Approvals: 1st Level 2nd Level 3rd Level 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory 

P.O. Box 18070 

Pittsburgh, PA 15236 

Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005

DETERMINATION OF HYDROGEN CHLORIDE SERVICE LIFE TEST, 

AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATORS 

 STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP) 

1. PURPOSE

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

hydrogen chloride service life requirements on chemical cartridges and gas masks air-purifying 

respirators submitted for Approval, Extension of Approval, or examined during Certified Product 

Audits meet the minimum certification standards set forth in 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart G, Section 

84.63(a)(c)(d), Subpart I, Section 84.126, Subpart L, Section 84.207, and Subpart KK, Section 

84.1157; Volume 60, Number 110, June 8, 1995. 

2. GENERAL

This STP describes the Determination of Hydrogen Chloride Service Life Test, Air-Purifying 

Respirators test 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. Miller Nelson Research Model 401 Flow-Temperature-Humidity Control System 

or equivalent. 

3.1.2. Interscan Corporation Model 1360 Hydrogen chloride detector or equivalent. 

 3.1.3. Brooks Rotameter, R 215-D for cartridges and R 215-B for canisters. 

 3.1.4. Certified cylinder of 5 parts per million (ppm) HCl in Nitrogen. 

 3.1.5. Gilian Gil-Air-3 Sampling Pump, or equivalent. 

 3.1.6. Vaisala model HMI 31 humidity indicator. 

 3.1.7. Hydrogen Chloride cylinder, 99% purity. 

 3.1.8. Electronic balance with accuracy of 0.001 grams (g).

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 2 of 19 

3.2. Test fixture for mounting cartridges and canisters. The test fixture used is specific to 

each manufacturer depending on how the cartridge, canister, or powered air-purifying 

respirator (PAPR), mouth bit, etc. is mounted to the facepiece. The T-end has a 29/42 

ground glass joint glued in place. Canisters are tested with their connections glued into 

the ground glass joint. In most cases the cartridge cups of the respirator are affixed by 

hot melt glue to PVC pipe tee of appropriate size. PAPR cartridges and canisters are 

tested on their blower units if possible, or on suitable substitutions, if the unit is too large 

for the test chamber. 

3.3. The test chamber consisting of a 12" x 111⁄2" x 7" air tight box, made of 1⁄2" plexiglass 

with 2 hinge type locks on the door opening lined with gasket material. A 1⁄2" hole is 

located on the backside of the test chamber for the introduction of the test concentration 

and a 11⁄2" hole on the top for the exit of the test fixture and to detect the breakthrough 

concentration. This fixture is not commercially available. 

3.4. Resistance tester consisting of a vacuum source capable of delivering 85 liters per minute 

(lpm), a 6-inch slant manometer, and a 29/42 female ground glass joint. The resistance 

testers currently being used are located on the silica dust chamber. 

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 manufacturer's calibration procedure and schedule. At 

a minimum, all measuring equipment utilized for this testing must have been calibrated 

within the preceding 12 months using a method traceable to the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology (NIST). 

4.2. Normal laboratory safety practices must be observed. This includes safety precautions 

described in the current ALOSH Facility Laboratory Safety Manual. 

 4.2.1. Safety glasses, lab coats, and hard-toe shoes must be worn at all times. 

4.2.2. Work benches must be maintained free of clutter and non-essential test 

equipment. 

4.2.3. When handling any glass laboratory equipment, lab technicians and personnel 

must wear special gloves which protect against lacerations or punctures. 

4.3. HYDROGEN CHLORIDE BENCH TEST FOR CARTRIDGES 

 4.3.1. Resistance to air flow will be taken before and after each test, 84.203. 

 4.3.2. Three "as received" cartridges (or pairs of cartridges) will be tested at 64 lpm, 

continuous air flow, 50 + 5 percent relative humidity (RH), approximately 25 

degrees Celsius (OC), and 500 ppm HCl. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 3 of 19 

 4.3.3. Two cartridges or pairs of cartridges will be equilibrated at room temperature by 

passing 25 percent RH air through them at 25 lpm for 6 hours and then testing 

them at 50 percent RH, approximately 25OC, and 32 lpm continuous air flow 

containing 500 ppm HCl. 

