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-0454 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005

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) 

1. PURPOSE:

1.1. This test establishes the procedures for ensuring the level of respiratory protection 

provided by Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Air-purifying 

Escape Respirator (APER) requirements submitted for New Approval, Extension of 

Approval, or examined during certified product audits, meet the minimum certification 

standards set forth in this Standard Test Procedure (STP) as prescribed in 42 CFR, Part 

84, Subpart G, Section 84.63(a)(c)&(d); Federal Register, Volume 60, Number 110, June 

8, 1995. 

1.2. The purpose of this STP is to describe the test conditions and procedures necessary to test 

and certify manufacturer submitted CBRN Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) 

certification applications for NIOSH approval. A CBRN APER 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-filtering device that is installed per the manufacturer’s current user 

instructions. The STP is used to evaluate the concentration of inspired carbon dioxide gas 

at the mouth, which will be continuously monitored, calculate the average concentration 

during the inhalation portion of the breathing cycle, and insure that the level does not 

exceed the limits in paragraph 6.2.2 while worn by a human test subject breathing at a 

standing state and while walking briskly at 3.5 mph on a treadmill. During the walking 

and standing period, the inspired carbon dioxide gas and oxygen levels will be 

continuously monitored by medical gas analyzers remotely sensing internal levels of the 

tested APER and recorded on-line. The requirement for this STP is to ensure that all 

CBRN APER, seeking NIOSH CBRN approval, have: 

1.2.1. Good self-donning face-fitting characteristics that can accommodate a wide 

variety of facial sizes and shapes. 

1.2.2. User instructions for donning that are easily understood, applicable to all 

components, both visual and written, and current. 

1.2.3. Achieved a pass or fail result based on completing the breathing gas trials as 

determined by appropriate pass criteria as stated in the APER statement of 

standard.

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1.2.4. Been evaluated on a panel of 12 test subjects having facial sizes and shapes that 

approximate the distribution of sizes and shapes of the general applicable 

statement of standard user population. 

2. GENERAL:

2.1. This document describes the Human Subject Breathing Gas Concentrations for the 

CBRN hood type APER in sufficient detail that a team of persons knowledgeable in the 

appropriate technical field can select equipment with the necessary resolution, conduct 

the test, and determine whether or not the APER passes the specified test. The procedure 

is a separate test under the NIOSH/NPPTL Respirator Branch heading of CET-CBRNESCAPE-STP-0454 for the concentration of inspired carbon dioxide gas at the mouth and 

the calculated average concentration during the inhalation portion of the breathing cycle. 

The procedure is designed to rigorously test the evaluated APER on a human test subject 

as a dynamic respiratory protective system and generate repeatable, independent pass or 

fail results under defined laboratory conditions. 

2.2. This test is considered a human factors test that requires participation of 12 human 

subjects to quantify the Human Subject Breathing Gas (HSBG) concentrations required 

of the CBRN APER statement of standard. The successful completion of 

NIOSH/NPPPTL designated Breathing Machine Test requirements specific for the type 

of APER being considered for breathing gas testing must be shown before HSBG testing 

commences on the submitted APER. 

2.3. This STP shall be used to test several different types of CBRN hood type APER for 

satisfactory Human Subject BG performance. The hood type CBRN APER include, but 

are not limited to: Full Facepiece, oral/nasal cup, and mouthpiece with nose clip. 

3. TEST EQUIPMENT / TEST ITEMS/ HUMAN SUBJECTS

3.1. The list of necessary test equipment and materials follows: 

3.1.1. Trackmaster TM 500E treadmill (JAS Manufacturing) or equivalent. Figure 1 

illustrates a treadmill machine that test subjects will use to perform the exercise 

indicated in this STP. 

Figure 1. Trackmaster TM 500E Treadmill (JAS Manufacturing) 

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3.1.2. Communications. A means of providing two-way communication between the 

test subject(s) and the test conductor(s) shall be provided. Non-verbal 

communication between test subjects wearing the hood and attending laboratory 

technicians is acceptable. 

3.1.3. Facial Size Measurement, Calipers or equivalent. Calipers and measuring tapes 

shall be used to measure the test participants to the requirements identified in 

Appendix A. Examples of calipers are sliding measurement calipers, Seritex 

model GPM 104, 0-200 mm length, or spreading measurement calipers, Seritex 

model GPM 106, 0 – 300 mm width. See figure 2, Facial Size Measurement 

Calipers. Measurement tape shall have millimeters as the smallest increment of 

measure. Figure 3 is an example of software available to manage the panel test 

measurements and placement of subjects. 

