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-ASR-STP-0142 Revision: 1.1 Date: 12 September 2005

DETERMINATION OF VIBRATION (RO-TAP TEST) FOR MAN TEST NUMBER 1 ON - ESCAPE, 

CLOSED-CIRCUIT, DEMAND, SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS 

STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP) 

1. PURPOSE 

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

vibration requirements on Escape, Closed-Circuit, Demand, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus 

(ESCBA) 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) and Subpart H, Sections 84.97, 84.99, and 84.103; Volume 60, Number 110, June 

8, 1995. 

2. GENERAL

This STP describes the Determination of Vibration (Ro-Tap Test) For Man Test Number 1 on - 

Escape, Closed-Circuit, Demand, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus 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. Electric timer, calibrated to hundredths of a minute (Precision Scientific Co.) or 

equivalent.

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Procedure No. RCT-ASR-STP-0142 Revision: 1.1 Date: 12 September 2005 Page 2 of 15 

3.1.2. WS Tyler Rotap Machine - Model RX30 or equivalent. 

3.1.3. Bruel and Kjaer Measuring AMP - Model 2525 or equivalent. 

3.1.4. Bruel and Kjaer Accelerometer - Model 4384 or equivalent. 

3.1.5. WS Tyler Sound Enclosure - Model R-30050 or equivalent. 

 Note: See test procedure RCT-ASR-STP-0140 (man test) for additional equipment. 

4. TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

4.1. Prior to beginning any testing, all measuring equipment to be used must have been 

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Procedure No. RCT-ASR-STP-0142 Revision: 1.1 Date: 12 September 2005 Page 3 of 15 

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. The compressed gas cylinder must meet all applicable Department of Transportation 

requirements for cylinder approval as well as for retesting/requalification. 

4.3. Normal laboratory safety practices must be observed: 

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

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

equipment. 

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

must wear special gloves which protect against lacerations or punctures. 

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. Glue metal accelerometer mounting block in center of unit with an epoxy glue. Allow to 

dry in accordance with adhesive manufacturer's recommendations. 

5.2. Lubricate the rotap machine as per manufacturer's instructions. 

5.3. Set up peak meter for operation. 

5.4. Set up electric timer. 

5.5. Mount the respirator unit on the rotap in a vertical position with accelerometer mounting 

plate facing outward from rotap. (All measurements are taken in the same (Z) direction.) 

5.6. Adjust the positioning plates with 1-inch foam pads on each plate until respirator is 

trapped in a secure manner. 

5.7. Also, it may be necessary to tape the unit for additional security and is a decision based 

on the containment surface area and shape of the respirator/case. If it becomes necessary, 

it should be done after completing step 5.10. 

5.8. Mount the accelerometer to the accelerometer mounting plate on respirator center front 

surface by screwing in securely. 

5.9. Start rotap and observe peak acceleration. It should read 15 + 2 g's. If additional 

adjustment becomes necessary, repeat step 5.6. by securing trapped respirator with more 

or less pressure obtained with the adjustment plates. 

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Procedure No. RCT-ASR-STP-0142 Revision: 1.1 Date: 12 September 2005 Page 4 of 15 

5.10. Turn on rotap and check peak acceleration and repeat step 5.9. until a reading of 15 + 2 

g's are obtained. Turn off rotap. 

5.11. Set timer to "0," turn on rotap simultaneously with timer and run for 13 hours and 20 

minutes. Check peak meter approximately every hour and record peak reading and reset 

peak meter. If the peak falls outside of acceptable range, then it is necessary to perform 

steps 5.9 and 5.10. Turn off unit at completion of test time. 

5.12. Repeat steps 5.6 through 5.11. and change unit orientation to position on side and 

proceed with step 5.12. It will be necessary to remount accelerometer mounting plate to 

side center portion of respirator. 

5.13. Repeat steps 5.6 through 5.11 and change unit orientation to position unit on its back 

surface. 

