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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. TEB-CBRN-APR-STP-0352 Revision: 2.0 Date: 28 September 2021

DETERMINATION OF LABORATORY RESPIRATOR PROTECTION LEVEL 

(LRPL) VALUES FOR CBRN SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS 

(SCBA) FACEPIECES OR CBRN AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATOR (APR), 

STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP)

1. PURPOSE

This document establishes the procedure for ensuring that the respirator is designed and

constructed to fit persons with various facial shapes and sizes using the NIOSH Bivariate Panel

(referred to as the NIOSH Panel). This is accomplished by determining the laboratory respirator

protection level (LRPL) values provided by a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

facepiece converted to a SCBA facepiece negative pressure configuration or air-purifying

respirator (APR), full facepiece configurations. These configurations submitted for a new

approval or extension of approval must meet the minimum certification standards set forth in this

Standard Testing Procedure (STP) as prescribed in 42 CFR Part 84, the Statement of Standard for

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) for Open-Circuit Self-Contained

Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and the Statement of Standard for Chemical, Biological,

Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Full-Facepiece Air-Purifying Respirator (APR).

2. GENERAL

This STP describes the determination of the laboratory respirator protection level (LRPL) for

human subjects wearing a CBRN SCBA facepiece or a CBRN APR 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.

3. EQUIPMENT / MATERIAL

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

Range 1.0 μg/m3 to >200 mg/m3

. Dynamic Range LRPL values 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 value per exercise. 

The individual LRPL values are then converted to an overall LRPL value 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 

(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.
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3.4. TSI Model 8530, DustTrak II Aerosol Monitor, or equivalent. Range 0.001 to 400 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. TSI Model 8038 PortaCount Pro+ Respirator Fit Tester, or equivalent. As shown in 

Figure 4.

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

Maise/Maize Oil, Maydol, and Mazola Oil.

3.7. 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 5.

3.8. 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 6.

3.9. 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.

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

used to measure the human test subject to the requirements identified in Attachment 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 7.

3.11. 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 8 shows an interior view of a sample respirator probed in the oral-nasal 

region of the nose cup. Figure 9 shows an exterior view of a probed respirator showing 

the metal interface for tubing and penetration through the lens and nose cup. Figures 10 

and 11 are photographs of the probes used. There are two rubbers washers, one metal 

washers and one nut.

3.12. Human Test Subjects 

3.12.1. Human test subjects are required for this test. The number of subjects needed is 

based on the respirator design described in the application. See Attachments C, D 

and E. Manual caliper instruments are used to determine facial sizes for subject 

panel representation in the NIOSH Panel. 

4. TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS
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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. 

5. PROCEDURE

5.1. Respirator Set-up

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

The test facility administrator or his staff destructively probes all submitted 

respirators uniformly.

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

The optimum sampling probe position 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 exact final position of the sample probe will depend 

upon the design of the respirator being evaluated. Final position of the probe 

should have no to minimal 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 may cause leakage, potentially contributing to failing 

results. 

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

kits with adapters for quantitative fit testing from the manufacturer can be 

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

5.1.5 SCBA that require facepiece adaptation to support LRPL testing must have 

accurate instructions for temporarily converting the facepiece into an APR by 

adding an adapter and appropriate P100 filter(s). The manufacturer must furnish 

the adapter and instructions for this conversion. Facepiece modifications made to 

accommodate this testing shall not significantly alter the fit of the respirator. The 

weight and other characteristics of the facepiece assembly used during testing 

should be representative of the facepiece used on the SCBA.

5.1.6 Accessories must be provided and attached to the CBRN APR facepieces 

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

respirator for testing.

5.2. Human Subject and Respirator Selection 
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5.2.1 Manual caliper facial measurements shall be used to determine facial size and 

panel placement prior to each test subject donning a respirator. Anthropometric 

measurements are shown in Attachment A.

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

in Attachment B. Each LRPL test shall consist of two trials. A minimum of 50, 

68, or 76 pass/fail data points shall be collected from two replicates by test 

subjects covering each facepiece size of each respirator submitted to NIOSH, as 

prescribed in Attachments C, D, and E. 

