ASTM F1052-20

Standard Test Method for Pressure Testing Vapor Protective Suits

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is only appropriate for evaluating the integrity of totally encapsulating protective suits that are designed and manufactured to prevent the inward leakage of gases and vapors. However, this test method does not evaluate the exhaust(s) which permit the release of exhalation air from the wearer’s self-contained breathing apparatus or supplied air respirator, or the effects of use on the suit’s ability to protect against inward leakage of gases or vapors. Suit vapor protection should be tested in accordance with Test Method F2588. Garments designed to protect from liquid chemicals should be tested in accordance with Test Method F1359/F1359M.  
5.2 It is possible to apply this test method to suits that do not fully encapsulate the wearer by providing fixtures or other means of blocking off those portions of the suit that are open, such as hood face openings or sleeve ends.  
5.3 This nondestructive test method is useful as a quality control tool for manufacturers and as a field method for end users to determine changes in garment integrity following use.  
5.4 This test method is useful to end users for determining the integrity of vapor protective suits upon receipt from the manufacturer, prior to use, following use and decontamination, following repairs, and as a periodic maintenance test.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method measures the ability of a vapor protective suit, including seams and closures, to maintain a fixed, positive pressure over a specified period of time.  
1.2 This test method does not measure vapor protection of suits. This test method measures the integrity of the suit, glove, foot protection, and visor materials, as well as the seams and closures of a vapor protective suit. Exhaust valves fitted in the vapor protective suit must be sealed or blocked for this test and therefore are not functionally tested.  
1.2.1 The measurement of vapor protection of suits is measured using a different test method, Test Method F2588.  
1.3 The values as stated in in.-H2O (mm-H2O) units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.4 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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.  
1.5 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-Sep-2020
• ICS: 13.340.10 - Protective clothing
• Technical Committee: F23 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F23.30 - Chemicals

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1154-24 - Standard Practices for Evaluating the Comfort, Fit, Function, and Durability of Protective Ensembles, Ensemble Elements, and Other Components
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM F392/F392M-23 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Flexible Barrier Materials for Flex Durability
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM F2588-12(2020) - Standard Test Method for Man-In-Simulant Test (MIST) for Protective Ensembles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1154-18 - Standard Practices for Evaluating the Comfort, Fit, Function, and Durability of Protective Ensembles, Ensemble Elements, and Other Components
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM F903-18 - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1407-12(2017) - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Chemical Protective Clothing Materials to Liquid Permeation—Permeation Cup Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM F903-17 - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM F1359/F1359M-16 - Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetration Resistance of Protective Clothing or Protective Ensembles Under a Shower Spray While on a Manikin
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4157-13 - Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1359/F1359M-13 - Standard Test Method for Liquid Penetration Resistance of Protective Clothing or Protective Ensembles Under a Shower Spray While on a Mannequin
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1383-12 - Standard Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases through Protective Clothing Materials under Conditions of Intermittent Contact
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2012
• Refers: ASTM F739-12 - Standard Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases through Protective Clothing Materials under Conditions of Continuous Contact
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1407-12 - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Chemical Protective Clothing Materials to Liquid Permeation—Permeation Cup Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2588-12 - Standard Test Method for Man-In-Simulant Test (MIST) for Protective Ensembles
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1383-11 - Standard Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases through Protective Clothing Materials under Conditions of Intermittent Contact
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011

Overview

ASTM F1052-20: Standard Test Method for Pressure Testing Vapor Protective Suits is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. The standard specifies a nondestructive test method to assess the integrity of totally encapsulating vapor protective suits intended to prevent the inward leakage of gases and vapors. By measuring the ability of these protective suits - including seams, closures, gloves, foot protection, and visors - to maintain positive internal pressure over a set period, the standard provides a reliable means to verify suit integrity for emergency responders and industrial personnel exposed to hazardous chemicals. This method serves as both a quality control tool for manufacturers and a field test for end users to monitor suit condition throughout its service life.

Key Topics

• Test Method Purpose: Designed exclusively for vapor protective suits, this test verifies the air-tightness and general integrity of the suit's construction, not its actual vapor protection capability (which is evaluated by other specific test methods).
• Test Procedure:
  • Visual inspection and preparation of the suit.
  • Sealing of all exhaust valves and open areas.
  • Suit inflation to a specified pressure and assessment of pressure retention over four minutes.
  • Identification of failures and leak locations, with retesting after repairs as needed.
• Application Range: While primarily intended for fully encapsulating suits, the method can be adapted to test other suit types by sealing open areas with appropriate fixtures.
• Testing Frequency: Suits should be pressure tested upon receipt, before use, after each use or decontamination, post-repair, and at least annually, following manufacturer recommendations.
• Safety Considerations: The standard highlights the need for appropriate health, safety, and environmental practices during the use and testing of vapor protective suits.

