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. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0456 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005

DETERMINATION OF PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, 

RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) AIR-PURIFYING ESCAPE RESPIRATOR AND SELFCONTAINED ESCAPE RESPIRATOR (SCER) STANDARD TEST PROCEDURE (STP) 

1. PURPOSE

1.1. This test establishes procedures for evaluating the practical performance level 

requirements provided by the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) airpurifying escape respirator (APER) and self-contained escape respirator (SCER) 

submitted for new approval, extension of approval, or examined during certified product 

audits, meets the minimum certification standards set forth in this standard test procedure 

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

Register, Volume 60, Number 110, June 8, 1995. 

1.2. The purpose of this STP is to describe the procedures to test and certify civilian 

manufacturer submitted CBRN APER and SCER certification applications for NIOSH 

approval. A CBRN APER or SCER is a complete system including a tight-fitting hooded 

respiratory device including: 1) the proper designations required by NIOSH and the 

manufacturer’s unique components and 2) a compatible negative pressure air-purifying 

device or self-contained breathing gas supply that is installed per the manufacturer’s 

current user instructions. 

1.3. This STP is used to evaluate the practical performance level of CBRN APER and SCER 

when human subjects attempt to successfully don, wear, complete test exercises, and doff 

the unit as described in the following four NIOSH standard test procedures: 

1.3.1. Determination of Laboratory Respirator Protection Level (LRPL) Quantitative, 

Medium Flow, Deep Probe, Corn Oil, Fit Factor Performance Test for 

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape 

Respirator Standard Testing Procedure (STP) (CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0452). 

1.3.2. Determination of Laboratory Respirator Protection Level (LRPL) Quantitative, 

Medium Flow, Deep Probe, Corn Oil, Fit Factor Performance Test for 

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape 

Respirator (SCER) Standard Testing Procedure (STP) (CET-CBRN-ESCAPESTP-0453).

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1.3.3. Determination of Human Subject Breathing Gas (HSBG) Concentrations 

(Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen) for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and 

Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator Standard Testing Procedure 

(STP) (CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454). 

1.3.4 Determination of Human Subject Breathing Gas (HSBG) Concentrations 

(Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen) for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and 

Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER) Standard Testing 

Procedure (STP) (CET-CBRN-ESCAPE-STP-0455). 

1.4. Procedures in this STP will be used each time a subject attempts to successfully don, 

wear, complete test exercises, and doff the unit when participating in exercises of any of 

the NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP for partial 

fulfillment of requirements for CBRN approval. 

1.5. The practical performance level as described in this STP will be used to verify that all 

CBRN APER and SCER, seeking NIOSH CBRN approval, have: 

1.5.1. Good self-donning, self-doffing, and fitting characteristics that can accommodate 

a wide variety of facial sizes and shapes, neck circumferences, and head 

circumferences. 

1.5.2. User instructions for donning, wearing, and doffing that are easily understood, 

applicable to all components, both visual and written, and current. 

1.5.3. Achieved a pass or fail result based on the practical performance level testing 

requirements described in the STP. 

1.5.4. Been evaluated on subjects having facial sizes and shapes, neck circumferences, 

and head circumferences, which approximate the distribution of these 

anthropometric parameters of the user population applicable to the currently 

approved versions of the Statements of Standard for CBRN APER and SCER 

Escape Respirators. 

2. GENERAL

2.1. This document describes procedures for determining the practical performance level for 

the CBRN APER and SCER in sufficient detail that a team of persons knowledgeable in 

the appropriate technical field can evaluate individual subject test trials on a practical 

performance level pass or fail basis. 

2.2. Practical performance level factors which shall be evaluated on a pass or fail basis (as 

applicable based upon respirator design) are: 

2.2.1. The ability to use mouth bits and nose clips. 

2.2.2. Tightness of seal of the hood around the respirator wearer’s neck. 

2.2.3. Proper seating of inner masks. 

2.2.4. Proper position of the hood on the respirator wearer’s head. 

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2.2.5. The ability to self don and doff the respirator. 

