National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory 

P.O. Box 18070 

Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008

DETERMINATION OF LABORATORY RESPIRATOR PROTECTION LEVEL 

(LRPL) VALUES FOR CBRN AIR-PURIFYING ESCAPE RESPIRATOR (APER), 

STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP) 

1. PURPOSE

This test establishes the procedure for ensuring that the respirator is designed and constructed to 

fit persons with various facial and neck shapes and sizes as specified by the Los Alamos National 

Laboratory (LANL) panel. The is accomplished by determining the LRPL values provided by 

APER configurations submitted for new approval, extension of approval or examined during 

certified product audits, meet the minimum certification standards set forth in this Standard Test 

Procedure as prescribed in 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart G, Section 84.63(a),(c)&(d), and the 

Statement of Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying 

Escape Respirator (APER). 

2. GENERAL

2.1. This STP describes the determination of LRPL for human subjects wearing a CBRN 

APER in sufficient detail that a team of persons knowledgeable in the appropriate 

technical field can select equipment with the necessary resolution, conduct the test, and 

determine whether or not the respirator passes the specified test. 

2.2. LRPL testing is completed using a facility test administrator and his/her staff of two to 

six personnel. Through out this STP, the term “test administrator” will be used and it will 

imply the test administrator or their staff unless otherwise stated. 

3. EQUIPMENT / MATERIAL / REFERENCES

3.1. TSI Rear Light Scattering Laser Photometer, model 8587A, or equivalent. Concentration 

Range 1.0 μg/m3 to >200 mg/m3. Dynamic Range Fit factors to 100,000. As shown in 

Figure 1. 

3.2. NIOSH Dynamic Fit Software. The software is used to record the data collected by the 

laser photometer for each respirator and convert this data to LRPL factors per exercise. 

The individual LRPL factors are then converted to an overall LRPL factor for each trial. 

3.3. Aerosol Generator, MSP Model 2045 High Output Aerosol Generator or equivalent. The 

aerosol generator is capable of maintaining 5 to 100 mg/m3

 of corn oil challenge aerosol 

concentrations for the required test duration with a Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter 

Approvals: 

First Level Second Level Third Level Fourth Level 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 2 of 26 

(MMAD) of 0.4 to 0.6 μm in the test chamber. The geometric standard deviation must be 

less than 2.0. As shown in Figure 2. 

3.4. TSI model 8520, Dustrak Aerosol Monitor, or equivalent. Range 0.001 to 100 mg/m3 

(Calibrated to ISO 12103-1, A1 test dust). Resolution ±0.1% of reading or ±0.001 

mg/m3, whichever is greater. As shown in figure 3. 

3.5. Corn Oil - 99% Pure. CAS Number 8001-30-7. Commercial product names are 

Maise/Maize Oil, Maydol and Mazola Oil. 

3.6. Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), TSI model 3936 series. SMPS is made by 

combining the TSI model 3080 Electronic Classifier, TSI model 3775 Condensation 

Particle Counter and Long Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA). For determining the 

particle size and distribution of the chamber. As shown in figure 4. 

3.7. Environmental test chamber. The chamber shall be designed so that the individual(s) 

performing LRPL testing are visible at all times while in the chamber. The chamber 

design must include an entry vestibule designed to allow safe entry and exit from the 

chamber with minimal disturbance to both aerosol concentration and uniformity. An 

example of a charged corn oil chamber is provided in Figure 5. 

3.8. Chamber Communications. Electronic audio communications (chamber loudspeaker) 

from laboratory technicians to test subjects to ensure test subjects can clearly hear when 

to start and stop the test exercise regimen. 

3.9. Facial Size Measurement Calipers or equivalent. Calibrated face sizing calipers shall be 

used to measure the human test subject to the requirements identified in Appendix A. 

Examples of calipers are sliding measurement calipers: Seritex model GPM 104, 0-200 

mm length, or spreading measurement calipers: Seritex model GPM 106, 0-300 mm 

width. As shown in figure 6. 

3.10. Facepiece Direct Probes. The sample probes shall be of the shape defined by Liu 

[AIHAJ (45); 278-283, 1984] and shall not interfere with the fit or function of the 

respirator. Figure 7, below is an interior view of a sample respirator probed in the oralnasal region of the nose cup. Figure 10, is an exterior view of a probed respirator 

showing the metal interface for tubing and penetration through the lens and nose cup. 