Applications

ASTM F1052-20 is crucial for any industry or emergency response organization relying on vapor protective suits as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) strategies, including:

• Chemical Manufacturing and Handling: Ensuring airtight integrity before use in hazardous material environments.
• Emergency Response: Verifying suit integrity for fire and rescue teams prior to entering contaminated or hazardous atmospheres.
• Quality Assurance for PPE Manufacturers: Routine production quality control to detect fabrication defects and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Suit Maintenance and Field Inspection: Monitoring the condition of reusable protective suits after use, cleaning, and repair to confirm ongoing reliability.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assisting organizations in adhering to national and international occupational health and safety regulations relating to chemical protective clothing.

Related Standards

Several related ASTM standards are referenced within ASTM F1052-20 for broader assessment of protective clothing and materials:

• ASTM F2588 - Test Method for Man-In-Simulant Test (MIST) for Protective Ensembles (vapor leakage testing)
• ASTM F1359/F1359M - Test Method for Liquid Penetration Resistance Under a Shower Spray
• ASTM F739 - Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases Through Protective Clothing Under Continuous Contact
• ASTM F903 - Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids
• ASTM F1154 - Practices for Evaluating Comfort, Fit, Function, and Durability of Protective Ensembles
• ASTM D751, D2582, D4157 - Various physical property test methods for materials
• ASTM F1383, F1407 - Permeation and liquid penetration methods for chemical protective clothing

Organizations using vapor protective suits should refer to these related standards to ensure comprehensive protection, durability, and compliance in hazardous environments. Regular pressure integrity testing, as specified by ASTM F1052-20, is a critical component of effective PPE management and worker safety in high-risk chemical exposure situations.

