the
particulate component before passing through the gas protection component.
5.4 Accessories:
5.4.1 Any accessories that are attached to an RPED shall not interfere with the function of the RPED or with the function of any
of the RPED component parts.
5.4.2 Where an RPED is provided with an accessory or accessories that are attached to or integrated with the RPED, the RPED
shall meet all of the design and performance requirements of this specification with the accessories installed. In all cases, such
accessories shall not degrade the performance of the RPED.
6. Conditioning
6.1 General:
6.1.1 For the purpose of initial certification, a total of 4342 RPED in the ready-to-use configuration shall be used as test specimens.
6.1.2 Ten of the RPED to be used for testing for the performance requirements specified in 4.5 shall be unconditioned.
6.1.3 The remaining 3332 RPED shall be conditioned as specified in this section and in Table 2.
6.1.3.1 Thirty-one RPED shall be sequentially subjected to the conditioning procedures specified in 6.2 –and 6.36.5 before testing
for the performance requirements specified in 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6.1, 4.6.3, and 4.7 – 4.114.14.
6.1.3.2 Two RPED shall be subjected only to the conditioning procedure specified in 6.56.4 before testing for the performance
requirements specified in 4.2 and 4.6.2
6.1.4 The conditioned or unconditioned state of the RPED shall be as specified in Table 2.
6.2 Vibration Conditioning:
6.2.1 Each RPED shall be placed into a compartment of the vibration equipment as specified in Fig. 1(a) and (b). Each RPED shall
be conditioned in the ready-to-use configuration. The compartment shall be sized to allow horizontal movement in any direction
of 7 mm 6 3 mm and free vertical movement.
6.2.2 The vibration equipment shall consist of a steel case affixed to a vertically moving piston that is attached to a rotating cam.
The combined piston and case shall be raised by a rotating cam to a vertical height of 19 mm 6 1 mm and allowed to fall under
its own weight onto a steel plate as the cam rotates at a rate of 100 rpm 6 2 rpm.
6.2.3 Each RPED shall be vibrated for 10 000 cycles.
6.3 Puncture and Tear Durability Conditioning:
6.3.1 The puncture rough handling drop test will be conducted on the number of required RPED test specimens as listed in Table
2 of this standard. The test specimens shall be conditioned as specified in Section 6 and tear conditioningin Table 2 apparatus shall
consist of the following six major parts as shownof this standard. The test method shall be in Fig. 2:accordance with NIOSH
CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0411, Rev 1.1, sections 5.6.1 through 5.6.9.
6.3.1.1 A pointed striker of nonmalleable metal,
6.3.1.2 Removable weights on the striker,
6.3.1.3 A holder arm that supports the striker and weights,
6.3.1.4 A hinge of adjustable height with minimal friction,
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TABLE 2 RPED Initial Certification Testing Matrix
Test Specimen Number
Conditioning Section
Test Section
Vibration 6.2 Puncture/Tear 6.3 Pressure 6.4 Temperature 6.5 None
Vibration 6.2 Durability 6.3 Temperature 6.4 No Conditioning
7.1 CO 43 43 43 43
7.1 CO 41 41 41
7.2 Donning
1-2
7.3 Air Flow Resistance 3–4 3–4 3–4 3–4
7.3 Air Flow Resistance 3–4 3–4 3–4
7.4 Particulate Filtration 4 4 4 4
7.4 Particulate Filtration 4 4 4
7.5 Inward Leakage Fit 5–14
7.6.1 Light Transmission 15 15 15 15
7.6.1 Light Transmission 15 15 15
7.6.2 Field of Vision
7.6.4 Ocular Leakage 5–14
7.7.1 Pressure Test 16 16 16 16
7.7 Burst Strength Test 16 16 16
7.8 Capacity 17–37 17–37 17–37 17–37
7.8 Capacity 17–37 17–37 17–37
7.9 Inhalation Temperature 38 38 38 38
7.9 Inhalation Temperature 38 38 38
7.10 Soot Particulate 39 39 39 39