Figure 9 and 10 are photographs of the probes used. There are two rubbers washers, one 

metal washers and one nut. 

3.11. Compressed Air System. A compressed air delivery is used to deliver make-up air to the 

hood. Grade D air will be supplied from breathable air cylinders to the hood using 

regulators and airlines. 

3.12. Human Test Subjects 

3.12.1. Test Administrator(s) shall have successfully completed the CDC/ATSDR 

Scientific Ethics Training, the DHHS/NIH Human Participant Protections 

Education for Research Teams or equivalent course. 

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3.12.2. At least thirty (30) human test subjects are required for this test. More subjects 

may be needed as necessary, based on the application specifics. All procedures 

and requirements specified in the NIOSH Human Subject Review Board (HSRB) 

Protocol HSRB-03-NPPTL-06P, entitled, “Determination of Laboratory 

Respirator Protection Level (LRPL) Testing (Quantitative) for Respiratory 

Protective Devices”, shall be followed and met. Informed consent will be 

obtained from each volunteer upon completion of the Volunteer Agreement 

Affidavit and Volunteer Agreement Affidavit Explanation contained in Protocol 

No, HSRB-02-NPPTL-04XP. The test subjects are required to complete a Health 

History Questionnaire as part of the volunteer agreement affidavit explanation 

contained in Protocol No. HSRB-02-NPPTL-04XP. Manual caliper instruments 

are used to determine facial head sizes for subject panel placement and 

assignment of APR sizes. 

4. TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS:

4.1. Prior to beginning any testing, all measuring equipment to be used must have 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 the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) when 

available. 

4.2. Any laboratory using this procedure to supply certification test data as a contractor to 

NIOSH will be subject to the provisions of the NIOSH Supplier Qualification Program 

(SQP). This program is based on the tenets of ISO/IEC 17025, the NIOSH Manual of 

Analytical Methods and other NIOSH guidelines. An initial complete quality system audit 

and follow on audits are requirements of the program. Additional details of the Program 

and its requirements can be obtained directly from the Institute. * 

*Note 4.2 does not apply to Pretest data from applicants as required under 42 CFR part 

84.64. 

4.3. Precision and accuracy (P&A) must be determined for each instrument in accordance 

with laboratory procedures and NIOSH/NPPTL guidance. Sound practice requires, under 

NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, demonstrating a tolerance range of expected data 

performance of a plus or minus 25% of a 95% confidence interval of the stated standard 

requirement. NIOSH/NPPTL P&A tolerance can be higher but not lower. 

5. PROCEDURE:

Note: Review the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manuals for calibration 

instructions, operational use, and maintenance procedures prior to commencing this STP. 

5.1. Respirator Set-up

5.1.1. Each hood shall be probed prior to the hood being issued to test subjects. Each 

hood shall be probed in two areas. The test facility administrator or his staff 

destructively probes all submitted respirators uniformly. 

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5.1.2. The respirator sampling probe location shall terminate in the oral/nasal region 

and in the ocular “under the hood” area. The optimum sampling probe position 

for the oral/nasal area is approximately 1/4 inch from the skin at the point of 

quadrilateral symmetry of the mouth and nose, i.e. midway between the nose and 

upper lip. The optimum sampling probe position for the ocular area is 

approximately 1/4 inch from the bridge of the nose. The exact final position of 

the sample probe will depend upon the design of the respirator being evaluated. 

Final position of the probe should have little to no impact on the designed 

function of the facepiece, nose cup or faceblank area that the probe is 

penetrating. When probing submitted respirators, test administrator should not 

attach the probe through material seams since the seam penetration can cause 

leakage. Nose cups that become rigid as a result of destructive probing should be 

analyzed for possible use of a flexible cannula probe that will span the distance 

and create less tension on the nosecup. 

5.1.3. Probes that do not clearly enter the oral nasal region, penetrate just the eye lens 

without penetrating the oral nasal nose cup, penetrate through a faceblank 

molded seam creating a possible seal leak or enter the nose cup but are blocked 

by internal respirator parts are considered inadequate test probes. If nosecup 

function is restricted by probe, testing laboratory may consider alternate 

equivalent probe locations. 

5.1.4. Hood must have an inlet installed in the back of the hood to allow make up air in. 

This connection must be sealed as to no leak. 