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:F1052 −20
Standard Test Method for
Pressure Testing Vapor Protective Suits
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1052; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Personnel in industry and emergency response can be exposed to numerous chemicals capable of
causing harm upon contact with the human body. The deleterious effects of these chemicals can range
from acute trauma such as skin irritation and burn, to chronic degenerative disease such as cancer.
Since engineering controls may not eliminate all possible exposures, attention is often placed on
reducing the potential for direct skin contact through the use of protective clothing.
Protective clothing is available in a variety of constructions, configurations, and materials, and is
designedtoprovidevariouslevelsofprotectionagainstmanyhazards.Vaporprotectivesuitsgenerally
offer the highest level of chemical protection being constructed to prevent contact of solid, liquid, or
gaseous chemicals with the wearer. This test method evaluates the integrity and construction of vapor
protective suits by way of an internal pressure test.
This test method does not measure the protection of the suit. Other tests measure the protective
aspects of the ensembles that are based on these suits, including Test Method F2588 for evaluating
chemical vapor inward leakage, Test Method F1359/F1359M for evaluating splash resistance using a
shower test, and Practices F1154 for evaluating the overall form, fit, and function of a protective
ensemble using a simulated wear test.
Resistance to chemical permeation of materials used in protective clothing should be evaluated by
Test Methods F739 for continuous contact and F1383 for intermittent contact (that is, splash), or by
Test Method F1407 according to the permeation cup method. Resistance of protective clothing
materials to liquid penetration should be determined by Test Method F903.
Physical properties of materials used in the construction of protective clothing can be determined
using a variety of test methods, including Test Methods D751 (dimensions, weight, breaking strength,
elongation, burst, tear resistance, hydrostatic resistance, coating adhesion, tack-tear, low temperature
impact and bend, accelerated aging, blocking, and crush resistance), D2582 (puncture propagation
tear), D4157 (abrasion resistance), F392/F392M (flexural fatigue), F1358 (flammability), as well as
many others.
1. Scope vapor protective suit must be sealed or blocked for this test and
therefore are not functionally tested.
1.1 This test method measures the ability of a vapor
1.2.1 The measurement of vapor protection of suits is
protective suit, including seams and closures, to maintain a
measured using a different test method, Test Method F2588.
fixed, positive pressure over a specified period of time.
1.3 The values as stated in in.-H O (mm-H O) units are to
2 2
1.2 This test method does not measure vapor protection of
be regarded as the standard.
suits.This test method measures the integrity of the suit, glove,
foot protection, and visor materials, as well as the seams and
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
closures of a vapor protective suit. Exhaust valves fitted in the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F23 on Personal
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.
F23.30 on Chemicals.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F1052 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/F1052-20. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1052−20
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- F1383 Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Through Protective Clothing Materials Under Conditions
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. of Intermittent Contact
F1407 Test Method for Resistance of Chemical Protective
2. Referenced Documents
Clothing Materials to Liquid Permeation—Permeation
Cup Method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F2588 Test Method for Man-In-Simulant Test (MIST) for
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
Protective Ensembles
D2582 Test Method for Puncture-Propagation Tear Resis-
tance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting
3. Terminology
D4157 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method)
3.1.1 protective clothing, n—item of clothing that is specifi-
F392/F392M Practice for Conditioning Flexible Barrier Ma-
cally designed and constructed for the intended purpose of
terials for Flex Durability
isolating all or part of the body from a potential hazard; or,
F739 Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases
isolating the external environment from contamination by the
Through Protective Clothing Materials Under Conditions
wearer of the clothing.
of Continuous Contact
F903 Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in 3.1.2 protective ensemble, n—the combination of protective
Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids clothingwithrespiratoryprotectiveequipment,hoods,helmets,
F1154 Practices for Evaluating the Comfort, Fit, Function, gloves, boots, communications systems, cooling devices, and
and Durability of Protective Ensembles, Ensemble other accessories intended to protect the wearer from a
Elements, and Other Components potential hazard when worn together.
F1358 Test Method for Effects of Flame Impingement on
3.1.3 protective suit, n—an item of protective clothing that
Materials Used in Protective Clothing Not Designated
at a minimum covers the wearer’s torso, head, arms, and legs.
Primarily for Flame Resistance
3.1.3.1 Discussion—For purposes of this test method, the
F1359/F1359M Test Method for Liquid Penetration Resis-
protective suit is also equipped with a visor, and tightly
tance of Protective Clothing or Protective Ensembles
attached glove and foot protection and exhaust valves. These
Under a Shower Spray While on a Manikin
suits are designed to cover the wearer’s respiratory equipment
and provide protection from vapors.
4. Summary of Test Method
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.1 The vapor protective suit is visually inspected and
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
modified for the test. A test apparatus is attached to the vapor
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
FIG. 1 Typical Examples of Suit Modification to Permit Inflation
F1052−20
protective suit (Fig. 1) to permit inflation to the pre-test manufacturer, prior to use, following use and decontamination,
expansion pressure for removal of wrinkles and creases, and to following repairs, and as a periodic maintenance test.
equalize/stabilize the air temperatures internal and external to
the vapor protective suit. The pressure is lowered to the test 6. Required Materials Apparatus
pressure and monitored for 4 min. If the pressure drop is
6.1 Source of Compressed Air.
excessive,thevaporprotectivesuitfailsthetestandisremoved
6.2 Test Apparatus for Suit Testing (Fig. 2), including a
from service.The test is repeated after leak location and repair.
pressure measurement device with the capability of indicating
4.2 Pressure testing of vapor protective suits should be
⁄4-in. (6.35-mm) water gauge pressure change.
conducted at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer
6.3 Vent Valve Closure Plugs, or sealing tape.
but no less often than upon receipt of the garment, after each
wearing if the suit is to be reused, and at least annually
6.4 Soapy Water Solution and Soft Brush.
thereafter.
6.5 Stopwatch, or appropriat
...