7.10 Soot Particulate 39 39 39
7.11 Flammability 40 40 40 40
7.12 Molten Polymeric Drip 41 41 41 41
7.11 Molten Polymeric Drip 40 40 40
7.13 Radiant Heat 42 424242
7.14 Corrosion Resistance 3 3 3 3
Test Specimen Number Test Section Conditioning Requirements
1 7.6.2 Field of Vision Temperature (6.5)
1 7.6.2 Field of Vision Temperature (6.4)
1–2 7.2 Donning Temperature (6.5)
1–2 7.2 Donning Temperature (6.4)
3 7.14 Corrosion Resistance All
3–4 7.3 Air Flow Resistance All
4 7.4 Particulate Filtration All
5–14 7.5 Inward Leakage Fit None
5–14 7.6.4 Ocular Leakage None
15 7.6.1 Light Transmission All
16 7.7.1 Pressure Test All
16 7.7 Burst Strength Test All
17–37 7.8 Capacity All
38 7.9 Inhalation Temperature All
39 7.10 Soot Particulate All
40 7.11 Flammability All
41 7.12 Molten Polymeric Drip All
40 7.11 Molten Polymeric Drip All
42 7.13 Radiant Heat All
43 7.1 CO All
41 7.1 CO All
6.3.1.5 A support arm, and
6.3.1.6 A base to which the support arm is attached and that holds the RPED in place.
6.3.2 The striker assembly, composed to the striker, holder arm, and weights, shall have a weight of 100 g 6 0.5 g measured at
the tip of the striker in a level orientation. The weight of the striker assembly shall be adjusted by adding weights to or removing
weights from the striker.
6.3.3 The RPED shall be centered in its ready-to-use configuration under the striker, and the striker assembly shall be adjusted
so that the distance between the bottom of the striker and the top of the RPED is 100 mm 6 2 mm.
6.3.4 The striker shall be held at a distance of 100 mm 6 2 mm above the RPED and then released onto the RPED.
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FIG. 1 (a) Vibration Test Device
FIG. 1 (b) Vibration Test Device (continued)
6.3.5 While the striker is resting on the RPED, the RPED shall be pulled in a horizontal direction until the striker is free from the
RPED.
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6.3.6 The procedures specified in 6.3.2 – 6.3.5 shall be repeated using two other locations on the RPED 90° apart from the initial
test location.
6.4 Pressure Conditioning:
6.4.1 The RPED shall be placed in a pressure chamber and shall be subjected to 1000 cycles of differential pressure from ambient
to 300 mbar 6 10 mbar below ambient pressure in accordance with the following cycle sequence:
6.4.1.1 Sixty seconds at ambient pressure,
6.4.1.2 Twenty seconds from ambient pressure to 300 mbar below ambient pressure,
6.4.1.3 Sixty seconds at 300 mbar below ambient pressure, and
6.4.1.4 Twenty seconds from 300 mbar below ambient pressure to ambient pressure.
6.4.2 Where more than one RPED is placed in the chamber during the same conditioning, they shall be positioned so that no RPED
comes into contact with another during testing.
6.4 Temperature Conditioning:
6.4.1 RPED shall be conditioned at 0 °C 6 2 °C for 24 h 6 1 h, followed by conditioning at 70 °C 6 2 °C for 24 h 6 1 h.
6.4.2 The transfer time of RPED between the elevated and low temperatures shall not exceed 5 min.
6.4.3 The low-temperature chamber recovery time after the door is closed shall not exceed 10 min.
6.4.4 After thermal conditioning, all but two of the RPED shall be conditioned at room temperature for a minimum of 24 h before
testing begins.
6.4.5 The two remaining RPED shall be used for the testing required by 7.2.
7. Test Methods
NOTE 1—Unless otherwise specified, tolerances of 60.1 mm shall be applied for dimensions of test fixtures.
7.1 Carbon Dioxide Test:
7.1.1 One RPED of each style or model of RPED shall be tested.
7.1.2 Testing shall be conducted as specified in the carbon dioxide test in EN 136.
7.2 Donning Test:
7.2.1 The donning test shall be performed within 1 h after the RPED has been removed from the conditioning specified in
6.5.46.4.4.