5.1.5. In cases, where the respirator cannot be probed successfully by the test facility, 

kits with adapters for quantitative fit testing, from the manufacturers can be 

reviewed and considered for use, but only as a last resort. 

5.1.6. Accessories may be provided and attached to the CBRN APER facepieces 

submitted for testing. NPPTL will determine the accessories to be added to the 

respirator for testing. 

5.2. Human Subject and Respirator Selection 

5.2.1. Manual caliper facial, neck and head measurements shall be used to determine 

panel placement prior to each test subject donning a respirator. 

5.2.2. Test subjects shall be selected to cover all the cells within the panels referenced 

in Appendix A and B based on the design of the APER and manufacturing sizing 

requirements. Each LRPL test shall consist of 2 trials. A minimum of 60 data 

points shall be collected from two trials by test subjects of each respirator size 

submitted to NIOSH, as prescribed in Appendix A and B. 

5.3. Chamber Set-up

5.3.1. Turn on air handling unit with sufficient airflow to maintain the proper corn oil 

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concentration. 

5.3.2. Turn on vacuum pump for laser photometers 

5.3.3. Turn on mixing fans to 5.5 volts. 

5.3.4. Turn on air compressor for corn oil generators to maintain the proper corn oil 

concentration. Corn Oil Challenge Concentration = 30 to 40 mg/m3

. 

5.3.5. Turn on laser photometers. 

5.3.6. Turn on SMPS and warm up for 15 minutes. 

5.3.7. Turn on DustTrak. 

5.3.8. Allow 30 minutes for the chamber concentration to stabilize. 

5.3.9. Use the DustTrak to monitor the chamber concentration. 

5.3.10. Adjust the air pressure at the generators regulator to establish the corn oil 

concentration of 30 to 40 mg/m3

. 

5.3.11. Use the SMPS according to the manual to determine the particle size. The 

correct size should be 0.4 to 0.6 μm with a geometric standard deviation of less 

than 2.0. 

5.3.12. Prepare for the make-up air by running the airlines into the chamber and 

verifying the air is ready to flow when the subjects enter the chamber. 

5.4. Conducting the LRPL Test

5.4.1. The Users Instructions (UI) provided with the test equipment shall be reviewed 

by all test facility personnel. Test subjects will be taught by the test facility 

administrator on the areas of manufacturer’s size selection, donning, positive and 

negative- pressure user seal checks, doffing and other donning procedures related 

to the accessories as specified by the UI. 

5.4.2. Test subject training will be conducted by test facility personnel based on the 

manufacturer’s users instructions. Procedures for doffing, trouble shooting, 

negative user seal checks, head harness tightening and accessory interfacing must 

be taught to test subjects by test facility administrator. Each test subject shall 

perform an unassisted donning of the respirator. Self donning under supervision 

of test administrator is permitted to make the appropriate adjustments to the 

facepiece until they are satisfied that they are wearing the respirator in 

compliance with the manufacturer’s user instructions. Expert donning is not 

allowed in the conduct of this test. 

5.4.2.1. After verifying the fit of the respirator using the user instructions, each 

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test subject shall practice donning and wear the respirator for a 

maximum of 15 minutes for each activity. Instruction period will be a 

minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes. 

5.4.3. Subjects will be assigned to two specific photometers, (one for the oral/nasal 

probe and one for the ocular probe) and moved to the chamber in groups of four 

or less based on the number of photometers. 

5.4.4. Test subjects entering and leaving the corn oil-charged chamber must enter into 

the vestibule first. Once the outside door is closed, the interior door is opened to 

allow subjects in the chamber. Once subjects are in the chamber they will be 

instructed to attach their sample line tubing to their assigned photometers and 

connect the make-up air line to the respirator. Chamber concentration is required 

to be monitored continuously during the entire conduct of each individual LRPL 

test. 

5.4.5. Information for each test subject will be recorded in the NIOSH Dynamic Fit 

software program. Test Administrator will start the software program and relay 

the information of time to start the test, exercise, and timing of the exercise being 

performed. 

5.4.6. The LRPL trial consists of a set of nine one minute standard exercises. During 

each trial of a LRPL test, each human subject will perform the following nine 

exercises for one-minute each in the below listed sequence. Subjects should not 

touch any portion of the respirator during any part of the LRPL active test. Test 

administrator will give verbal commands to stop and start each exercise. 

5.4.6.1. Normal Breathing: In a normal standing position with hands to the 

sides or rear, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally for one 

minute. A recommended procedure is to inhale through the nose and 

exhale through the nose at a normal pace. 