2.2.6. The ability to complete the test exercise. 

2.3. This test is considered a human factors test that requires participation of human subjects. 

The quantity and selection criteria of human subjects are specified within the relevant 

NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. 

2.4. This STP shall be used to test different types of CBRN APER and SCER for meeting the 

minimum requirements of the practical performance level. The CBRN APER is an escape 

only, hooded, air-purifying respiratory protective device. The CBRN SCER is an escape 

only, hooded, self-contained breathing apparatus (open circuit or closed circuit). 

3. EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

3.1. Test Equipment and Test Items. The list of necessary test equipment and test items to be 

used are specified within the relevant NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., 

and 1.3.4. of this STP. 

3.2. Human Subjects. The quantity and selection criteria of human subjects are specified 

within the relevant NIOSH STPs identified in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this 

STP. 

3.2.1. When evaluating the practical performance level of APER during the laboratory 

respirator protection level (LRPL) test (CET-CBRN-ESCAPE-STP-0452) and 

evaluating the practical performance level of SCER during the LRPL test (CETCBRN-ESCAPE-STP-0453), all procedures and requirements specified in the 

NIOSH Human Subject Review Board (HSRB) Protocol HSRB-03-NPPTL04XP, dated July 31, 2003, entitled, “Determination of Laboratory Respirator 

Protection Level (LRPL) for Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD)” 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 HSRB-03-NPPTL-04XP. The test 

subjects shall be required to complete a health history questionnaire as part of the 

Volunteer Agreement Affidavit Explanation contained in Protocol HSRB-03-

NPPTL-04XP. As specified in this protocol, the test subjects shall be subjected to 

facial, neck, and head measurements. The electronic or manual caliper and 

measuring tape shall be used to determine facial, neckhead size and panel 

placement prior to each test subject donning an APER or SCER. 

3.2.2. When evaluating the practical performance level of APER and SCER during the 

HSBG tests, all procedures and requirements specified in the HSRB Protocol 

(HSBG) Concentrations (Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen) for Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological And Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER) 

and Air-purifying Escape Respirator (APER) Submitted for NIOSH Certification

shall be followed and met. For practical performance level determination of 

APER and SCER evaluated during the HSBG test, informed consent will be 

obtained from each volunteer upon completion of the designated forms within the 

referenced HSRB protocol. 

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3.2.3. Test Administrator(s). Shall have successfully completed the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC)/ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease 

Registry (ATSDR) Scientific Ethics Training, the Department of Health and 

Human Services (DHHS)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) Human Participant 

Protections Education for Research Teams or an equivalent NIOSH sanctioned 

course. Note: The NIOSH Human Subject Review Board will determine if 

specific courses not stated above are equivalent. 

4. TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

Note: Review the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manuals of laboratory test 

equipment for calibration instructions, operational use, and maintenance procedures prior to 

commencing this STP. 

4.1. Any laboratory using this procedure to supply certification test data to NIOSH will be 

subject to the provisions of the NIOSH Supplier Qualifications 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. 

4.2. 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. 

4.3. 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). 

4.3.1. Calibration: The calibration criteria of test equipment are specified within the 

relevant NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. 

4.4. Safety. Normal laboratory safety practices must be observed. This includes safety 

precautions described in the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

General Laboratory Health and Safety Manual or site-specific procedures that are 

applicable to health and safety requirements. 

4.5. Certification Inventory. The certification inventory criteria are specified within the 

relevant NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. 

4.6. User Instructions. The practical performance level evaluation will be performed each 

time a subject attempts to successfully don, wear, complete test exercises, and doff the 

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unit when participating in exercises of any of the NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 

1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP for partial fulfillment of requirements for CBRN 

approval. Prior to attempting to don the APER or SCER, the user’s instructions provided 

with the test equipment shall be reviewed by the test facility personnel and the test 

subjects. Test subjects will be taught by the principal investigator or a facility 

representative on the areas of manufacturer’s size selection, donning, fit check, doffing, 

and other fitting procedures for the APER or SCER, in order to represent any training 

prescribed or offered by the manufacturer’s instructions. Any clarifications or 

supplemental instructions provided by manufacturer representatives at the time of 

certification inventory, during the test, or after the test, must be NIOSH reviewed prior to 

incorporation into revised user instructions before final NIOSH approval is granted. 