7.2.2 There shall be two test subjects who have not been trained in RPED use and have not previously donned an RPED. The test
subjects shall be one female and one male. Neither test subject shall have any obvious mental or physical disabilities that prevent
donning of the RPED.
7.2.3 The test subjects shall be given an RPED in the ready-to-use configuration. The test subjects shall be given 120 s to view
the donning instructions that are supplied by the manufacturer or printed on the RPED.
7.2.4 After the 120 s required in 7.2.3 has passed, the test subjects shall be instructed to immediately don the RPED without any
further instruction and the timer shall be started.
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7.2.5 The test conductor shall confirm that the unit is positioned on the wearer’s head consistent with the user information provided
by the manufacturer.
7.3 Air Flow Resistance Test:
7.3.1 The RPED that is to be tested shall be secured to a temperature resistant full-face test head form. Where applicable,
manufacturers shall supply fixtures to connect mouthpieces to the test head form.
7.3.2 A pressure probe shall be attached to the test head form. The pressure probe shall be a 6 mm outside diameter (OD) with
2 mm wall thickness metal tube having one open end and one closed end. The closed end shall have four equally spaced holes,
each 2 mm 6 0.1 mm and positioned 6 mm 6 0.5 mm from the end of the pressure probe.
7.3.3 The closed end of the pressure probe shall extend through the test head form and shall exit at the center of the mouth. The
pressure probe shall extend 13 mm 6 1.5/-0 mm outward from the surface of the center of the lips.
7.3.4 The open end of the pressure probe shall extend a maximum of 460 mm and a minimum of 25 mm outward from the back
surface of the test head form.
7.3.5 A maximum 1.5 m length of nominal 5 mm inside diameter (ID) flexible smoothbore tubing with a nominal 2 mm wall
thickness shall be permitted to be connected from the open end of the pressure probe to the inlet of the pressure transducer.
7.3.6 A differential pressure transducer that has the following characteristics shall be used:
7.3.6.1 Range—226 mm of water differential,
7.3.6.2 Linearity—60.5 % full-scale (FS) best straight line,
7.3.6.3 Line Pressure Effect—Less than 1 % FS zero shift/68 bar,
7.3.6.4 Output—62.5 V DC for 6FS,
7.3.6.5 Output Ripple—10 mV peak to peak,
7.3.6.6 Regulation—FS output shall not change more than 60.1 % for input voltage change from 25 V to 35 V DC,
7.3.6.7 Operating Temperature—From -54 °C to 121 °C,
7.3.6.8 Compensated Temperature—From -18 °C to 71 °C, and
7.3.6.9 Temperature Effects—Within 2 % FS/56 °C error band.
7.3.7 The differential pressure transducer shall be appropriately connected to a strip chart recorder or suitable data acquisition
system that has the following characteristics:
7.3.7.1 A chart width of 250 mm,
7.3.7.2 A pen speed of at least 730 mm/s (0.333-s FS),
7.3.7.3 An accuracy of 60.25 % FS,
7.3.7.4 An input voltage range of 0 V to 1 V FS, and
7.3.7.5 A span set at 25 mm of chart per 25 mm water column.
7.3.8 The test head form shall be equipped with a stainless-steel breathing tube that has a 23 mm ID. The metal breathing tube
shall be located on the centerline of the mouth and shall be flush with the test head form.
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7.3.9 The metal breathing tube shall extend outward from the back or the base surface of the test head form a minimum of 203
mm and a maximum of 457 mm.
7.3.10 If flexible smoothbore tubing is run from the metal breathing tube to the inlet connection of the breathing machine, it shall
have a minimum length of 1.2 m and an ID of 19 mm with a nominal 3 mm wall thickness.
7.3.11 A breathing machine as specified in NFPA 1981 shall be used. The breathing machine shall be calibrated before use.
7.3.11.1 The breathing machine shall use the lung breathing waveform for 40 L ⁄min volume work rate but be set at 19 breaths
per minute yielding a constant ventilation rate of 31.7 L ⁄min and a peak inspiratory flow of 95 L ⁄min 6 1 L ⁄min.
7.3.11.2 The test conditions shall be as follows:
(1) Ambient Temperature—22 °C 6 3 °C,
(2) Relative Humidity—50 % 6 25 %, and
(3) Barometric Pressure—750 mm Hg + 50/-70 mm Hg.