5.2.3 If an approval holder or applicant submits a respirator design to fit a subpopulation of users, the approval holder or applicant should provide NIOSH with 

information on the expected size distribution based on the NIOSH Panel. This 

information will be considered for the NIOSH LRPL testing. 

5.3. Chamber Set-up

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

concentration.

5.3.2. Turn on vacuum pump for laser photometers.

5.3.3. Turn on mixing fans to 6.1 volts to produce an even concentration distribution 

throughout the chamber.

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. 

5.4. Conducting the LRPL Test
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5.4.1. The manufacturer’s User Instructions (UI) provided with the test equipment shall 

be reviewed by all test facility personnel. 

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

The training shall address procedures for donning, doffing, troubleshooting, user 

seal checks, head harness tightening, and accessory interfacing. 

5.4.2.1. Expert donning is not allowed in the conduct of this test.

5.4.2.2. Each test subject shall perform an unassisted donning of the respirator. 

Self-donning under supervision of the test administrator is permitted to 

make sure the appropriate adjustments to the facepiece are being 

performed until the test administrator is satisfied that the test subject is 

wearing the respirator in compliance with the manufacturer’s UI. 

5.4.2.3. Each test subject shall practice donning and doffing the respirator until 

they feel comfortable with the donning of the respirator.

5.4.2.4. After the practice donning and doffing is complete, the test subject shall 

don the respirator again and continue to wear it for five minutes before 

proceeding to the PortaCount fit testing.

5.4.2.5. Prior to LRPL testing, test subjects are fit tested following OSHA 

1910.134 App A – Fit Testing Procedures, using the PortaCount. The 

grimace exercise is omitted from this procedure. A fit factor of >500 for 

SCBA testing, or >2000 for APR testing is required to commence 

testing. The test subject is permitted to adjust the facepiece following 

the successful fit test. 

5.4.2.6. If three test subjects within the same panel cell cannot achieve the 

minimum fit (as described above) using the PortaCount fit test, this is 

considered an overall LRPL test failure and can result in a denial.

5.4.3. Test subjects enter the corn oil chamber and are instructed to attach their sample 

line tubing to their assigned photometer. Chamber concentration is monitored 

during the conduct of each individual LRPL test.

5.4.4. 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. 

5.4.5. The LRPL trial consists of a set of eleven one-minute standard exercises. During 

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

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. 
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5.4.5.1. 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.

5.4.5.2. 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.

5.4.5.3. 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 and return 

to the forward-facing position to exhale. Caution subjects not to hit the 

shoulder with any part of the respirator during the conduct of the 

exercise.

5.4.5.4. 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 

hold for one second. Return to the neutral, forward-facing position to 

exhale. Slowly move down past the horizontal level start point to the 

end point where the chin just touches the chest.

5.4.5.5. Recite the “Rainbow Reading Passage”: The subject shall talk out loud 

while reading a copy of the passage entitled Rainbow Passage. Subject 

will keep reading the passage until told to stop.

5.4.5.6. Sight a Mock Rifle: While normal breathing, pick up the mock rifle. 

Test subjects shoulder the mock rifle in the favored shooting posture 

shoulder position. Bend the head while keeping the respirator fitted to 

allow a realistic sight picture to be attained by placing the cheek 

unhindered by respirator components (such as a canister) as close as 

possible to the rifle stock and rear sight aperture. Hold the cheek to 

stock position for one second. After attaining this posture, drop the 

arms, while still holding on to the mock rifle, to the side. Continue 

taking up realistic sight pictures with the mock rifle as described until 

told to stop or one minute.

5.4.5.7. Reach for the Floor and Ceiling: While in normal breathing, standing, 

feet shoulder width apart, subject bends at the waist as if to touch 

toes/floor. Subject inhales. After touching/reaching fully for the 

toes/floor, subject comes back up at a normal pace, exhales, and 

extends 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.
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5.4.5.8. 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 and 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. Exhale once 

reaching the neutral, forward facing position. 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.