5.4.6.2. Deep Breathing: In a normal standing position as above, the subject 

shall breathe slowly and deeply for one minute, being careful not to 

hyperventilate. A recommended procedure is to inhale deeply through 

the nose and exhale through the mouth. 

5.4.6.3. Turn Head Side to Side: Standing in place, with arms to side, the 

subject shall slowly turn head from side to side for one minute between 

the extreme positions on each side. The head shall be held at each 

extreme momentarily so the subject can inhale at each side. Caution 

subjects not to hit the shoulder with any part of the respirator during 

the conduct of the exercise. 

5.4.6.3.1 Move Head Up and Down: Standing in place, the subject shall slowly 

move head up and down, starting at level plane, move the head up 

slowly so the eyes are looking straight up at the ceiling, inhale and 

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hold for one second. Slowly move down past the horizontal level start 

point to the end point where the chin just touches the chest. 

5.4.6.4. Reach for the floor and ceiling: While in normal breathing, standing, 

feet shoulder width apart and at arms length from each test subject, 

subject bends at the waist as if to touch toes/floor. After 

touching/reaching fully for the toes/floor, subject comes back up at a 

normal pace, extending arms fully and reaching for the maximum 

length of arms to the ceiling direction. Keeping the arms locked, 

continue the procedure until told to stop or for one minute. 

5.4.6.5. On Hands and Knees, Look Side to Side: Before starting, test subject 

ensures enough room is available between equipment, sample line and 

other test subjects. Position on hands and knees extend the head 

looking straight out. Starting at the center, move the head to the right 

or left full extreme and hold for one second. Inhale after that one 

second while holding the head at the extreme extension. Continue 

doing this exercise, not hitting the respirator aggressively, for one 

minute or told to stop. At a normal pace, return to the standing 

position. 

5.4.6.6. Facial Grimace: While in normal breathing and standing, the test 

subject will grimace the face by smiling or frowning. Starting with the 

mouth closed, create a smile or frown that is physically felt by the test 

subject while wearing the tested respirator. It is recommended that 

smiling and frowning be alternated during the one-minute exercise. 

5.4.6.7. Climb the Stairs At Regular Pace: Test subjects pair off in twos, while 

in normal breathing, one test subject of the a pair waits while the other 

test subject climbs up at a normal pace and back down at a normal 

pace. Upon the first subject completing one repetition of up and down, 

the second subject climbs while the first subject waits. Continue the 

cycle until one minuet expires or told to stop. Return to the floor 

standing position. Ensure sample lines are not restricting movement 

during the climb. 

5.4.6.8. Normal Breathing: In a normal standing position with hands to the 

sides or rear, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally for one 

minute. A recommended procedure is to inhale through the nose and 

exhale through the nose at a normal pace. 

5.4.7. Instruct the subjects to disconnect sample line from the photometer. Exit the 

chamber using the vestibule. Inform the subject to return to the ready line and 

await further instructions for doffing the respirator or leaving the respirator 

donned. All those subjects identified to doff the respirator will commence doing 

so and those subjects that are being reviewed for test failure protocol will remain 

with respirator donned until instructed to doff. 

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5.4.8. The overall calculated LRPL value for each individual will be recorded by the 

NIOSH Dynamic Fit software and written on the test data sheet as shown in 

attachment F. 

5.4.9. All comments and observations by test subjects, which are voluntary, will be 

written on the test data sheet. 

5.4.10. After a brief intermission (1-10 minutes), each test subject will re-don the same 

respirator facepiece and repeat steps to complete the 2nd trial for the test. Each 

test consists of two trails using the same respirator for each trial with the same 

test subject for each trial. 

5.4.11. If a respirator is identified as a failure upon trial termination, test administrator 

will conduct failure assessment protocol of the respirator in two phases. First 

phase is to inspect the respirator while it is still donned on the test subject. 

Second phase is to inspect the respirator when it is doffed. Post test failure 

analysis should consist of inspection of the test subjects eye to eye lens 

positioning, head harness positioning, head harness strap twists, nose cup 

distorted on face, hair in the faceblank seal area, canister not on securely, probe 

lose, missing or on a molded seal or surface causing seal gap or any other case 

dependent situations. If noted deficiencies are confirmed with the respirator 

being improperly probed, reassign another like respirator to the test subject and 

retest for two complete trials. If the respirator has a serviceable probe but 

continues to fail, log it as a LRPL failure. Inspect the probe assembly only if test 

results are consistently failing or suddenly failing after successful exercise results 

are indicated. Probe failures such as ripped faceblank material or inadequate 

probe sealing areas are cause for reanalysis of the determined probe entry point. 