5.14. After test completion (i.e., 13 hours and 20 minutes on each of 3 orientations or 40 hours 

total), take respirator and examine for defects. If there does not appear to be any 

mechanical defects then open unit and check for powdering in mouthpiece and breathing 

tube by inserting finger or probe and scraping. Also, if possible, remove breathing bags 

using same procedure, check for powdering. If all appears satisfactory, proceed to man 

test No. 1. If respirator shows any problems with excess powdering or mechanical 

problems (i.e., screened retainers broken, etc.), then man test no. 1 cannot be run and unit 

fails test requirement. 

5.15. Conduct man test No. 1 (see test procedure RCT-ASR-STP-0140) and record required 

data. 

5.16. Data Analysis 

If unit passes all of man test No. 1 minimum performance requirements, then the 

respirator passes the test satisfactorily. Samples are taken of oxygen, carbon dioxide, 

temperature, and breathing resistance. Minimum oxygen level is 19.5% by volume. 

Maximum carbon dioxide level is 0.5% downstream of the scrubber for facepieces and 

1.5% in the inhalation tube with mouthpiece respirators. See Test Requirements for 

permissible temperature levels. 

Note: This test should be done on a minimum of two respirators, or more if additional testing is 

required (42 CFR, Part 84, Sections 84.12, 84.30, and 84.60). 

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) and Subpart H, Sections 84.97, 84.99, and 84.103; Volume 60, Number 

110, June 8, 1995. 

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

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Procedure No. RCT-ASR-STP-0142 Revision: 1.1 Date: 12 September 2005 Page 5 of 15 

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. 

84.97 Test for carbon dioxide in inspired gas; open- and closed-circuit apparatus; 

maximum allowable limits. 

(a) Open-circuit apparatus: 

(1) The concentration of carbon dioxide in inspired gas in open-circuit apparatus will be 

measured at the mouth while the apparatus mounted on a dummy head is operated by a 

breathing machine. An acceptable method for measuring the concentration of carbon 

dioxide is described in Bureau of Mines Report of Investigations 6865, A Machine-Test 

Method for Measuring Carbon Dioxide in the Inspired Air of Self-Contained Breathing 

Apparatus, 1966. Copies of Report of Investigations 6865 may be inspected or obtained 

from the NIOSH, Respirator Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, W.V. 26505-

2888. 

(2) The breathing rate will be 14.5 respirations per minute with a minute-volume of 10.5 

liters. 

(3) A sedentary breathing machine cam will be used. 

(4) The apparatus will be tested at a temperature of 27 " 2E C. (80 " 5E F.). 

(5) A concentration of 5 percent carbon dioxide in air will be exhaled into the facepiece. 

(b) Closed-circuit apparatus. The concentration of carbon dioxide in inspired gas in 

closed-circuit apparatus will be measured at the mouth while the parts of the apparatus 

contributing to dead-air space are mounted on a dummy head and operated by the 

breathing machine as in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section. 

(c) During the testing required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the concentration 

of carbon dioxide in inspired gas at the mouth will be continuously recorded, and the 

maximum average concentration during the inhalation portion of the breathing cycle shall 

not exceed the following limits: 

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 Where the service time is Maximum allowable average 

concentration of carbon dioxide in 

inspired air percent by volume 

Not more than 30 minutes...... 2.5 

1 hour....................... 2.0 

2 hours...................... 1.5 

3 hours...................... 1.0 

4 hours...................... 1.0 

(d) In addition to the test requirements for closed-circuit apparatus set forth in paragraph 

(b) of this section, gas samples will be taken during the course of the man tests described 

in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this subpart. These gas samples will be taken from the closedcircuit apparatus at a point downstream of the carbon dioxide sorbent, and they shall not 

contain more than 0.5 percent carbon dioxide at any time, except on apparatus for escape 

only, using a mouthpiece only, the sample shall not contain more than 1.5 percent carbon 

dioxide at any time. 

84.99 Man tests; testing conditions; general requirements. 

(a) The man tests described in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this subpart represent the workload 

performed in the mining, mineral, or allied industries by a person wearing the apparatus 

tested. 

(b) The apparatus tested will be worn by Institute personnel trained in the use of selfcontained breathing apparatus, and the wearer will, before participating in these tests, 

pass a physical examination conducted by a qualified physician. 

(c) All man tests will be conducted by the Institute. 