5.4.5.9. 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.

5.4.5.10. Climb the Stairs at Regular Pace: While breathing normally, the test 

subject climbs up the steps 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 minute expires or told to stop. A similar procedure is 

used even if one subject is testing—i.e., delay between each stair cycle. 

Return to the floor standing position. Ensure sample lines are not 

restricting movement during the climb.

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

chamber. Inform the subject(s) 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.

5.4.7. 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.

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

written on the test data sheet.

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

respirator facepiece and repeat steps, beginning with 5.4.5, to complete the 

second trial for the test.
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5.4.10. If a respirator is identified as a failure upon trial termination, the 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 face blank seal area, canister not on securely, probe 

loose or damaged, 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. 

5.4.11. Practical Performance (Modified LRPL Test). Eight subjects will be selected out 

of the above described LRPL test panel. The eight selected subjects must have 

passed the original LRPL with the assigned respirator. The canister weight of 

these 8 subjects’ respirator will be enhanced to weight 500 grams. Apply 

required measures such as weighted tape or other material to make the canister 

weigh 500 (+ 0 / - 1) grams. Two trials per subject of the Modified LRPL are 

performed. Modified LRPL does not apply for SCBA facepieces.

5.5. Data Analysis

5.5.1. The overall LRPL value will be collected for each trial 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; NIOSH Panel Cell, any 

relevant comments noted during the trial. 

6. PASS/FAIL CRITERIA 

6.1. CBRN SCBA: The overall LRPL value level for each respirator shall be equal to or 

greater than 500 for 95 % of the trials evaluated.

6.2. CBRN APR:

6.2.1. The overall LRPL value for each respirator shall be greater than or equal to 2,000 

for 95 % of the trials evaluated.

6.2.2. The measured Practical Performance (Modified LRPL Test) for each full 

facepiece, air purifying respirator tested shall be greater than or equal to 2,000. 

One failure is allowed out of 16 test trials at 8 test subjects per trial.

7. RECORDS\TEST SHEETS

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

CBRN LRPL test data sheets.
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8. ATTACHMENTS

8.1. Attachment A: Anthropometric Measurements

 

8.2. Attachment B: NIOSH Bivariate Panel

8.3. Attachment C: NIOSH Panel, One Size

8.4. Attachment D: NIOSH Panel, Two Size

8.5. Attachment E: NIOSH Panel, Three or more Size(s)

8.6. Attachment F: CBRN LRPL Data Sheet

8.7. Attachment G: Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Calculations

8.8. Attachment H: Figures
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8.1 Attachment A: Anthropometric Measurements

Description Definition Diagram

Bizygomatic 

Breadth 

Maximum horizontal 

breadth of the face as 

measured with a 

spreading caliper between 

the zygomatic arches.

Menton–

Sellion 

Length 

Distance as measured 

with a sliding caliper in the 

midsagittal plane between 

the menton landmark and 

the sellion landmark.
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8.2 Attachment B: NIOSH Bivariate Panel (NIOSH Panel)
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8.3 Attachment C: NIOSH Panel test subject selection to be used for LRPL testing, One Size

CBRN APR or SCBA facepiece designed and manufactured in one unique size: 25 test subjects,

two replicates each, for a total 50 data points.
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8.4 Attachment D: NIOSH Panel test subject selection to be used for LRPL testing, Two Sizes

CBRN APR or SCBA facepiece designed and manufactured in two unique sizes: 29 test subjects, 

two replicates each, for a total of 58 data points.

*For those panel cell sizes that overlap across two facepiece size distributions (i.e., panel cells 5 and 6), 

the test subjects will be provided with either the smaller size or larger size respirator. If the minimum fit 

(as described above) is not achieved using the PortaCount fit test for the first size tested, the test subject 

can be tested in the alternate size offered at the discretion of the Test Administrator. 
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8.5 Attachment E: NIOSH Panel test subject selection to be used for LRPL testing, Three Sizes or 

more

CBRN APR or SCBA facepiece designed and manufactured in three unique sizes: 38-member 

panel, two replicates each, for a total of 76 data points.

