ISO/TC 94/SC 15/WG 4 - Test methods

This document specifies the method of test for the mechanical resistance and strength of components of respiratory protective devices.

This document specifies laboratory test methods for measuring the sound pressure level generated by the respiratory protective device (RPD) and by RPD warning devices, measured on a headform to which the RPD is fitted.

This document specifies practical performance tests for respiratory protective devices. The purpose of these tests is to subjectively assess certain properties, characteristics and functions of the RPD, when worn by test subjects in simulated practical use, which cannot be assessed by tests described in other standards.

This document specifies the test methods for determining inward leakage of respiratory interfaces (RI) and total inward leakage of complete respiratory protective devices (RPD) using specified test agents and incorporating specified body movements, at specified metabolic work rates. These tests are conducted in laboratories using specific test agents under specified conditions and therefore do not indicate the performance of the device in actual use.

ISO 16900-2:2017 specifies the method(s) of test for breathing resistance for - respiratory protective devices (RPDs), - filters for RPDs, and - respiratory interfaces (RI).

ISO 16900-5:2016 specifies the characteristics of breathing machines, metabolic simulators, RPD head forms/torso, RPD tools and RPD verification tools that are common to RPD test laboratories. Standardization of these items is essential for the standardization of the test methods. Standardization of the RPD verification tools is essential for demonstrating the delivery of comparable results in different test laboratories. Descriptions on the use of the RPD tools for the different tests are specified in the relevant parts of ISO 16900.

ISO 16900-12:2016 specifies the test methods for determining the volume-averaged work of breathing and peak respiratory pressures imposed by the respiratory protective device (RPD). Elastic work, elastic physiological effects, and information on physiological effects of work of breathing (WOB) are specified in ISO 16976‑4 and are not included in this test method.

ISO 16900-10:2015 specifies the methods for resistance to ignition, flame, radiant heat, and heat.

ISO 16900-13:2015 specifies tests which are specific to RPDs using regenerated breathable gas, compressed breathable gas with class L respiratory interfaces, and special application mining escape RPD.

ISO 16900-9:2015 specifies the test methods for determining the increased carbon dioxide content of the inhaled gas caused by wearing the RPD. Closed circuit supplied breathable gas RPD are excluded from ISO 16900-9:2015. NOTE See test method in ISO 16900‑13.

ISO 16900-8:2015 specifies the methods for measuring air flow rates delivered to the wearer by an assisted filtering RPD.

ISO 16900-11:2013 specifies the laboratory test method for determining the field of vision for a respiratory protective device (RPD).

ISO 16900-3:2012 specifies the test methods for particle filter penetration of separate or integral filters for respiratory protective devices.

ISO 16900-4:2011 specifies the test method for determining gas capacity of separate or integral gas and combined filters for respiratory protective systems. ISO 16900-4:2011 includes the validation test at specified flow rates, a desorption test to access the ability of the filter to retain the adsorbed or absorbed gas, and carbon monoxide dynamic testing.

ISO 16900-14:2015 specifies a laboratory test method for determining the sound level generated by the complete respiratory protective device (RPD) and RPD warning sounds measured on a headform to which the RPD is fitted.

ISO 16900-6:2015 specifies the method of test for the mechanical resistance and strength of components of respiratory protective devices.

ISO 16900-7:2015 specifies practical performance tests for respiratory protective devices (RPD). The purpose of these tests is to subjectively assess certain properties, characteristics, and functions of the RPD when worn by test subjects in simulated practical use, which cannot be assessed by tests described in other standards.

ISO 16900-1:2014 specifies the test methods for determining inward leakage of respiratory interfaces (RI) and total inward leakage of complete respiratory protective devices (RPD) using specified test agents and incorporating specified body movements, at specified metabolic work rates. These tests are conducted in laboratories using specific test agents under specified conditions and therefore do not indicate the performance of the device in actual use.

ISO 16900-2:2009 specifies the method(s) of test for breathing resistance for: complete respiratory protective devices; filters for respiratory protective devices; respiratory interfaces.