5. PROCEDURE

5.1. General

5.1.1. This procedure describes the practical performance level test for ensuring that the 

level of respiratory protection provided by the CBRN APER and SCER meets or 

exceeds the requirements defined in the currently approved versions of the 

statements of standards for the CBRN APER or SCER being tested for approval. 

Practical performance level factors which shall be evaluated on a pass or fail 

basis (as applicable based upon respirator design) are identified in Paragraph 2.3. 

of this STP. 

5.1.2. This procedure describes the required subject sample size, test equipment and test 

items, data collection methods, human use protocol requirements, and the 

specific practical performance level requirements for the APER or SCER being 

tested. 

5.2. Number of Test Samples

5.2.1. The quantities of test samples (CBRN APER or SCER) are specified within the 

relevant NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. 

5.2.2. All CBRN APER and SCER shall be individually numbered with an indelible 

pen or tagged in a sequence such that the number can be correlated to the NIOSH 

application number (TN), manufacturer, and tracked throughout the relevant 

NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. 

5.2.3. The administrative sequence numbers are to be replicated in the test summary 

data sheets to indicate product performance per the stated requirement. 

5.3. Test Equipment Set-Up

5.3.1. Test equipment set-up requirements are specified within the relevant NIOSH 

STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. 

5.4. Conducting the Practical Performance Test

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5.4.1. Panels. The quantity and selection criteria of human subjects are specified within 

the relevant NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this 

STP. 

5.4.2. Training. Prior to attempting to don the APER and SCER, the user’s instructions 

provided with the test equipment shall be reviewed by the test facility personnel 

and the test subjects. Test subjects will be taught by the principal investigator or 

a facility representative on the areas of manufacturer’s size selection, donning, fit 

check, doffing, and other fitting procedures for the APER or SCER, in order to 

represent any training prescribed or offered by the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Any clarifications or supplemental instructions provided by manufacturer 

representatives at the time of certification inventory, during the test, or after the 

test must be NIOSH reviewed prior to incorporation into revised user instructions 

before final NIOSH approval is granted. 

5.4.3. Self Donning and Doffing. Each test subject shall perform an unassisted donning 

and doffing of the APER or SCER in accordance with the manufacturer’s user 

instructions. Prior to beginning test activities, each test subject will conduct selfdonning under the supervision of the principal investigator or a test facility 

representative and is permitted time to make the appropriate adjustments to the 

unit until they are satisfied that they are wearing the unit in compliance with the 

manufacturer’s user’s instructions. Self-donning and doffing rely on the clarity of 

the user instructions to address (if applicable based on the respirator’s design) 

head harness pull-tab sequence, unit orientation, and other APER or SCER 

component orientations. If the human test subject cannot doff the escape 

respirator efficiently or exhibits emergency concerns requiring immediate 

removal of the APER or SCER, laboratory personnel are authorized to remove 

the respirator from the subject. Each wearer is not subjected to any undue 

discomfort or encumbrance because of the donning or doffing of the respirator 

during certification testing period. 

5.4.4. Data Sheets. Practical performance level determination is performed during the 

NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. Practical 

performance level data will be recorded in the Practical Performance Level 

Observation Data Sheet located in Appendix A. 

6. PASS OR FAIL CRITERIA

6.1. Procedures in this STP will be used each time a subject attempts to successfully don, 

wear, complete test exercises, and doff an APER or SCER when participating in 

exercises of any of the NIOSH standard test procedures stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 

1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. A practical performance failure does not count against the 

pass or fail determination of the individual performance criteria of the NIOSH STPs 

stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. A chart demonstrating the 

relationship of the practical performance level to the NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 

1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP is included in Appendix B. 