(d) The apparatus will be examined before each man test to ensure that it is in proper 

working order. 

(e) Breathing resistance will be measured within the facepiece or mouthpiece and the 

wearer's pulse and respiration rate will be recorded during each 2 minute sample period 

prescribed in tests 1, 2, 3, and 4. 

(f) Man tests 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 will be conducted in duplicate. 

(g) If man tests are not completed through no fault of the apparatus, the test will be 

repeated. 

84.103 Man tests; performance requirements. 

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Procedure No. RCT-ASR-STP-0142 Revision: 1.1 Date: 12 September 2005 Page 7 of 15 

(a) The apparatus shall satisfy the respiratory requirements of the wearer for the classified 

service time. 

(b) Fogging of the eyepiece shall not obscure the wearer's vision, and the wearer shall not 

experience undue discomfort because of fit or other characteristics of the apparatus. 

(c) When the ambient temperature during testing is 24"6 EC. (75"10 EF.), the maximum 

temperature of inspired air recorded during man tests shall not exceed the following, after 

correction for deviation from 24 EC. (75 EF.): 

Maximum permissible temperature of 

inspired air shall not exceed-- 

Where service life of 

apparatus is-- 

Where percent 

relative humidity of 

inspired air is-- 

 1/4 hour or less 0-100 135 57 

 1/2 hour to 3/4 hour 0-50 

50-100 

125 

1

110 

52 

1

43 

1 to 2 hours 0-50 

50-100 

115 

1

105 

46 

1

41 

3 hours 0-50 

50-100 

110 

1

100 

43 

1

38 

4 hours 0-50 

50-100 

105 

1

95 

41 

1

35 

1

Where percent relative humidity is 50-100 and apparatus is designed for escape only, these maximum 

permissible temperatures will be increased by 5EC (10EF). 

6.3. If unit passes all of man test No. 1 minimum performance requirements, then the 

respirator passes the test satisfactorily. Samples are taken of oxygen, carbon dioxide, 

temperature, and breathing resistance. Minimum oxygen level is 19.5% by volume. 

Maximum carbon dioxide level is 0.5% downstream of the scrubber for facepieces and 

1.5% in the inhalation tube with mouthpiece respirators. See Test Requirements for 

permissible temperature levels. 

7. RECORDS/TEST SHEETS

7.1. All test data collected will be recorded on the SPECIAL TEST - VIBRATION, 

CLOSED-CIRCUIT, SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS and MAN 

TEST #1 - 1 HOUR, CLOSED-CIRCUIT, SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING 

APPARATUS test data sheets. 

Note: Man test number 1 test data sheet for one hour is recorded as an example. The test data 

sheet used for testing will always be for the service time required by the man test. 

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

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Procedure No. RCT-ASR-STP-0142 Revision: 1.1 Date: 12 September 2005 Page 8 of 15 

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. 

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-SOP0005-00. 

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Procedure No. RCT-ASR-STP-0142 Revision: 1.1 Date: 12 September 2005 Page 10 of 15 

MAN TEST #1 - 1 HOUR, CLOSED-CIRCUIT, 

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

PROJECT NO: DATE: __________ 

Subject: Age: __________ 

Subject weight: Initial - Final - _______________ 

 

RESPIRATOR TYPE: 1 hr positive pressure 

Unit weight: Initial - Final - _______________ 

Observers: ___________________________________________________ 

 Sampling Schedule

Time/Min. Gas Percent Pulse Resp. Resistance Temperature Press. 

 CO2 02 bpm rpm inh. exh. unit amb. gauge

 0-2 ___________________________________________________________________ 

 20-22 __________________________________________________________________ 

 40-42 __________________________________________________________________ 

 58-60 __________________________________________________________________ 

Comments : 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Test Engineer: PASS FAIL________ 

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 WORK Schedule

 Time/Min. Exercise

2-20 walk - 3mph 

22-40 walk - 3mph 

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 42-58 walk - 3mph 

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Revision History 

Revision Date Reason for Revision 

1.0 18 December 

2000 

Historic document 

1.1 12 September 

2005 

Update header and format to reflect lab move from Morgantown, WV 

No changes to method 

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