Figure 2, Facial Size Measurement Calipers 

Figure 3, Sample LANL Panel Calibration Software 

3.1.4. PC-Based Data Acquisition System: A PC-based data acquisition system 

consisting of a National Instruments AT-MIO-16E-2 DAQ board, an SCXI-1122 

isolated analog multiplexer module and a customized LabVIEW software 

application will be used to record breath-by-breath fractional concentrations of 

respired carbon dioxide and oxygen. The system records1500 samples/channel at 

a rate of 50 Hz. Equivalent data acquisition hardware and software products, as 

well as hardcopy recordings of breath-by-breath samples with high-speed chart 

recorders, are permitted as long as an equivalent resolution of the data is 

achieved. 

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3.1.5. Perkin-Elmer MGA model 1100 or equivalent. Medical Gas analyzer with 

calibrated sampling line used to measure fractional concentrations of respired 

carbon dioxide and oxygen levels. Oxygen level range- 0-100%. Carbon dioxide 

level range- 0-20%. Figures 4 and 5 represent a typical gas analyzer. 

Figure 4. MGA-1100 Gas Analyzer, close up 

Figure 5, MGA-1100 Full View 

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3.1.6. Facepiece Probes. TSI fit test probes model 8025-N95 or equivalent. The probes 

shall not interfere with the fit or function of the respirator. Figure 6a, below is an 

interior view of a sample APER probed using alternative probes and location due 

to respirator design. Figure 6b, below is an interior view of a sample APER 

probed in the oral nasal region of the nose cup. 

Figure 6a, Sample Exterior APER Probe (alternative method) 

Figure 6b, Sample Exterior APER Probe

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Figure 7, Sample Interior APER Probe

3.2. Required CBRN APER Test Items: 

3.2.1. Test APER Hoods. Each applicant shall provide 12 hooded APER of production 

quality for HSBG testing, in the NIOSH agreed configuration, in each size 

according to the testing requirements set forth in Appendix A of this STP. An 

additional 12 APER units will also be required for submission for user training. 

User instructions for self-donning and system attachments or other hardware are 

required for each APER submitted for testing. Test factors such as weight of 

accessories, weight of critical components, type of head harness used and 

identical LAT configuration tested must be adhered to. A total of Twenty-four

(24) APER are required if one universal size is tested, Twenty-four (24) APER if 

two sizes (12 Small/Medium and 12 Medium/Large) are tested, and Twenty-four

(24) APER if three sizes (8 Small, 8 Medium and 8 Large) are submitted per 

manufacturer sizing instructions specified in applicable APER user instructions. 

3.3. Human Factors: 

3.3.1. Test Subjects. Twelve human test subjects are required for this test. All 

procedures and requirements specified in the NIOSH Human Subject Review 

Board (HSRB) Protocol HSRB-04-NPPTL-01XP entitled, “Determination of 

Breathing Gas Concentrations for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and 

Nuclear (CBRN) Air-purifying Escape Respirator (APER) Submitted for NIOSH 

Certification” shall be followed and met. Informed consent will be obtained 

from each volunteer upon completion of the Volunteer Agreement Affidavit and 

Volunteer Agreement Affidavit Explanation contained in Protocol No HSRB-04-

NPPTL-01XP. The test subjects shall be subjected to medical assessments as 

defined in HSRB-04-NPPTL-01XP and supplemental facial measurements. The 

caliper and measuring tape facial/neck measurements shall be used to determine 

facial size and panel placement prior to each test subject donning a new type of 

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Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005 Page 7 of 27 

APER or new manufacturer application. 

3.3.2. Test Administrator(s). Shall have successfully completed the CDC/ATSDR 

Scientific Ethics Training, the DHHS/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:

4.1. Calibration. Prior to beginning any testing, all measuring equipment utilized for final 

measurements as part of this testing must have been calibrated within the preceding 12 

months, or as specified by the equipment manufacturer, using a method traceable to the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Equipment calibration records 

shall be available for examination at each testing facility. Laboratory technicians will 

check calibration prior to the conduct of the testing. A statement that all test equipment 

is within calibration shall be attested by the lab technician on each NIOSH test report. 

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

precautions described in the current NIOSH Bruceton Research Center Laboratory Safety 

Manual or site-specific procedures that are applicable to health and safety requirements. 