 4.3.4. Two cartridges or pairs of cartridges will be equilibrated at room temperature by 

passing 85 percent RH air through them at 25 lpm for 6 hours and then testing 

them at 50 percent RH, approximately 25o

C, and 32 lpm continuous air flow 

containing 500 ppm HCl. 

4.4. HYDROGEN CHLORIDE BENCH TEST FOR CANISTERS 

 4.4.1. Three "as received" canisters will be tested at 64 lpm, continuous air flow, 

50 + 5 percent RH, approximately 25o

C, containing 5000 ppm HCl for chin style 

gas mask canisters. 

 4.4.2. Two canisters will be equilibrated at room temperature by passing 25 percent RH 

air through them at 64 lpm for 6 hours and then testing them at 50 percent RH, 

approximately 25o

C, and 32 lpm continuous air flow containing 5000 ppm HCl 

for chin style gas mask canisters. 

 4.4.3. Two canisters will be equilibrated at room temperature by passing 85 percent RH 

air through them at 64 lpm for 6 hours and then testing them at 50 percent RH, 

approximately 25o

C, and 32 lpm continuous air flow containing 5000 ppm HCl 

for chin style gas mask canisters. 

4.5. HYDROGEN CHLORIDE BENCH TESTS FOR PAPR CARTRIDGES/CANISTERS 

 4.5.1. Resistances and airflows for tight fitting PAPR will be taken before and 

after each test. Airflows only for loose fitting PAPR will be taken before and 

after each test. 

 4.5.2. Three cartridges (or pairs of cartridges) will be tested at 115 lpm for tight fitting 

PAPR or 170 lpm for loose fitting PAPR hood or helmet continuous air flow, 

approximately 25o

C, and 50 + 5 percent RH with 500 ppm HCl. Tight fitting 

only PAPR gas mask canisters will be tested at 115 lpm at 5000 ppm HCl. 

 4.5.3. Two cartridges (or pairs of cartridges) will be equilibrated by passing 115 lpm 

for tight fitting PAPR or 170 lpm for loose fitting PAPR hood or helmet, 

continuous air flow through them at approximately 25o

C, and 25 percent RH for 

six hours. They will then be tested at 115 or 170 lpm continuous air flow, 

approximately 25o

C, 50 + 5 percent RH, 500 ppm HCl. Tight fitting only PAPR 

gas mask canisters will be tested at 115 lpm at 5000 ppm HCl. 

4.5.4. Two cartridges (or pairs of cartridges) will be equilibrated by passing 115 lpm 

for tight fitting PAPR or 170 lpm for PAPR loose fitting hood or helmet, 

continuous air flow through them at 25o

C, and 85 percent RH for six hours. 

They will then be tested at 115 or 170 lpm continuous air flow, 25o

C, 50 + 5 

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percent RH, 500 ppm HCl. Tight fitting only PAPR gas mask canisters will be 

tested at 115 lpm at 5000 ppm HCl. 

 4.6 Please refer to Material Safety Data Sheets and the NIOSH Health and Safety 

Manual for the proper protection and care in handling, storing, and disposing of the 

chemicals and gases used in this procedure.

5. PROCEDURE

 Note: Reference Section 3 for equipment, model numbers and manufacturers. For calibration 

purposes use those described in the manufacturer's operation and maintenance manuals. 

5.1. Follow individual instruction manuals for set up and maintenance of equipment used in 

this procedure prior to beginning testing. Malfunctioning equipment must be repaired or 

replaced and properly set up and calibrated before starting all tests. 

 5.2. After the manufacturer's specified warmup period, calibrate the HCl analyzer using the 

certified gas cylinder containing the 5 ppm standard as follows: 

5.2.1 With a tee in line on the gas cylinder, insert the intake tubing from the analyzer 

into the tee. 