5.5. Data Analysis

5.5.1. The overall LRPL factor will be collected for each trail run and written into the 

test data sheet. 

5.5.2. The test administrator will record for each test subject the following: 

5.5.2.1. Subject ID number; facepiece size worn; LANL cell, any relevant 

comments noted during the trail. 

6. PASS/FAIL CRITERIA

6.1. The overall LRPL value for each respirator in the oral/nasal probe shall be equal to or 

greater than 2,000 for 95 % of the trials evaluated and the overall LRPL value for each 

respirator in the ocular probe shall be equal to or greater than 150 for 95 % of the trials 

evaluated. 

7. RECORDS\TEST SHEETS

7.1. All test data will be recorded on the Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Test for 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 9 of 26 

CBRN LRPL test data sheets. 

8. ATTACHMENTS

8.1. Attachment A: LANL Test Panel 

8.2. Attachment B: APER Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Test Panel 

8.3. Attachment C: Test Panels Used for the Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Tests 

8.4. Attachment D: CBRN LRPL Data Sheet 

8.5. Attachment E: Protection Factor Calculations 

8.6. Attachment F: Figures 

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Attachment A: LANL Test Panel 

Face Width (mm) 

117.5 126.5 135.5 144.5 153.5 

133.5 

 

Box 9 Box 10

 

 

 

123.5 

 

Box 6 Box 7 Box 8

 

 

113.5 

 

Box3 Box 4 Box 5

 

 

103.5 

 

Box 1 Box 2 

 

Face Length (mm) 

 

93.5 

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Attachment B: APER Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Test Panel 

Small Medium Large 

Face Length 

and Face Width 

Cell A 

Use LANL boxes 1, 2, 3, 

4 (2 or 3 subjects each 

box) 

Subjects= 10 

Trials = 20 

Cell D 

Use LANL boxes 3, 4, 5, 

6, 7, 8 (2 or 3 subjects 

each box) 

Subjects= 17 

Trials = 34 

Cell G 

Use LANL boxes 7, 8, 9, 

10 (2 or 3 subjects each 

box) 

Subjects= 11 

Trials = 22 

Head 

Circumference 

Cell B 

N/A 

Subjects = 0 

Trials = 0 

Cell E 

N/A 

Subjects = 0 

Trials = 0 

Cell H 

570 – 603 mm 

Subjects = 10 

Trials = 20 

Neck 

Circumference 

Cell C 

306 – 378 mm 

Subjects = 10 

Trials = 20 

Cell F 

355 – 403 mm 

Subjects = 10 

Trials = 20 

Cell I 

378 – 451 mm 

Subjects = 10 

Trials = 20 

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Attachment C: Test Panels Used for the Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Tests 

Note: Additional size configurations are also possible; in these cases, NIOSH will determine the panel 

size, applicable anthropometric measurement ranges and APER test quantity. 

1. Manufacturers with One Size Fits All: minimum 30 test subjects, maximum 65 test subjects, two 

trials each subject. 

Quantity to be submitted for One Size Fits All: 65 actual APER plus 65 identical training aid 

systems or identical APER to be used for training. 

LRPL cells to be evaluated: All LRPL cells: A – I , Panel size: min – 30 subjects (60 data 

points); max – 65 subjects (130 data points). 

Note: Precedence for subject testing is simultaneous cell evaluation of all cells of a specific size. 

Thirty subjects will be evaluated for neck circumference to cover cells C, F and I. Twenty five 

subjects will be evaluated for facial length and width to cover cells A, D and G. Within LRPL 

cells A, D, and G, LANL boxes 1 through 10 will be applicable. Ten subjects will be evaluated 

for head circumference to cover cell H. 

2. Manufacturers with 2 APER Size Configurations (2 neck seal sizes and 2 oral nasal cup sizes): 

minimum 30 subjects, maximum 69 subjects, two trials each subject. The minimum number of 

subjects 30, is based on the evaluating 30 subjects for neck circumference criteria. 