4.3. Certification Inventory. Test facility personnel will confirm that the model of APER 

hood submitted for HSBG testing is the same model and configuration as submitted 

under the NIOSH application for certification with the required accessories as defined by 

the manufacturer and successfully live agent tested. Part number inspection, location and 

referencing must be accurate and complete before test begins. Any accessories that affect 

form, fit, function, or provide a protective quality shall be installed on the APER hood 

and subject to HSBG testing. Facility personnel are required to keep a certification 

inventory, when complete, prior to HSBG commencing. Individual manufacturer APER 

equipment stocks are required to be separated & covered between manufacturers. 

4.4. Probing. Each APER hood shall be probed and verified functional prior to issue to test 

subjects by lab personnel for purposes of measuring concentrations of carbon dioxide and 

oxygen inside the oral nasal region in accordance with paragraph 3.1.6 of this STP. For 

those APER without nose cups defining the oral nasal region, the sampling probe must 

still extend into the breathing zone or directly in the path of the inhaled air. The test 

facility administrator or the facility staff shall be responsible for probing all the APER. 

The APER sampling location shall be in the oral/nasal region if the APER has a nose cup. 

The optimum sampling oral/nasal 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 probes will depend upon the 

design of the APER being evaluated and will be as close as practically possible to the 

optimal location as stated above. The testing personnel will ensure that the probe is not 

in contact with the subject or any part of the APER. A second probe will be installed in 

the same general area to monitor the pressure in the respirator to facilitate the 

determination of the beginning of the inhalation portion of each breath. 

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4.5. User Instructions. Prior to conducting the test, the Users 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 hood, in order to represent any training prescribed or offered by 

the manufacture’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. 

4.6. Self Donning. Each test subject shall perform an unassisted donning of the APER hood 

in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions prior to beginning the HSBG test. 

Each test subject conducting self –donning under supervision of test facility personnel is 

permitted time to make the appropriate adjustments to the hood until they are satisfied 

that they are wearing the hood in compliance with the manufacturer’s Users Instructions 

prior to testing. Self-Donning relies on the clarity of the user instructions addressing, if 

applicable, head harness pull-tab sequence, faceblank orientation and other APER 

component orientations. 

4.7. Air Flow Sampling. Air shall be sampled out of the respirator oral nasal region at a 

minimum rate of 240ml/min. The method in which the sampling probe is installed shall 

not interfere with APER performance and shall minimize sampling biases. 

4.8. HSBG Exposure Conditions: 

4.8.1. Temperature Range = 68-80 oF 

4.8.2. Relative Humidity Range = 50 + 10 % 

5. PROCEDURE:

Note: Paragraph 3 of this STP contains examples of HSBG test equipment and select 

manufacturer's APER. Review the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manuals 

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

commencing this STP. 

5.1. General. This procedure describes the Human Subject Breathing Gas (HSBG) 

performance test for ensuring that the level of carbon dioxide retained in the breathing 

zone of the CBRN hood type Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) meets or exceeds 

the requirements defined in the Statement of Standard for that particular CBRN APER 

being tested. Refer to the current Statement of Standard for the CBRN APER being 

tested for specific data. This procedure describes the required sample size, test 

equipment, data collection methods, human use protocol requirements, and the specific 

performance requirement for APER being tested. 

5.2. Number of Test Samples.

5.2.1. See paragraph 3.2.1 and Appendix A of this STP for specific subject quantity and 

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test panel requirements. 

5.2.2. All CBRN APER shall be individually numbered with an indelible pen or tagged 

in a sequence that the number can be correlated to the NIOSH application 

number (TN), manufacturer, and administrative sequence number so it can be 

tracked throughout the HSBG test. 

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

sheets and indicate product performance per the stated requirement. 

5.3. Test Equipment: 

5.3.1. Test facility staff will install the sampling probe, in accordance with paragraph 

4.4 of this STP, in each facepiece submitted under the applicable NIOSH TN and 

verify the integrity of probes before physical testing is initiated. A calibrated 

length of tubing specific to the MGA will be used to connect the sample probe in 

the APER to the gas analyzers. 

5.3.2. 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. 

5.3.3. Electronic or manual caliper measurements shall be used to determine facial size 

and panel placement prior to each test subject donning a new type of APER or 

starting a new manufacturer APER application. Additionally the subject’s neck 

and head circumference will be taken for panel placement prior to testing using a 

measuring tape in millimeters. 