7.3.11.3 The pressure shall be read from the strip chart recorder to determine pass/fail.
7.4 Particulate Filtration Test:
7.4.1 The RPED shall be mounted and sealed on a Scott Aviation model No. 803609-01 or 803606-02 test head form, or
equivalent, and shall be tested at a continuous air flow rate of 85 L ⁄min 6 2.5 L ⁄min.
7.4.2 The challenge aerosol shall be an unadulterated and undiluted sodium chloride with a purity level of 99 % or better. The
temperature of the challenge aerosol during testing shall be maintained at 25 °C 6 5 °C. The sodium chloride shall have a particle
size distribution with a count median diameter of 0.075 μm 6 0.020 μm and a maximum standard geometric deviation of 1.86 at
the specified test conditions as determined by a scanning mobility particle size or equivalent instrumentation.
7.4.3 The RPED shall be exposed to a maximum challenge aerosol concentration of 200 mg/m that has been neutralized to the
Boltzmann equilibrium state until the RPED has reached its minimum efficiency or an aerosol mass of at least 200 mg has
contacted the filter, whichever occurs first.
7.4.4 The efficiency of the RPED shall be continuously monitored and recorded throughout the test period by a suitable
forward-light-scattering photometer or equivalent instrumentation. Sampling shall be “downstream” of the mouth of the test head.
The minimum efficiency shall be noted for each test.
7.5 Total Inward Leakage Fit Test:
7.5.1 RPED Modifications:
7.5.1.1 When an RPED is designed with a mouthpiece, it shall be modified by being equipped with a sampling probe that is located
between the mouthbit and the filtering element, but as close to the mouth as practical. The probe shall be leak tight.
7.5.1.2 When an RPED is designed without a mouthpiece, it shall be modified by being equipped with a sampling probe that is
located approximately 0.6 cm from the skin at a point midway between the nose and upper lip as close to the center line of the
face as possible. The probe shall extend into the oral/nasal cup if present. The exact final position of the sample probe will depend
on the design of the RPED. The probe shall be leak tight.
7.5.2 Test Subjects:
7.5.2.1 The inward leakage test shall be performed using ten RPED on test subjects. The manufacturer shall provide RPED with
size categories that fit ten test subjects whose facial, head, and neck dimensions are provided in Table 1.
7.5.2.2 When the manufacturer requests certification for one size of RPED that fit all three head size categories of Table 1, the
RPED shall be apportioned among test subjects in the following manner:
(1) Two test subjects that meet all dimensions of the small size category of Table 1 shall each be total inward leakage tested
with one RPED,
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(2) Two test subjects that meet all dimensions of the large size category of Table 1 shall each be total inward leakage tested
with one RPED, and
(3) The six remaining subjects that meet any combination of the dimensions specified in Table 1 shall each be total inward
leakage tested with one of the six remaining RPED.
7.5.2.3 When the manufacturer requests certification for an RPED of only two different sizes that meet all three size categories
of Table 1, the RPED shall be apportioned among test subjects in the following manner:
(1) Two test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the small size category of Table 1 shall each be fit tested with one RPED
designed to fit the small/medium size categories,
(2) Two test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the large size category of Table 1 shall each be fit tested with one RPED
designed to fit the medium/large size categories,
(3) Three test subjects that meet any combination of the dimensions specified in Table 1 for the small size or medium size
category shall be fit tested with one RPED designed to fit the small/medium size categories, and
(4) Three test subjects that meet any combination of the dimensions specified in Table 1 for the medium size or large size
category shall be each fit tested with one RPED designed to fit the medium/large size categories.
7.5.2.4 When the manufacturer requests certification for an RPED of three different sizes that meet all three size categories of
Table 1, the RPED shall be apportioned among test subjects in the following manner:
(1) Three test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the small size category of Table 1 shall each be total inward leakage
tested with three RPED designed to fit the small size category,
(2) Four test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the medium size category of Table 1 shall be each total inward leakage
tested with one RPED designed to fit the medium size categories, and
(3) Three test subjects that meet all the dimensions of the large size category of Table 1 shall each be total inward leakage tested
with one RPED designed to fit the large size category.