5.2.2 Turn on the 5.0 ppm certified hydrogen chloride cylinder. 

5.2.3 Wait till the reading stabilizes, and adjust the span control to read 5.0 ppm. 

 5.3. Set up test equipment as shown in Figure 1. In addition to the humidity reading 

controlled by the Miller Nelson system, the Vaisala HMI 31 humidity indicator sensor is 

inserted into the air stream via a tee set-up directly prior to the introduction of the gas. 

This set up is not shown on Figure 1. The humidity reading obtained at this point takes 

into account tubing length and outside hood air temperature. 

 5.4. Turn on: 

 5.4.1. Miller Nelson Unit. 

 5.4.2. Air and water supplies. 

 5.4.3. HCl cylinder. 

 5.5. Establish the test concentration for 500 ppm Hcl. 

5.6. Determine the challenge test concentration via a dilution factor method by drawing off 

1 lpm test concentration and diluting with a known volume of clean air. By adjusting the 

rotameter and noting the deflection on the calibrated analyzer, the test concentration can 

be determined. The volume of clean air required to dilute the 1 lpm of challenge 

concentration to produce 500 ppm is calculated as follows: 

 5.6.1. C1V1 = C2V2 (Where C = concentration and V = volume) 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 5 of 19 

 

 500 ppm x 1 lpm = 5 ppm x V2 

 V2 = 500 

 5 

 V2 = 100 

 Therefore: V2 - V1 = volume of clean air 

 5.7. Draw off 1 lpm of the hydrogen chloride in air test concentration and dilute it with the 

calculated volume of clean air for the required concentration. 

 5.8. Insert the intake tubing from the analyzer into the dilution air/gas stream. Adjust the 

rotameter till the analyzer reads 5.0 ppm. Note the position of the rotameter float for the 

concentration being determined. 

 5.8.1. As an example: A reading of 5.0 ppm for the dilution of 99 lpm/1 lpm hydrogen 

chloride test concentration results in a factor of 100. By using the following 

formula the total HCl test concentration can be determined. 

 Dilution factor x 5.0 ppm reading = Total HCl test concentration. 

 5.9. Once the HCl concentration has been established, testing may begin. 

 5.10. Weigh the cartridge or canister and record the weight. 

 5.11. Take inhalation and exhalation resistances of the cartridge or canister mounted on the 

facepiece at 85 lpm. See Sections 84.122, 84.203, 84.1157, Title 42, Code of Federal 

Regulations, Part 84 for breathing resistance requirements. Take airflows of PAPR 

cartridge or canister mounted on blower assembly. 

5.12. Mount cartridge or canister onto test fixture and place in testing chamber. 

 5.13. Direct challenge concentration airflow into test chamber. Start timer. Mount small piece 

of tygon tubing onto the outlet of the test fixture. Insert intake tubing of detector into a 

slit cut into the side wall of the tubing to allow the detector to sample at the flow rate of 

the detector without interference from airflow back pressure. Monitor and record 

upstream and downstream temperatures throughout testing. Record breakthrough values 

and times. 

5.14. Run test until breakthrough of 5.0 ppm is observed or minimum service life is surpassed 

depending on type of cartridge or canister tested. 

5.15. Dismount cartridge or canister, weigh and record final weight, and take final inhalation 

and exhalation resistances and PAPR airflows. 

5.16. Shut off hydrogen chloride cylinder. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 6 of 19 

5.17. Disconnect hydrogen chloride tubing from the rotameter to prevent contaminating the 

humidity sensor. 

5.18. Allow clean air to purge through system for 10 - 15 minutes. 

5.19. Turn off air and water supply to Miller Nelson system. 

6. PASS/FAIL CRITERIA

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

84.63(a)(c)(d), Subpart I, Section 84.126, Subpart L, Section 84.207, and Subpart KK, 

Section 84.1157; Volume 60, Number 110, June 8, 1995. 

 6.2. This test establishes the standard procedure for ensuring that: 

 84.63 Test requirements; general. 

(a) Each respirator and respirator component shall when tested by the applicant and by 

the Institute, meet the applicable requirements set forth in subparts H through L of this 

part. 