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6.2. Each trial testing of the NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this 

STP will be assessed on a pass or fail basis of practical performance. The specific 

practical performance assessment factors are identified in para 2.3 of this STP. 

6.3. Pass or fail data from practical performance trials shall be accumulated from all trials of 

the NIOSH STPs stated in para 1.3.1., 1.3.2., 1.3.3., and 1.3.4. of this STP. For the total 

of these accumulated trials, ≥95% of these trials shall exhibit acceptable (passing) 

practical performance. Should <95% of the practical performance test trials be acceptable 

(passing), one additional run of test trials consisting of either human subject breathing gas 

and laboratory respirator protection level, or both, may be performed to increase the total 

number of practical performance level trials. The total number of trials will be the sum of 

trials from the first and second run of subjects. 

7. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

7.1. In addition to the stated requirements, NIOSH/NPPTL 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 CBRN atmospheres. 

7.2. Where it is determined after receipt of an application that additional requirements are 

necessary 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. 

8. RECORDS AND TEST DATA SHEETS

8.1. Data Sheets. Practical performance level determination is performed during the NIOSH 

STPs stated in para 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, and 1.3.4 of this STP. Practical performance level 

data will be recorded in the Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet located 

in Appendix A. 

8.2. All videotapes and photographs of the actual test being performed and of the tested 

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

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

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

application, the Test Facility Manager (Principal Investigator or designee) will 

send a test report to the NIOSH Certification Evaluation and Testing (CET) 

Section Team Leader and prepare the hardware for return to the manufacturer. 

8.3.2. If the failure occurs on hardware examined under an off-the-shelf audit, the 

hardware will be examined by a laboratory technician and the CET Section Team 

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 CET Section Team Leader or his designee, following the standard 

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operating procedures outlined in Procedure for Scheduling, and Processing PostCertification Product Audits, RB-SOP-005-00. 

8.3.3. If a APER or SCER fails the criteria specified in Section 6.0 of this STP, ensure 

all measures are taken to ascertain the reason or cause for failure, conduct all post 

test inspections in accordance with this STP that support the accuracy of the 

reported failure and provide NIOSH with written Test Incident Reports (TIR)s, 

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APPENDIX A 

Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 1 of 8) 

Task No.: STP No.: 0456 

 

Manufacturer: 

 

 

Test Date: NIOSH Approval Numbers 

 

Model Number / Trade Name: 

APER / SCER Actual Ready to Use Device Part Number: 

APER / SCER Training Device Part Number: 

Is this a retest under the same TN number? 

 

If yes, what are the original test dates? 

For which CBRN STP is Practical Performance being evaluated? (enter one choice only) 

CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0452 (APER LRPL) 

CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0453 (SCER LRPL) 

CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454 (APER HSBG) 

CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0455 (SCER HSBG) 

 

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APPENDIX A 

Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 2 of 8) 

Task No.: STP No.: 0456

Manufacturer: Reference No.: 42 CFR 84.63 (a)(c)(d)

Test: Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator

Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator

Test 

Subject No.

Test Subject 

Identification

Assigned 

Hood Size

Practical 

Performance 

(Pass/Fail) 

Trial 1

Practical 

Performance 

(Pass/Fail) 

Trial 2

Reason for Practical Performance Failure

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Determination of Practical Performance Level for Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) 

and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER)Standard Testing Procedure 

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APPENDIX A 

Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 3 of 8) 

Task No.: STP No.: 0456

Manufacturer: Reference No.: 42 CFR 84.63 (a)(c)(d)

Test: Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator

Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator

Test 

Subject No.

Test Subject 

Identification

Assigned 

Hood Size

Practical 

Performance 

(Pass/Fail) 

Trial 1

Practical 

Performance 

(Pass/Fail) 

Trial 2

Reason for Practical Performance Failure

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

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Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) 

and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER)Standard Testing Procedure 

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APPENDIX A 

Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 4 of 8) 

Task No.: STP No.: 0456

Manufacturer: Reference No.: 42 CFR 84.63 (a)(c)(d)

Test: Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator

Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator

Test 

Subject No.