*For those panel cell sizes that overlap across three facepiece size distributions (i.e., panel cells 3 - 8), the 

test subjects will be provided with either the smaller size or larger size respirator. If the minimum fit (as 

described above) is not achieved using the PortaCount fit test for the first size tested, the test subject can 

be tested in one of the alternate sizes offered at the discretion of the Test Administrator. 

Note: Three size distributions of small, medium, and large are annotated by smaller, medium, and larger 

sizes. For those submissions that contain extra small, use Cell 1 as an extra small (XSML) where the test 

subject must achieve a pass. For those submissions that contain extra–large, use Cell 10 as an extra-large 

(XL) where the test subject must achieve a pass. 
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8.6 Attachment F: CBRN LRPL Data Sheet
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8.7 Attachment G: Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Calculations

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

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 LRPL value is calculated for each individual exercise (LRPLi): 

 

Each LRPLifor that trial are then used to calculate an overall LRPL value for the subject (LRPL0) as 

follows where n is the number of exercises. The LRPL0 is affected most by the smallest LRPLi. Under 

the conditions of the test and the sensitivity of the photometers, the maximum LRPL0 that can be reported 

is 100,000. The LRPL0 values obtained are used to evaluate the system against the appropriate LRPL 

requirements.

 

Example: A five exercise LRPL test has been conducted. Here are the calculations for the LRPL0 based 

on the LRPLi values for each exercise. LRPL1 = 100,000; LRPL2 = 10,000; LRPL3 = 25,000; LRPL4 = 

75,000; LRPL5 = 100,000; n = 5.
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Attachment H: Figures

Figure 1: TSI Laser Photometer

Figure 2: Aerosol Generator

Figure 3: DustTrak II Aerosol Monitor

Figure 4: TSI PortaCount 

Figure 5: Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer

Figure 6: Charged Test Chamber

Figure 7: Facial Size Measurement Calipers

Figure 8: Interior View of a Probed Sample Respirator 

Figure 9: Exterior View of a Probed Sample Respirator

Figure 10: View of Sample Probe – Various lengths

Figure 11: Sample Probe View Set Up as – Double (left) and Single (right)

 
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Figure 1: Laser Photometer, Model 8587A

Figure 2: Aerosol Generator
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Figure 3: DustTrak II Aerosol Monitor

Figure 4: TSI PortaCount Model 8038
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Figure 5: Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer

Figure 6: Charged Test Chamber
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Figure 7: Facial Size Measurement Calipers

Figure 8: Interior View of a Probed Sample Respirator 
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Figure 9: Exterior View of a Probed Sample Respirator
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Figure 10: View of Sample Probe – Various lengths

Figure 11: Sample Probe View Set Up as – Double (left) and Single (right) 
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Revision History

Revision Date Reason for Revision

0 17 November 2001 NIOSH Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-001 issued as SCBA 

LRPL STP, interim

0 30 May 2003 NIOSH Procedure RCT-CET-STP-CBRN-0352 compiled SCBA 

and APR LRPL standard test procedures together under STP0352. Interim guidance document dated May 30, 2003 posted to 

internet.

0 20 December 2004 NIOSH procedure RB-APRS-ASRS-STP-CBRN-0352 finalized. 

It supersedes RCT-CBRN-STP-001 and RCT-CET-STP-CBRN0352. 2 and 3 respirator size distribution matrices added.

0.1 29 September 2005 Update header and format

No changes to method

0.2 24 October 2005 Correction to dates in Revision table

1.0 10 June 2008 Significant changes – While the basic method of conducting the 

test is essentially the same as in the previous revision, nonessential language has been removed, and instructions specific to 

having the test performed by a third-party laboratory have been 

deleted.

2.0 28 September 2021 Changes throughout the document to incorporate use of the 

NIOSH Bivariate Panel. General revisions to reflect the use of the 

PortaCount fit tester.