7.5.3 Procedure:
7.5.3.1 If specified by the manufacturer’s instructions in 9.2.6, test subjects shall position their hair so that it does not interfere
with any seal of the RPED that is intended to protect the wearer.
7.5.3.2 Test subjects shall not have significant facial hair, scarring in the area of the face seal, significant dental abnormalities, or
other condition that interferes with the seal of the RPED that is intended to protect the wearer.
7.5.3.3 Test subjects shall don the RPED as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions in accordance with 9.2.6. The test
supervisor shall ensure that the test subject has read the RPED instructions.
7.5.3.4 All instruments and equipment shall be calibrated before use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
7.5.3.5 The RPED sampling probe shall be connected to an instrument to measure the concentration inside and outside the face
piece. Such instrumentation shall:
(1) Use a condensation nuclei counter;
(2) Measure aerosol only in the approximate (mass median aerodynamic diameter) size range of 0.02 μm to 0.06 μm; and
(3) Respond linearly, within 65 %, over the approximate concentration range of 0.1 particles ⁄cm to 10 000 par-
ticles10 000 particles ⁄cm .
7.5.3.6 The test subject shall perform the exercises specified in 7.5.3.6 (1) – (5) for 30 s each while walking on a treadmill that
operates at a rate of approximately 5 km/h. The total test time shall be 2 ⁄2 min. The exercises shall be performed in the following
order:
(1) Normal breathing,
(2) Deep breathing,
(3) Turning head side to side,
(4) Moving head up and down
(5) Bending movement, and
(6) Normal breathing.
7.5.3.7 The average concentration of the challenge particles within the probed space shall be obtained for each exercise. The
average value for all five average concentrations shall be calculated. The instrumentation described in 7.5.3.5 shall measure the
C and C .
i O
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7.5.3.8 Total inward leakage shall be calculated as:
C ⁄C (1)
i O
where:
C = average concentration as calculated in 7.5.3.7, and
i
C = average concentration outside the RPED.
O
7.5.3.9 The total inward leakage for all ten test subjects shall be calculated to determine pass/fail as specified in 4.5.
7.6 Optical Properties Test:
7.6.1 Light Transmission Test:
7.6.1.1 A 25 mm-diameter sample shall be cut from the vision area of the RPED.
7.6.1.2 The light transmission and haze of the sample shall be determined in accordance with Test Method D1003.
7.6.2 Field of Vision Test:
7.6.2.1 An Apertometerapertometer head form as show in Fig. 32 shall be used.
7.6.2.2 The RPED hood shall be mounted and the hood vision area shall be located on the Apertometerapertometer head form
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7.6.2.3 The effective field of vision shall be measured in an Apertometerapertometer apparatus as shown in Fig. 4Figs. 3 and 4.
7.6.2.4 The effective field of vision shall be transferred to the field of vision scoring grid overlay as shown in Fig. 54.
7.6.2.5 The effective field of vision shall be determined by counting the dots within the effective field of vision for the RPED being
tested, as shown in Fig. 45.
7.6.3 Fogging Test:
7.6.3.1 The test subject shall have a minimum visual acuity of 20/20 in each eye, uncorrected or corrected, as determined by a
visual acuity test or doctor’s examination.
7.6.3.2 The temperature of the test environment shall be measured and should be 22 °C 6 2 °C.
7.6.3.3 Visual acuity testing shall be conducted using a standard 6.1 m Snellen eye chart, with normal lighting range of
1076 lux1076 lx to 1615 luxlx at the chart.
7.6.3.4 Within 30 s after completion of the total inward leakage test, the test subject shall exit the chamber if necessary to be
positioned 6.1 m in front of a standard 6.1 m Snellen eye chart illuminated at 1076 lux1076 lx to 1615 lux.lx. The test subject shall
then attempt to read the Snellen eye chart at the 20/100 line to determine pass/fail.
7.6.4 Ocular Leakage Test:
7.6.4.1 RPED shall be modified to allow connection through all necessary layers to connect the ocular sampling probe to the test
fixture. All connections shall be leak tight.