Test Subject 

Identification

Assigned 

Hood Size

Practical 

Performance 

(Pass/Fail) 

Trial 1

Practical 

Performance 

(Pass/Fail) 

Trial 2

Reason for Practical Performance Failure

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

Determination of Practical Performance Level for Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) 

and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER)Standard Testing Procedure 

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APPENDIX A 

Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 5 of 8) 

Task No.: STP No.: 0456

Manufacturer: Reference No.: 42 CFR 84.63 (a)(c)(d)

Test: Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator

Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator

Test 

Subject No.

Test Subject 

Identification

Assigned 

Hood Size

Practical 

Performance 

(Pass/Fail) 

Trial 1

Practical 

Performance 

(Pass/Fail) 

Trial 2

Reason for Practical Performance Failure

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

Total # of 'Pass' PPT trials from Trail 1 column here → Box 1P

Total # of 'Fail' PPT trials from Trail 1 column here → Box 1F

Total # of 'Pass' PPT trials from Trail 2 column here → Box 2P

Total # of 'Fail' PPT trials from Trail 2 column here → Box 2F

Determination of Practical Performance Level for Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) 

and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER)Standard Testing Procedure 

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APPENDIX A 

Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 6 of 8) 

Task No.: STP No.: 0456

Manufacturer: Reference No.: 42 CFR 84.63 (a)(c)(d)

Test: Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator

Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator

Calculation of % 'Pass' Practical Performance Trials

Total # of 'Pass' PPT trials from Trail 1 column here → Box 1P

Total # of 'Fail' PPT trials from Trail 1 column here → Box 1F

Total # of 'Pass' PPT trials from Trail 2 column here → Box 2P

Total # of 'Fail' PPT trials from Trail 2 column here → Box 2F

Add the number of trials in Box 1P and Box 2P here → Box A Box A = Total # of 'Pass' PPT trials for Trials 1 and 2

Add the number of trials in Box 1F and Box 2F here → Box B Box B = Total # of 'Fail' PPT Trials for Trials 1 and 2

Add the numbers in Box A and Box B here → Box C Box C = Total # of 'Pass' and 'Fail' PPT trials for Trials 1 and 2

% 'Pass' Practical Performance Trials = (Box A ÷ Box C) X 100%.→

Overall Pass Percentage: Overall Result:

≥ 95% % 'Pass' Practical Performance Trials

Determination of Practical Performance Level for Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) 

and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER)Standard Testing Procedure 

(STP)

Note: The Calculation of % 'Pass' Practical Performance Trials is to be computed following the completion of trials to fulfill the test 

requirements of Human Subject Breathing Gas and Laboratory Respirator Protection Level.

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APPENDIX A 

Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 7 of 8) 

Task No.: STP No.: 0456

Manufacturer: Reference No.: 42 CFR 84.63 (a)(c)(d)

Test: Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator

Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator

Was all equipment verified to be in calibration throughout all testing? Yes No

Were all part numbers verified against the hardware? Yes No

Comments:

Signature:

Laboratory Technician Date

Concurrence:

Laboratory Supervisor

Determination of Practical Performance Level for Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator 

(APER) and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER)Standard Testing 

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APPENDIX A 

Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 8 of 8) 

Task No.: STP No.: 0456

Manufacturer: Reference No.: 42 CFR 84.63 (a)(c)(d)

Test: Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator

Statement of Standard For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

and Nuclear (CBRN) Self-Contained Escape Respirator

Requirement: Practical Performance Test (PPT)

Each Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER) seeking a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) 

protection rating will be self donned, worn, and self doffed by a voluntary human test subject in accordance with the applicant's User Instructions in a controlled 

laboratory environment, under specified laboratory conditions and shall be qualitatively evaluated on human interface issues associated with the use of the escape 

respirator. 