(c) In addition to the minimum requirements set forth in subparts H through L of this 

part, the Institute reserves the right to require, as a further condition of approval, any 

additional requirements deemed necessary to establish the quality, effectiveness, and 

safety of any respirator used as protection against hazardous atmospheres. 

(d) Where it is determined after receipt of an application that additional requirements will 

be required for approval, the Institute will notify the applicant in writing of these 

additional requirements, and necessary examinations, inspections, or tests, stating 

generally the reasons for such requirements, examinations, inspections, or tests. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 7 of 19 

 84.126 Canister bench tests; minimum requirements. 

(a)(1) Bench tests, except for carbon monoxide tests, will be made on an apparatus that 

allows the test atmosphere at 50"5 percent relative humidity and room temperature 

(25"2.5 EC.) to enter the canister continuously at concentrations and rates of flow 

specified in Tables 5, 6, and 7 of this subpart. 

(2) Three canisters will be removed from containers and tested as received from the 

applicant. 

(3) Two canisters, other than those described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, will be 

equilibrated at room temperature by passing 25 percent relative humidity air through 

them at 64 liters per minute for 6 hours. 

(4) Two canisters, other than those described in paragraphs (a) (2) and (3) of this section, 

will be equilibrated at room temperature by passing 85 percent relative humidity air 

through them at 64 liters per minute for 6 hours. 

(5) The equilibrated canisters will be resealed, kept in an upright position at room 

temperature, and tested within 18 hours. 

(b) Front-mounted and back-mounted gas mask canisters will be tested and shall meet the 

minimum requirements set forth in Table 5 of this subpart. 

(c)(1) Front-mounted, and back-mounted, and chin-style canisters designated as 

providing respiratory protection against gases, ammonia, organic vapors, carbon 

monoxide and particulate contaminants shall have a window or other indicator to warn 

the gas mask wearer when the canister will no longer satisfactorily remove carbon 

monoxide from the inhaled air. 

(2) Other types of front- and back-mounted canisters may also be equipped with a 

window or other indicator to warn of imminent leakage of other gases or vapors. 

(3) The window indicator canisters will be tested as regular canisters, but shall show a 

satisfactory indicator change or other warning before the allowable canister penetration 

has occurred. 

(d) Chin-style gas mask canisters shall meet the minimum requirements set forth in Table 

6 of this subpart. 

(e) Escape gas mask canisters shall meet the minimum requirements set forth in Table 7 

of this subpart. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 8 of 19 

Tables to Subpart I of Part 84 

Table 5-Canister Bench Tests and Requirements for Front-Mounted and Back-Mounted Gas Mask 

Canisters 

[42 CFR part 84, subpart I] 

 Test atmosphere 

Canister type Test condition 

Gas or 

vapor 

Concentration 

(parts per 

million) 

Flow rate 

(liters per 

minute) 

Number of 

tests 

Maximum 

allowable 

penetration 

(parts per 

million) 

Minimum 

service life 

(minutes)1

Acid gas As received 

Equilibrated 

SO2

Cl2

SO2

Cl2

20,000 

20,000 

20,000 

20,000 

64 

64 

32 

32 

3 

3 

4 

4 

5 

5 

5 

5 

12 

12 

12 

12 

Organic vapor As received 

Equilibrated 

CCl4

CCl4

20,000 

20,000 

64 

32 

3 

4 

5 

5 

12 

12 

Ammonia As received 

Equilibrated 

NH3

NH3

30,000 

30,000 

64 

32 

3 

4 

50 

50 

12 

12 

Carbon 

monoxide 

As received CO 

CO 

CO 

20,000 

5,000 

3,000 

2

64 

4

32 

2

32 

2 

3 

3 

(

3

) 

(

3

) 

(

3

) 

60 

60 

60 

Combination of 

2 or 3 of above 

types5

 

Combination of 

all of above 

types6

 

1

Minimum life will be determined at the indicated penetration. 

2

Relative humidity of test atmosphere will be 95 " 3pct; temperature of test atmosphere will be 25 " 2.5E

C. 

3

Maximum allowable CO penetration will be 385 cm3 during the minimum life. The penetration shall not 

exceed 500 p/m during this time. 

