by V.F. Kirilov, A.V. Chirkin

“ After analyzing the experimental data, the US and EU experts have concluded that to reduce the leakage of unfiltered air through gaps under the mask - will not be enough to ensure good performance only of respirators as individual devices, but they need to be the right choice for certain conditions of work, the correct selection mask (for each worker - individually) , and ensure proper donning and timely application of RPE by the workers. ”

“ In cases where the dust concentration exceeds 10 PEL, the employer must provide workers with respirators with facial part – full facepiece mask. If the dust concentration is over 40 (50) PEL, workers should use respirators with forced air supply under the mask. This ensures high (up to 1000 PEL) level of protection due to the almost complete elimination of leakage of unfiltered air under the mask through the gaps. When these respirators were tested in the workplace, then harmful substances under the mask usually cannot be found (using existing analytical methods) . ”

“ To reduce the gaps that arise due to incorrect donning respirator facepiece, which corresponds exactly to the shape and size of the working person, the following measures:
- Held periodic validation donning masks with instruments - as the initial choice of the respirator;
- Workers are trained for proper donning and the proper use of respirators by using modern equipment and teaching materials; современного оборудования и учебных материалов ”

“ Performance of Power Assisted Respirators During Simulated Asbestos Removal Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2002г. Vol. 46 No1 p.49-59. European Standards. Determination of inward leakage and total inward leakage. EN 13274-1 (2001) European Standards EN 136 Respiratory Protective Devices: Full-face masks ”