5.4. Conducting the BG Test:

5.4.1. Panels: Test subjects shall be selected to cover all the cells within the panel 

referenced in Appendix A. Each HSBG test shall consist of one trial per 

exercise, standing or walking at 3.5 mph. A minimum of 4 data points shall be 

collected from the self-donnings by test subjects of each facepiece size of each 

APER submitted to NIOSH, as prescribed in Appendix A. At a minimum, 

anthropometrical measurements of face length (Menton-Nasal Root Depression 

or Menton-Sellion), face width (Bizygomatic diameter), head circumference, and 

neck circumference shall be taken for facepiece size determination per HSBG. 

The test subject anthropometrical panel results must fall into the panel box 

requirements outlined in Appendix A. These results determine what size APER 

is issued to the test subject, if multiple sizes are available. Those test subjects 

that are determined to be on the border line between various indicated panel cells 

must be re-measured prior to HSBG testing starting and confirmed what panel 

box they fall into. For those cases, were a test subject is rated in a dual size 

category panel box (M/L or S/M), the use of expert sizing by test facility 

personnel is required to determine what size is initially tested twice. If test 

subjects fail one dual size category twice, test facility personnel are authorized to 

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resize the individual if panel test subject availability is in demand. 

5.4.2. Training. The training APER hoods shall be properly sized, if applicable, and 

assigned to clean-shaven test subjects by trained test facility personnel. Prior to 

BG testing, test subject training will be conducted by test facility personnel based 

on the manufacturer’s NIOSH recognized Users Instructions. Procedures for 

doffing, trouble shooting, negative seal checks, and head harness tightening must 

be taught to test subjects by test facility personnel if the manufacture’s 

instructions provide for or require training. Manufacturers may request the 

opportunity to observe HSBG testing of their equipment, with prior notification 

to NIOSH/NPPTL. After initial instruction each test subject shall practice 

donning (15 minutes) and wearing the training APER continuously for a 

minimum of ten (10) minutes. Test subjects do not attach critical components to 

the APER. Test facility personnel attach all critical components, per the 

manufacturer’s user instructions. The instruction period will be a minimum of 10 

minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes. All test subjects shall be trained in 

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Monitoring of training time and 

training subjects is required to ensure effective instruction and follow on actions 

are performed correctly. 

5.4.4. BG Exercises. The HSBG test consists of two exercises. The first is standing in 

place for ten minutes. Upon Completion of the first exercise the subjects will 

take an intermission, until the subject is prepared to continue, with the respirator 

doffed. Prior to beginning the second exercise the subjects will re-don the same 

respirator. The second test is walking briskly at 3.5 mph for ten minutes on a 

treadmill. The exercise routine listed below shall be used to determine the levels 

of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the breathing zone of the APER while the 

respirator is worn. Either of the two exercises may be performed first. 

5.4.4.1. Standing in Place: In a normal standing position, the subject shall 

breathe normally while wearing the APER for ten (10) minutes. 

5.4.4.2. Rest: The APER shall be removed and the subject shall rest quietly in a 

seated position for a period of at least one minute or until subject is 

prepared to continue with the test. 

5.4.4.3. Walking at 3.5 mph: The subject shall don the APER and walk briskly at 

a pace of 3.5 mph for 10 minutes. Test staff will ensure sample lines are 

not restricting movement during the walking. 

5.4.5. At the conclusion of a complete exercise session of standing and walking, 

test subjects shall doff the APER. Standing and walking conditions shall 

be randomly administered and always be separated by a ten minute resting 

period. 

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

be written on the test data sheet.

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5.4.7. If an APER is identified as a failure upon trial termination, prior to data analysis, 

test facility personnel will conduct failure assessment protocol of the APER in 

two phases. First phase is to inspect the APER while it is still donned on the test 

subject. Second phase is to inspect the APER 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 

scrunched up on face, hair in the faceblank seal area, canister not on securely, 

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

case dependent situations. If noted deficiencies are confirmed with the APER 

being improperly probed, reassign another like, but serviceable APER to the test 

subject and retest for two complete trials. If the APER has a serviceable probe 

but continues to fail, log it as a HSBG failure. Probe failures such as ripped 

faceblank material or inadequate probe sealing areas are cause for reanalysis of 

the determined probe entry point. If an APER is identified as a failure after data 

analysis the APER will be inspected according to the second phase of the post 

test analysis as well as a possible redonning of the respirator by the subject if still 

available. 