4

Relative humidity of test atmosphere will be 95 " 3pct; temperature of test atmosphere entering the test 

fixture will be 0 + 2.5E C - 0E C. 

5

Test conditions and requirements will be applicable as shown in this table. 

6

Test conditions and requirements will be applicable as shown in this table, except the minimum service 

lives for acid gas, organic vapor, and ammonia will be 6 min instead of 12 min. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 9 of 19 

Table 6-Canister Bench Tests and Requirements for Chin-Style Gas Mask Canisters 

[42 CFR part 84, subpart I] 

Test atmosphere 

Canister 

type 

Test condition 

Gas or 

vapor 

Concentration 

(parts per 

million) 

Flow rate 

(liters per 

minute) 

Number of 

tests 

Maximum 

allowable 

penetration 

(parts per 

million) 

Minimum 

service life 

(minutes)1

Acid gas As received 

Equilibrated 

SO2

Cl2

SO2

Cl2

5,000 

5,000 

5,000 

5,000 

64 

64 

32 

32 

3 

3 

4 

4 

5 

5 

5 

5 

12 

12 

12 

12 

Organic vapor As received 

Equilibrated 

CCl4

CCl4

5,000 

5,000 

64 

32 

3 

4 

5 

5 

12 

12 

Ammonia As received 

Equilibrated 

NH3

NH3

5,000 

5,000 

64 

32 

3 

4 

50 

50 

12 

12 

Carbon 

monoxide 

As received CO 

CO 

CO 

20,000 

5,000 

3,000 

2

64 

4

32 

2

32 

2 

3 

3 

(

3

) 

(

3

) 

(

3

) 

60 

60 

60 

Combination of 

2 or 3 of above 

types5

 

Combination of 

all of above 

types6

 

1

Minimum life will be determined at the indicated penetration. 

2

Relative humidity of test atmosphere will be 95 " 3pct; temperature of test atmosphere will be 25 " 2.5E

C. 

3

Maximum allowable CO penetration will be 385 cm3 during the minimum life. The penetration shall not 

exceed 500 p/m during this time. 

4

Relative humidity of test atmosphere will be 95 " 3pct; temperature of test atmosphere entering the test 

fixture will be 0 + 2.5E C - 0E C. 

5

Test conditions and requirements will be applicable as shown in this table. 

6

Test conditions and requirements will be applicable as shown in this table, except the minimum service 

lives for acid gas, organic vapor, and ammonia will be 6 min instead of 12 min. 

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Table 7-Canister Bench Tests and Requirements for Escape Gas Mask Canisters 

[42 CFR part 84, subpart I] 

Test atmosphere 

Canister type Test condition 

Gas or 

vapor 

Concentration 

(parts per 

million) 

Flow rate 

(liters per 

minute) 

Number of 

tests 

Maximum 

allowable 

penetration 

(parts per 

million) 

Minimum 

service life 

(minutes)1

Acid gas As received 

Equilibrated 

SO2

Cl2

SO2

Cl2

5,000 

5,000 

5,000 

5,000 

64 

64 

32 

32 

3 

3 

4 

4 

5 

5 

5 

5 

12 

12 

12 

12 

Organic vapor As received 

Equilibrated 

CCl4

CCl4

5,000 

5,000 

64 

32 

3 

4 

5 

5 

12 

12 

Ammonia As received 

Equilibrated 

NH3

NH3

5,000 

5,000 

64 

32 

3 

4 

50 

50 

12 

12 

Carbon 

monoxide 

As received CO 

CO 

CO 

10,000 

5,000 

3,000 

2

32 

5

32 

2

32 

2 

3 

3 

(

3

) 

(

3

) 

(

3

) 

4

60 

60 

60 

1

Minimum life will be determined at the indicated penetration. 

2

Relative humidity of test atmosphere will be 95 " 3pct; temperature of test atmosphere will be 25 " 2.5E

C. 

3

Maximum allowable CO penetration will be 385 cm3 during the minimum life. The penetration shall not 

exceed 500 p/m during this time. 

4

If effluent temperature exceeds 100E C during this test, the escape gas mask shall be equipped with an 

effective heat exchanger. 

