ISO/TC 94/SC 15/WG 6 - Selection and use

ISO 16975-3:2017 specifies guidance on how to conduct fit testing of tight-fitting respiratory protective device (RPD) and on appropriate methods to be used. Fit testing is only one element of a complete RPD programme. The intention of fit testing is to evaluate the effectiveness of the seal between the wearer's face and the respiratory interface (RI). A complete RPD programme is defined in ISO/TS 16975‑1. ISO 16975-3:2017 specifies requirements for conducting RPD fit testing and includes - qualifications/competences of fit-test operators, - specific fit-testing procedures, - interpretation of fit-test results, and - record keeping. A fit test is not required for escape-only RPD.

ISO/TS 16975-1:2016 specifies detailed information to assist persons responsible for establishing and implementing a programme for respiratory protective devices (RPD) that meet the performance requirements of the performance standards. It does not apply to RPD programmes for RPD used exclusively under water, for use in aircraft, and medical life support respirators and resuscitators. NOTE The information contained in this part of ISO 16975 can be used to assist in the preparation of national or local regulations; however, this part of ISO 16975 does not supersede national or local regulations. WARNING ? Failure to select, use and maintain RPD correctly can result in injury, illness or death.

ISO/TS 16975-2:2016 provides brief guidance to assist persons responsible for establishing and implementing a programme for respiratory protective devices (RPD) that meet the performance requirements. There are special applications where the selection of suitable RPD using this guide is not appropriate. These are: a) Fire Fighting ? structural and wildland firefighting, hazardous materials and rescue applications; b) CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear agents); c) Marine ? shipboard or off-shore firefighting or hazardous materials applications; d) Mining ? underground mining or firefighting and rescue applications; and e) Escape ? general, fire, CBRN, marine and mining. NOTE 1 For more detailed information relating to the special applications, refer to ISO/TS 16975‑1. This guidance does not apply to selecting RPD against bio aerosols. NOTE 2 Reference [3] addresses selection of RPD for bio aerosols that are capable of causing infection or adverse or allergic response but for which no occupational exposure limits have been established. This guidance does not apply to RPD programmes for RPD used exclusively under water, in aircraft, and medical life support respirators and resuscitators.