7.6.4.2 The ocular leakage test fixture shall be adjusted such that the fixture sample ports are located in-line with each test subjects’
center of pupil.
7.6.4.3 Using the same test subjects in 7.5.2 and following the same test procedure in 7.5.3, samples shall be drawn from each
port. Caution should be taken to avoid contact between the eye and the test fixture.
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FIG. 32 Apertometer Head Form (Dimensions in mm)
7.7 Operational Packaging Leakage Test: Burst Strength Test of the Sealed Canister:
7.7.1 Pressure Test (to be conducted for initial and year five recertification testing): The RPED in the ready-to-use configuration
shall be pressurized until it bursts open in response to pressurization.
7.7.1.1 Before testing, the RPED shall be weighted on a gram scale calibrated to tenths. Record the initial weight.
7.7.1.2 A tub that is 600 mm long by 600 mm wide by 750 mm deep or larger shall be filled with water to a depth of at least 600
mm. The water shall be maintained at a temperature of 70 °C 6 3 °C throughout the test.
7.7.1.3 The RPED in the ready-to-use configuration shall be completely immersed, without interfering with the operational
packaging seal integrity, until it is firmly positioned at the bottom of the tub.
7.7.1.4 Once firmly in position, the RPED in the ready-to-use configuration shall remain in the water for 5 min.
7.7.1.5 Pass/fail shall be determined in accordance with 4.7.
7.7.2 Burst Test (to be conducted for annual testing): Pressurization shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1140.
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FIG. 43 Field of Vision in Apertometer Apparatus
FIG. 54 Vision Scoring Grid Overlay
7.7.2.1 The RPED in the ready-to-use configuration shall be pressurized until it bursts open in response to pressurization.
7.7.2.2 Pressurization shall be in accordance with the Standard Test Methods for Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of
Unrestrained Packages described in Test Methods F1140.
7.7.2.3 The pressure required to burst the package shall be recorded.
7.7.2.4 Pass/fail shall be determined in accordance with 4.7.4.
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FIG. 65 Typical Effective Field-of-Vision Scoring
7.7.3 The pressure required to burst the package shall be recorded.
7.7.4 Pass/fail shall be determined in accordance with 4.7.2.
7.8 Chemical Capacity Test:
7.8.1 Overview—ParagraphSubsection 7.8 is intended to provide a description of chemical capacity test methods sufficient to
allow a technician skilled in the art to perform laboratory testing to determine conformance with the chemical capacity
requirements of this specification as outlined in 4.8. Each chemical challenge test shall be conducted within the general method
guidelines outlined in 7.8.
7.8.2 Challenge Gases and Conditions—Random samples of RPED that are representative of the production process shall be
tested against the challenge gases, concentrations, and conditions listed in Table 3 in accordance with the testing matrices in 8.3
and the test methods described herein.
7.8.3 Challenge Test Flow Path:
7.8.3.1 Delivery tubing, sample tubing, fittings, valves, chambers, and components in the challenge test flow path shall be
designed to minimize pressure drop and shall be constructed of material that neither affects nor is affected by the challenge agent
(for example, polyolefin, polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], glass, or stainless steel).
TABLE 3 Challenge Gases and Test Conditions
Challenge Agent Challenge Concentration Breakthrough Air Flow Rate Through Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity (%)
(ppm) Concentration RPED
(ppm) (L/min)
1. Cyclohexane 500 ± 15 5 30 ± 1 25 ± 2 50 ± 5
2. Hydrogen Chloride 1000 ± 30 5 30 ± 1 25 ± 2 50 ± 5
3. Sulfur Dioxide 100 ± 3 3 30 ± 1 25 ± 2 50 ± 5
A
4. Hydrogen Cyanide 400 ± 12 10 30 ± 1 25 ± 2 50 ± 5
B C
5. Carbon Monoxide 3000 ± 90 200 30 ± 1 cyclic 25 ± 2 80 ± 3
B C
6. Carbon Monoxide 5000 ± 150 200 30 ± 1 cyclic 0 ± 2 80 ± 3
A
Total of HCN and C N .
2 2
B
5-min mov
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