5

Relative humidity of test atmosphere will be 95 " 3 pct; temperature of test atmosphere entering the test 

fixture will be 0 + 2.5E C - 0E C. 

 84.207 Bench tests; gas and vapor tests; minimum requirements; general. 

(a) Bench tests will be made on an apparatus that allows the test atmosphere at 50 " 5 

percent relative humidity and room temperature, approximately 25 EC, to enter the 

cartridges continuously at predetermined concentrations and rates of flow, and that has 

means for determining the test life of the cartridges. 

(b) Where two cartridges are used in parallel on a chemical cartridge respirator, the bench 

test will be performed with the cartridges arranged in parallel, and the test requirements 

will apply to the combination rather than to the individual cartridges. 

(c) Three cartridges or pairs of cartridges will be removed from containers and tested as 

received from the applicant. 

(d) Two air purifying cartridges or pairs of cartridges will be equilibrated at room 

temperature by passing 25 percent relative humidity air through them at the flow rate of 

25 liters per minute (l.p.m.) for 6 hours. 

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(e) Two air purifying cartridges or pairs of cartridges will be equilibrated by passing 85 

percent relative humidity air through them at the flow rate of 25 l.p.m. 

(f) All cartridges will be resealed, kept in an upright position, at room temperatures, and 

tested within 18 hours. 

(g) Cartridges will be tested and shall meet the minimum requirements set forth in Table 

11 of this subpart. 

Tables to Subpart L of Part 84 

Tables 9 and 10 [Reserved] 

Table 11-Cartridge Bench Tests and Requirements 

[42 CFR part 84, subpart L] 

Cartridge Test condition Test atmosphere 

Gas or 

vapor 

Concentration 

(p.p.m.) 

Flow rate 

(l.p.m.) 

Number of 

tests 

Penetration 1 

(p.p.m.) 

Minimum life 

2 (min.) 

Ammonia As received NH3 1000 64 3 50 50 

Ammonia Equilibrated NH3 1000 32 4 50 50 

Chlorine As received Cl2 500 64 3 5 35 

Chlorine Equilibrated Cl2 500 32 4 5 35 

Hydrogen 

chloride 

As received HCl 500 64 3 5 50 

Hydrogen 

chloride 

Equilibrated HCl 500 32 4 5 50 

Methylamine As received CH3NH2 1000 64 3 10 25 

Methylamine Equilibrated CH3NH2 1000 32 4 10 25 

Organic vapors As received CCl4 1000 64 3 5 50 

Organic vapors Equilibrated CCl4 1000 32 4 5 50 

Sulfur dioxide As received SO2 500 64 3 5 30 

Sulfur dioxide Equilibrated SO2 500 32 4 5 30 

1

Minimum life will be determined at the indicated penetration. 

2

Where a respirator is designed for respiratory protection against more than one type of gas or vapor, as 

for use in ammonia and in chlorine, the minimum life shall be one-half that shown for each type of gas or 

vapor. Where a respirator is designed for respiratory protection against more than one gas of a type, as 

for use in chlorine and sulfur dioxide, the stated minimal life shall apply. 

84.1157 Chemical cartridge respirators with particulate filters; performance 

requirements; general. Chemical cartridge respirators with particulate filters and the 

individual components of each such device shall, as appropriate, meet the following 

minimum requirements for performance and protection: 

(a) Breathing resistance test.

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(1) Resistance to airflow will be measured in the facepiece, mouthpiece, hood, or helmet 

of a chemical cartridge respirator mounted on a test fixture with air flowing at a 

continuous rate of 85 liters per minute, both before and after each test conducted in 

accordance with paragraphs (d) through (f) of this section. 

(2) The maximum allowable resistance requirements for chemical cartridge respirators 

are as follows: 

 Maximum Resistance 

 [mm. water-column height] 

Type of chemical Inhalation 

cartridge respirator 

 Final1

 Exhalation 

For gases, vapors, or 

gases and vapors, and 

dusts, fumes, and 

mists 

 50 70 20 

For gases, vapors, or 

gases and vapors, and 

mists of paints, 

lacquers, and 

enamels 

 50 70 20 

1

Measured at end of service life specified in Table 11 in subpart L of this part. 