A. Sample Quantity to be Submitted: Small / Medium size (small / medium neck seal with a 

small / medium oral nasal cup) 

Manufacture initially submits 29 actual APER plus 29 identical training aid systems or 

identical APER to be used for training. If additional units are needed to complete testing the 

manufacturer will be contacted. 

LPRL Panel Cells A, B, C, D, E and F: panel size, minimum 15 subjects (30 data 

points); maximum 29 subjects (58 data points). 

Note: Precedence for subject testing is simultaneous cell evaluation of all cells of a 

specific size. Fifteen subjects will be evaluated for neck circumference to cover cells 

C and F. Fourteen subjects will be evaluated for facial length and width to cover cells 

A and D. Within LRPL cells A and D, LANL boxes 1 through 6 will be applicable. 

B. Sample Quantity to be Submitted: Medium / Large size (medium / large neck seal with a 

medium / large oral nasal cup). 

Manufacture initially submits 40 actual APER plus 40 identical training aid systems or 

identical APER to be used for training. If additional units are needed to complete testing the 

manufacturer will be contacted. 

LPRL Panel Cells D, E, F, G, H and I: panel size, minimum 15 subjects (30 data 

points); maximum 40 subjects (80 data points). 

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Note: Precedence for subject testing is simultaneous cell evaluation of all cells of a 

specific size. Fifteen subjects will be evaluated for neck circumference to cover cells 

F and I. Fifteen subjects will be evaluated for facial length and width to cover cells D 

and G. Within LRPL cells D and G, LANL boxes 5 through 10 will be applicable. Ten 

subjects will be evaluated for head circumference to cover cell H. 

3. Manufacturers with 3 APER Size Configurations (3 neck seal sizes and 3 oral nasal cup sizes): 

minimum 38 subjects, maximum 78 subjects, two trials each subject. The minimum number of 

subjects 38, is based on the evaluating 38 subjects for facial length and width criteria. 

 

A. Sample Quantity to be Submitted: Small size (small neck seal with a small oral nasal cup) 

Manufacture initially submits 20 actual APER plus 20 identical training aid systems or 

identical APER to be used for training. If additional units are needed to complete testing the 

manufacturer will be contacted. 

LPRL Panel Cells A, B and C: panel size, minimum 10 subjects (20 data points); 

maximum 20 subjects (40 data points). 

 

Note: Precedence for subject testing is simultaneous cell evaluation of all cells of a 

specific size. Ten subjects will be evaluated for neck circumference to over cell C. 

Ten subjects will be evaluated for facial length and width to cover cell A. Within 

LRPL cell A, LANL boxes 1 through 4 will be applicable. 

B. Sample Quantity to be Submitted: Medium size (medium neck seal with a medium nasal cup) 

Manufacture initially submits 27 actual APER plus 27 identical training aid systems or 

identical APER to be used for training. If additional units are needed to complete testing the 

manufacturer will be contacted. 

LPRL Panel Cells D, E and F: panel size, minimum 17 subjects (34 data points); 

maximum 27 subjects (54 data points). 

Note: Precedence for subject testing is simultaneous cell evaluation of all cells of a 

specific size. Ten subjects will be evaluated for neck circumference to over cell F. 

Seventeen subjects will be evaluated for facial length and width to cover cell D. 

Within LRPL cell D, LANL boxes 3 through 8 will be applicable. 

C. Sample Quantity to be Submitted: Large size (large neck seal with a large nasal cup) 

Manufacture initially submits 31 actual APER plus 31 identical training aid systems or 

identical APER to be used for training. If additional units are needed to complete testing the 

manufacturer will be contacted. 

LPRL Panel Cells G, H and I: panel size, minimum 11 subjects (22 data points); 

maximum 31 subjects (62 data points). 

Note: Precedence for subject testing is simultaneous cell evaluation of all cells of a 

specific size. Ten subjects will be evaluated for neck circumference to over cell I. 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 14 of 26 

Eleven subjects will be evaluated for facial length and width to cover cell G. Within 

LRPL cell G, LANL boxes 7 through 10 will be applicable. 