The Practical Performance of the Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER) shall be evaluated as part of the test 

procedures of Human Subject Breathing Gas, and Laboratory Respirator Protection Level. The Practical Performance of the respirator shall evaluate human 

interface issues associated with the use of the escape respirator. Test subjects shall be trained on proper use of the escape respirator in accordance with the 

applicant’s instruction requirements identified in the current Statement of Standard specific to the APER and SCER. Factors that will be evaluated on a Practical 

Performance pass / fail basis (if applicable based upon the respirator design) are: the use of mouth bits and nose clips; seal of the hood around the respirator 

wearer’s neck; seating of inner masks; position of the hood on the respirator wearer’s head; and strength required to self don and doff the respirator. Additionally, 

the inability of any test subject participating in the test procedures of Human Subject Breathing Gas, or Laboratory Respirator Protection Level, to complete the test 

procedures shall constitute a failure of the Practical Performance requirement for that trial.

Practical Performance trials shall be accumulated from the test procedures of Human Subject Breathing Gas, and Laboratory Respirator Protection Level. For the 

total of these accumulated trials, 95% of these trials shall exhibit acceptable Practical Performance. Should 95% of the Practical Performance test trials not be 

acceptable, one additional run of test trials consisting of either, or both, Human Subject Breathing Gas, and Laboratory Respirator Protection Level, may be 

performed to increase the total number of trials. The total number of trials will be the sum of trials from the first and second run of subjects. 

If the human test subject cannot doff the escape respirator efficiently or exhibits emergency concerns requiring immediate removal of the APER, laboratory 

personnel are authorized to remove the APER from the human test subjects head without causing bodily harm. Each wearer is not subjected to any undue 

discomfort or encumbrance because of the donning or doffing of the respirator during certification testing period.

Determination of Practical Performance Level for Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-Purifying Escape Respirator 

(APER) and Self-Contained Escape Respirator (SCER)Standard Testing 

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APPENDIX B 

Relationship of Practical Performance Level Test to the 

Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Test 

and Human Subject Breathing Gas Test (Page 1 of 1) 

 Human Subject Breathing Gas (CO2 / O2) Test LRPL Test

 Each CO2 / O2 trial is also a Practical Performance trial. Each LRPL trial is also a Practical Performance trial.

CO2 / O2 Test Pass Criteria: LRPL Test Pass Criteria:

≥ 95% of total trials must pass specified criteria. ≥ 95% of total trials must pass specified criteria. 

In the event of a Practical Performance failure: In the event of a Practical Performance failure:

No failure applies to the CO2 / O2 test. No penalty applies to the LRPL test.

Subject is replaced for CO2 / O2 test. Subject is replaced for LRPL test.

The failed trial is counted as a Practical Performance trial failure. The failed trial is counted as a Practical Performance trial failure.

Practical Performance Test

Total # of trials is the sum of all CO2 / O2 and LRPL trials.

Practical Performance Test Pass Criteria:

≥ 95 % of total trials must pass specified criteria.*

Each CO2 / O2 trial 

is also a Practical 

Performance trial.

Each LRPL trial is 

also a Practical 

Performance trial.

* If the ≥ 95 % requirement is not met for Practical Performance, the Human Subject Breathing Gas test and / or the LRPL test may be run a 

second time to increase the total amount of trials for evaluating Practical Performance with the following considerations:

1) Each test (the Human Subject Breathing Gas test and / or the LRPL test) may only be rerun only one time.

2) If tests are rerun, the total number of trials used to evaluate Practical Performance will be the total number of trials from all Human Subject 

 Breathing Gas tests and LRPL tests. Total trials will include both the number of trials from the original tests plus the rerun tests. 

3) If the Human Subject Breathing Gas test and / or the LRPL test are rerun, the number of trials used to evaluate those individual tests will be the 

 sum of trials from the original test plus the rerun test. 

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Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0456 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005 Page 18 of 18 

Revision History 

Revision Date Reason for Revision 

0 18 February 2004 Historic document 

1.1 22 December 2005 Update header and format 

Update references to other STPs 

No changes to method 

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