 (b) Facepiece test. The facepiece test will be conducted as specified in §84.205. 

(c) Lacquer and enamel mist tests; general.

(1) Three respirators with cartridges containing or having attached to them, filters for 

protection against mists of paints, lacquers, and enamels shall be tested in accordance 

with the provisions of paragraph (f) of this section. 

(2) In addition to the test requirements set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, three 

such respirators will be tested against each aerosol in accordance with the provisions of 

paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 13 of 19 

 (d) Lacquer mist test.

 (1) Temperature in the test chamber will be approximately 25E C. 

(2) Continuous airflow through the respirator will be 32 liters per minute for air-purifying 

respirators, and not less than 115 liters per minute to tight fitting facepieces and 170 liters 

per minute to loose-fitting hoods and helmets of powered air-purifying respirators. 

 

 (3) Airflow through the chamber will be 20-25 air changes per minute. 

 

(4) The atomizer employed will be a No. 64-5 nozzle with setup 3, or equivalent, 

operating at 69 kN/m.2

 (10 pounds per square inch gage). 

 

(5) The test aerosol will be prepared by atomizing a mixture of one volume of clear 

cellulose nitrate lacquer and one volume of lacquer thinner. The lacquer described in 

Federal Specification TT-L-31, October 7, 1953, is an example of an acceptable lacquer. 

Copies of TT-L-31 may be inspected or obtained from the NIOSH, Respirator Branch, 

1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV. 26505-2888. 

(6) The concentration of cellulose nitrate in the test aerosol will be 95-125 milligrams per 

cubic meter. 

(7) The test aerosol will be drawn to each respirator for a total of 156 minutes for airpurifying respirators and 240 minutes for powered air-purifying respirators. 

(8) The total amount of unretained mist in the samples taken during testing, weighed as 

cellulose nitrate, shall not exceed 5 milligrams for an air-purifying respirator, 28 

milligrams for a powered air-purifying respirator with tight-fitting facepiece, and 41 

milligrams for a powered air-purifying respirator with loose-fitting hood or helmet. 

 (e) Enamel mist test.

 (1) Temperature in the test chamber will be approximately 25E C. 

(2) Continuous airflow through the respirator will be 32 liters per minute for air-purifying 

respirators, and not less than 115 liters per minute to tight-fitting facepieces and 170 liters 

per minute to loose-fitting hoods and helmets of powered air-purifying respirators. 

 (3) Airflow through the chamber will be 20-25 air changes per minute. 

(4) The atomizer employed will be a No. 64 nozzle with setup 1A, or equivalent, 

operating at 69 kN/m.2

 (10 pounds per square inch gauge). 

 

(5) The test aerosol will be prepared by atomizing a mixture of 1 volume of white enamel 

and 1 volume of turpentine. The enamel described in Federal Specification TT-E-489b, 

May 12, 1953, with amendment-1 of 9 November 1955 is an example of an acceptable 

enamel. Copies of TT-E-489b may be inspected or obtained from the NIOSH, Respirator 

Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV. 26505-2888. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 14 of 19 

(6) The concentration of pigment in the test aerosol, weighed as ash, will be 95-125 

milligrams per cubic meter. 

 

(7) The test aerosol will be drawn to each respirator for a total of 156 minutes for airpurifying respirators and 240 minutes for power air-purifying respirators. 

 

(8) The total amount of unretained mist in the samples taken during testing, weighed as 

ash, shall not exceed 1.5 milligrams for any air-purifying respirator, 8.3 milligrams for a 

powered air-purifying respirator with tight-fitting facepiece, and 12.3 milligrams for a 

powered air-purifying respirator with loose-fitting hood or helmet. 

(f) Bench tests; gas and vapor tests.

(1) Bench tests will be made in accordance with 84.207 and tested cartridges shall meet 

the minimum requirements set forth in Table 11 of Subpart L of this part. Cartridges will 

be equilibrated in accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this section. 

