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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory 

626 Cochrans Mill Road 

Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Procedure No. CVB-APR-STP-0085 Revision: 0.0 Date: 23 March 2020

DETERMINATION OF LOW FLOW WARNING DEVICE SOUND LEVEL ON POWERED AIR 

PURIFYING RESPIRATOR (PAPR), SERIES PAPR100, 

STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP)

1. PURPOSE

This test establishes the method for ensuring that the level of protection provided by the Low

Flow Warning Devices Sound Level, series PAPR100, meet the minimum requirements set forth

in 42 CFR, Part 84, Subpart K, Section 84.171(j)(6).

2. GENERAL

This STP describes the Determination of Low Flow Warning Device Sound Level on PAPR100s

test procedure in sufficient detail that a person knowledgeable in the appropriate technical field

can select equipment with the necessary resolution, conduct the test, and determine whether or

not the product passes the test.

3. EQUIPMENT/MATERIAL

3.1. The list of necessary test equipment and materials follows:

3.1.1. Noise Dosimeter-- Quest Technologies Noise Pro Series Dosimeter For OSHA 

use, the dosimeter must have a 5 dB exchange rate, use a 90 dBA criterion level, 

be set at slow response, and use either an 80 dBA or 90 dBA threshold gate, or a 

dosimeter that has both capabilities, whichever is appropriate for the evaluation.

3.1.2. Lifesize mannequin.

4. TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

4.1. Prior to beginning any testing, confirm that all measuring equipment employed has been

calibrated in accordance with the testing laboratory’s calibration procedure and schedule. 

All measuring equipment utilized for this testing must have been calibrated using a 

method traceable to recognized international standards when available.

4.2. Noise level test must be performed in a location that has a maximum background noise

level of no more than 60 dBA. 

5. PROCEDURE

5.1. Position the microphones of the Quest NoisePro Dosimeter on each ear of the mannequin.

Following the respirator manufacturer’s instructions, mount the respirator assembly onto 

the mannequin. 
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Procedure No. CVB-APR-STP-0085 Revision: 0.0 Date: 23 March 2020 Page 2 of 5 

5.2. Turn PAPR system on and follow the low flow user check, in user manual instructions, to 

activate the audible alarm.

5.3. Take and record five measurements at the mannequin’s ear locations. 

5.4. Data Analysis

5.4.1. Average the five readings taken from the left ear.

5.4.2. Average the five readings taken from the right ear.

5.4.3. Average the Left Ear Average and Right Ear Average to get the Overall Average.

6. PASS/FAIL CRITERIA

6.1. The requirement for passing this test is set forth in 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart K, Section 

84.171(j)(6). 

6.2. If the warning provided is audible only, the minimum sound level must be 80 dBA. 

6.3. This test should be done on a minimum of two respirators. 

7. RECORDS/TEST SHEETS

7.1. All test data collected will be recorded on the appropriate Determination of Minimum 

Sound Level for Low Flow Warning Device on PAPR100 Test Data Sheet.

8. ATTACHMENTS

8.1. Example Data Sheet

 

8.2. Photograph – Mannequin Wearing Sound Meters
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8.1. Example Data Sheet 
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8.2. Photograph of Sound Test Mannequin Wearing Sound Level Meters 
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Procedure No. CVB-APR-STP-0085 Revision: 0.0 Date: 23 March 2020 Page 5 of 5 

Revision History

Revision Date Reason for Revision

0.0 23 March 2020 Original release