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: F1052 − 14 F1052 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Pressure Testing Vapor Protective Suits
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1052; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Personnel in industry and emergency response can be exposed to numerous chemicals capable of
causing harm upon contact with the human body. The deleterious effects of these chemicals can range
from acute trauma such as skin irritation and burn, to chronic degenerative disease such as cancer.
Since engineering controls may not eliminate all possible exposures, attention is often placed on
reducing the potential for direct skin contact through the use of protective clothing.
Protective clothing is available in a variety of constructions, configurations, and materials, and is
designed to provide various levels of protection against many hazards. Vapor protective suits generally
offer the highest level of chemical protection being constructed to prevent contact of solid, liquid, or
gaseous chemicals with the wearer. This test method evaluates the integrity and construction of vapor
protective suits by way of an internal pressure test.
This test method does not measure the protection of the suit. Other tests measure the protective
aspects of the ensembles that are based on these suits, including Test Method F2588 for evaluating
chemical vapor inward leakage, Test Method F1359F1359/F1359M for evaluating splash resistance
using a shower test, and PracticePractices F1154 for evaluating the overall form, fit, and function of
a protective ensemble using a simulated wear test.
Resistance to chemical permeation of materials used in protective clothing should be evaluated by
Test Methods F739 for continuous contact and F1383 for intermittent contact (that is, splash), or by
Test Method F1407 according to the permeation cup method. Resistance of protective clothing
materials to liquid penetration should be determined by Test Method F903.
Physical properties of materials used in the construction of protective clothing can be determined
using a variety of test methods, including Test Methods D751 (dimensions, weight, breaking strength,
elongation, burst, tear resistance, hydrostatic resistance, coating adhesion, tack-tear, low temperature
impact and bend, accelerated aging, blocking, and crush resistance), D2582 (puncture propagation
tear), D4157 (abrasion resistance), F392F392/F392M (flexural fatigue), F1358 (flammability), as well
as many others.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method measures the ability of a vapor protective suits,suit, including seams,seams and closures, to maintain a fixed,
positive pressure.pressure over a specified period of time.
1.2 This test method does not measure vapor protection of suits. This test method measures the integrity of the suit, glove, foot
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F23.30 on Chemicals.
Current edition approved May 1, 2014Oct. 1, 2020. Published May 2014October 2020. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 20092014 as
F1052 – 09.F1052 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/F1052-14.10.1520/F1052-20.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1052 − 20
protection, and visor materials, as well as the seams,seams and closures of a vapor protective suit. Exhaust valves fitted in the vapor
protective suit must be sealed or blocked for this test and therefore are not functionally tested.
1.2.1 The measurement of vapor protection of suits is measured using a different test method, Test Method F2588.
1.3 The values as stated in in.-H O (mm-H O) units are to be regarded as the standard.
2 2
1.4 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.
1.5 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:
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D2582 Test Method for Puncture-Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting
D4157 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Oscillatory Cylinder Method)
F392F392/F392M Practice for Conditioning Flexible Barrier Materials for Flex Durability
F739 Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases Through Protective Clothing Materials Under Conditions of Continuous
Contact
F903 Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids
F1154 Practices for Evaluating the Comfort, Fit, Function, and Durability of Protective Ensembles, Ensemble Elements, and
Other Components
F1358 Test Method for Effects of Flame Impingement on Materials Used in Protective Clothing Not Designated Primarily for
Flame Resistance
F1359F1359/F1359M Test Method for Liquid Penetration Resistance of Protective Clothing or Protective Ensembles Under a
Shower Spray While on a Manikin
F1383 Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases Through Protective Clothing Materials Under Conditions of
Intermittent Contact
F1407 Test Method for Resistance of Chemical Protective Clothing Materials to Liquid Permeation—Permeation Cup Method
F2588 Test Method for Man-In-Simulant Test (MIST) for Protective Ensembles
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 protective ensemble, n—the combination of protective clothing with respiratory protective equipment, hoods, helmets,
gloves, boots, communications systems, cooling devices, and other accessories intended to protect the wearer from a potential
hazard when worn together.
3.1.1 protective clothing, n—item of clothing that is specifically designed and constructed for the intended purpose of isolating all
or part of the body from a potential hazard; or, isolating the external environment from contamination by the wearer of the clothing.
3.1.2 protective ensemble, n—the combination of protective clothing with respiratory protective equipment, hoods, helmets,
gloves, boots, communications systems, cooling devices, and other accessories intended to protect the wearer from a potential
hazard when worn together.
3.1.3 protective suit, n—an item of protective clothing that at a minimum covers the wearer’s torso, head, arms, and legs.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
For purposes of this test method, the protective suit is also equipped with a visor, and tightly attached glove and foot protection
and exhaust valves. These suits are designed to cover the wearer’s respiratory equipment and provide protection from vapors.
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.
F1052 − 20
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The vapor protective suit is visually inspected and modified for the test. A test apparatus is attached to the vapor protective
suit (Fig. 1) to permit inflation to the pre-test expansion pressure for removal of wrinkles and creases, and to equalize/stabilize the
air temperatures internal and external to the vapor protective suit. The pressure is lowered to the test pressure and monitored for
4 min. If the pressure drop is excessive, the vapor protective suit fails the test and is removed from service. The test is repeated
after leak location and repair.
4.2 Pressure testing of vapor protective suits should be conducted at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer but no less
often than upon receipt of the garment, after each wearing if the suit is to be reused, and at least annually thereafter.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Workers involved in the production, use, and transportation of liquid and gaseous chemicals can be exposed to numerous
compounds capable of causing harm upon contact with the human body. The deleterious effects of these chemicals can range from
acute trauma such as skin irritation and burn to chronic degenerative disease such as cancer. Since engineering controls may not
eliminate all possible exposures, attention is often placed on reducing the potential for direct skin contact through the use of
protective clothing that resists permeation, penetration, and degradation.
5.1 This test method is only appropriate for evaluating the integrity of totally
...