Note: Some panel member may be the same individual in a dual role filling the cell requirements of 2 or 

more APER Size configurations. The data for each APER size are judged individually against the 

pass/fail criteria. 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 15 of 26 

Attachment D: CBRN APR/SCBA LRPL Data Sheet 

NIOSH CBRN LRPL Test Data Sheet 

Task Number : ________________________________________________________ 

Manufacture: __________________________________________________________ 

Model Number or Name: _______________________________________________ 

Facepiece / Part Number: _______________________________________________ 

Date Started: ___________________ Date Ended: _____________________ 

Facepieces Sizes (circle one): 1 2 3 other ________ 

Laboratory Conditions 

Date Temperature Humidity Corn Oil MMAD Geo Std Dev 

 

 

 

 

 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 16 of 2

Subject 

ID 

LANL 

Cell 

Facepie

ce Size 

PortaCount 

Reading 

Oral/Nasal Overall 

LRPL Factor 

Trial 1 

Ocular Overall 

LRPL Factor 

Trial 1 

Pass / 

Fail 

Oral/Nasal Overall 

LRPL Factor 

Trial 2 

Ocular Overall 

LRPL Factor 

Trial 2 

Pas

Fa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 17 of 2

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 18 of 26 

Total Pass / Fail Results 

LRPL Modified LRPL 

Pass Pass 

Fail Fail 

Overall 

results 

Comments 

Was all equipment verified to be in calibration throughout the testing:  yes  no 

Were all the part numbers verified against the hardware:  yes  no 

Test Administrator Signature: __________________________________Date: ______________ 

Concurrence: ______________________________________________ Date: ______________ 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 19 of 26 

Attachment E: Protection Factor Calculations 

The respirator system’s performance is numerically quantified in terms of a PF value. The PF is calculated 

by determining the ration of challenge aerosol concentration to the in-mask aerosol concentration as 

qualified by integrating the peak voltage output from the photometer over a time interval. A PF is 

calculated for each individual exercise (PFi): 

maskIn Concentration

Challenge Concentration PFi − =

Each PFi for that trial are then used to calculate an overall PF for the subject (PF0) as follows where n is the 

number of exercises. The PF0 is affected most by the smallest PFi . Under the conditions of the test and the 

sensitivity of the photometers, the maximum PF that can be reported is 100,000. The PF values obtained 

are used to evaluate the system against the appropriate PF requirements. 

1

n

1 i PFi

1

n 

−

= ⎟

⎟

⎠

⎞

⎜

⎜

⎝

⎛ PFo = ∑

Example: A five exercise PF test has been conducted. Here are the calculations for the PFo based on the 

PFi values for each exercise. PF1 = 100,000 ; PF2 = 10,000 ; PF3 = 25,000 ; PF4 = 75,000 ; PF5 = 100,000 

; n = 5 

1

000,100

1

000,75

1

000,25

1

000,10

1

000,100

1 5

−

⎟

⎟

⎠

⎞

⎜

⎜

⎝

⎛ ⎟

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛ ⎟ +

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛ ⎟ +

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛ ⎟ +

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛ ⎟ +

⎠

⎞ ⎜

⎝

⎛ PFo =

PFo = 28846

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 20 of 26 

Attachment F: Figures

Figure 1: TSI Laser Photometer 

Figure 2: Aerosol Generator 

Figure 3: Dustrack Aerosol Monitor 

Figure 4: Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer 

Figure 5: Charged Test Chamber 

Figure 6: Facial Size Measurement Calipers 

Figure 7: Interior View of a Probed Sample Respirator 

Figure 8: Exterior View of a Probed Sample Respirator 

Figure 9: Front View of Sample Probe 

Figure 10: Side View of Sample Probe 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 21 of 26 

Figure 1: Laser Photometer, Model 8587A 

Figure 2: Aerosol Generator 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 22 of 26 

Figure 3: Dustrack Aerosol Monitor 

Figure 4: Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 23 of 26 

Figure 5: Charged Test Chamber 

Figure 6: Facial Size Measurement Calipers

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 24 of 26 

Figure 7: Interior View of a Sample Respirator Probed 

Figure 8: Exterior View of a Probed Sample Respirator 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 25 of 26 

Figure 9: Front View of Sample Probe 

Figure 10: Side View of Sample Probe 

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Procedure No. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0452 Revision: 2.0 Date: 10 June 2008 Page 26 of 26 

Revision History 

Revision Date Reason for Revision 

0 23 September 2004 Historic document 

1.1 22 December 2005 Update header and format 

No changes to method 

2.0 10 June 2008 Significant changes – While the basic method of conducting the test 

is essentially the same as in the previous revision, non-essential 

language has been removed, and instructions specific to having the 

test performed by a third-party laboratory have been deleted. 

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