(2)(i) Two powered air-purifying cartridges or pairs of cartridges will be equilibrated at 

room temperature by passing 25 percent relative humidity air through them at the 

following flow rates (expressed in liters per minute (l.p.m.)) for 6 hours: 

 Type of cartridge Airflow rate, l.p.m.

 Powered air purifying with tight-fitting facepiece 115 

 Powered air purifying with loose-fitting hood or helmet 170 

(ii) Two powered air-purifying cartridges or pairs of cartridges will be equilibrated by 

passing 85 percent relative humidity air through them at the flow rates stated in paragraph 

(f)(2)(i) of this section. 

(iii) All cartridges will be resealed, kept in an upright position, at room temperatures, and 

tested within 18 hours. 

7. RECORDS/TEST SHEETS

7.1. All test data will be recorded on the HYDROGEN CHLORIDE SERVICE LIFE test data 

sheet. 

7.2. All videotapes and photographs of the actual test being performed, or of the tested 

equipment shall be maintained in the task file as part of the permanent record. 

7.3. All equipment failing any portion of this test will be handled as follows: 

7.3.1. If the failure occurs on a new certification application, or extension of approval 

application, send a test report to the RCT Leader and prepare the hardware for 

return to the manufacturer. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 15 of 19 

7.3.2. If the failure occurs on hardware examined under an Off-the-Shelf Audit the 

hardware will be examined by a technician and the RCT Leader for cause. All 

equipment failing any portion of this test may be sent to the manufacturer for 

examination and then returned to NIOSH. However, the hardware tested shall be 

held at the testing laboratory until authorized for release by the RCT Leader, or 

his designee, following the standard operating procedures outlined in Procedure 

for Scheduling, and Processing Post-Certification Product Audits, 

RB-SOP-0005-00. 

8. ATTACHMENTS

 8.1 Bench Top Set-Up. 

 8.2 Data Sheet. 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 16 of 19 

Figure 1

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 17 of 19 

RB - RESPIRATOR CERTIFICATION TEAM 

 GAS & VAPOR RESPIRATOR TEST DATA SHEET (Ref.33-48,50,62) STP No.: [ ] 

 Task Number: TN- Gas Name: 

Manufacturer: Item Tested: 

 

RESISTANCE Maximum Allowable Resistance 

 (mm of H2O) 

 Actual Resistance 

 (mm of H2O) 

 Inhalation Exhalation Inhalation Exhalation 

 Test 

 Initial Initial 

Final Initial Final 

 Result 

 1 

 2 

 3 

 4 

 5 

 6 

 7 

 Overall Results: Pass Fail Comment: 

WEIGHTS WEIGHTS (gm) AIRFLOW (Lpm)

 AND 

 AIRFLOWS Test Rate (PAPR Only)

 Test 

Con'd 

 

Conc. 

(ppm) RH% Lpm Initial Final 

 1 

 2 

 3 

 4 

 5 

 6 

 7 

 Overall Results: Pass Fail Comment: 

DATA TABLE Temperature (oC) 

 Test 

 Test 

 Cond. 

 Final 

 Time (min) 

 Leakage 

 (ppm) 

 Dns

tream 

 Upstr

eam 

 Corrected 

 Time (min) 

 1 

 2 

 3 

 4 

 5 

 6 

 7 

 Overall Results: Pass Fail Comment: 

 Was all testing equipment in calibration throughout all testing: Yes No 

 Signature: Date: 

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Procedure No. RCT-APR-STP-0040 Revision: 1.1 Date: 29 June 2005 Page 18 of 19 

RB - RESPIRATOR CERTIFICATION TEAM Page 2 

 GAS & VAPOR RESPIRATOR TEST DATA SHEET (Ref.33-48,50,62) STP No.: [ ] 

 Task Number: TN- Gas Name: 

Manufacturer: Item Tested: 

 

Additional Comments: 

Signature: Date: 

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Revision History 

Revision Date Reason for Revision 

1.0 12 March 2002 Historic document 

1.1 6 June 2005 Update header and format to reflect lab move from Morgantown, WV 

No changes to method 

 

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