6. PASS/FAIL CRITERIA

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

6.2.1 The criterion for conduct of this test is set forth in 42 CFR, Part 84, Subpart G, 

Section 84.63 (a, c, and d) Volume 60, Number 110, June 8, 1995 and applicable 

RPD current statement of standards in final approved form. Each respirator and 

respirator component shall when tested by the applicant and by the Institute, meet 

the applicable requirements set forth in 42 CFR Part 84, subparts G, I, K, and 

applicable portions of L, N and KK. All applicable manufacturer user 

instructions that address seal enhancement kits and other critical seal 

components/tasks must be clearly depicted in final NIOSH approved documents 

and present during testing. 

6.2.1.1 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. 

6.2.1.2 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. 

6.2.1 CBRN ESCAPE APER: The average inhaled carbon dioxide level recording at 

each minute of testing during minutes six (6) through ten (10) shall not exceed 

0.025 (or 2.5%) for a hood with a service life of 15 or 30 minutes and 0.020 (or 

2.0%) for a hood with a service life of 45 or 60 minutes. The measured oxygen 

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levels at the end of inspiration will not fall below 0.195 (or 19.5%) during the 

same measurement periods for carbon dioxide assessment. For 95% of the tests 

the preceding two trials must be evaluated as passing. Should a group of test 

subjects result in a BG tests where less than 95% of trials have passing results, 

one additional run of test trials consisting of 12 test subjects may be preformed 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. All trials shall be considered in 

the practical performance criteria, see STP CET-CBRN-ESCAPE-STP-0456 

entitled “Practical performance level test.” 

6.2.2 Data analysis will be conducted following the test in the following method. The 

data will be collected for the final 30 seconds of each of the last 5 minutes in 

each portion of the test, walking and standing. The inhalation portion of each 

complete breathe in the collection period of each minute will be averaged. Then 

the averages for each minute will be averaged and the final value must pass the 

pass/fail criteria for each exercise, standing and walking. 

7. RECORDS\TEST SHEETS

7.1. All test data will be recorded on the HUMAN SUBJECT BREATHING GAS (CO2 O2), 

PERFORMANCE TEST FOR CBRN HOOD TYPE AIR-PURIFYING ESCAPE 

RESPIRATOR test data sheets (See Appendix C.) 

7.2. All test data will be recorded on the PRACTICAL PEFORMANCE LEVEL TEST data 

sheets (See Appendix C.). For evaluation methods of the PP Level test refer to STP 

CET-CBRN-ESCAPE-STP-0456 titled “Practical Performance Level test.” 

7.3. 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. 

7.4. All equipment failing any portion of this test will be handled as follows; 

7.4.1. 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 Chief and prepare the hardware for return to the manufacturer. 

7.4.2. 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 Chief 

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 Chief, or his designee, following the standard operating 

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

7.4.3. If an APER fails the criteria specified in Para 6.0 of this STP, ensure all measures 

are taken to ascertain the reason/cause for failure, conduct all post test 

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inspections in accordance with Para 5.8 of this STP that support the accuracy of 

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

digital photos of assessment and recommendations as required. 

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Appendix A 

CBRN APER and SCER BG STP-0454 

APER Human Subject Breathing Gas (HSBG) Test Panel 

Small Medium Large 

 Cell A Cell D Cell G 

Face Length 

and 

Face Width 

Use LANL boxes 1, 2, 

3, 4 (2 or 3 subjects 

each box, 2 trials per 

subject) 

Use LANL boxes 3, 4, 5, 

6, 7, 8; panel size 17 (2 or 

3 subjects each box, 2 

trials per subject) 

Use LANL boxes 7, 8, 9, 10; 

panel size 11 (2 or 3 

subjects each box, 2 trials 

per subject) 

 Subjects= 4 Subjects= 4 Subjects= 4 

 Tests= 8 Tests= 8 Tests= 8 

Cell B Cell E Cell H 

Head 

Circumference N/A N/A 570-603 mm 

 Subjects= 0 Subjects= 0 Subjects= 2 min 

 Tests= 0 Tests= 0 Tests= 4 min 

Cell C Cell F Cell I 

Neck 

Circumference 306-378 mm 355-403 mm 378-451 mm 

 Subjects= 2 min Subjects= 2 min Subjects= 2 min 

 Tests= 4 min Tests= 4 min Tests= 4 min 

Table 1.—Test sizing criteria 

Test Subject, Member Panel for 

HSBG Testing of NIOSH CBRN Hood Type APER 

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One Size Fits All/Universal LANL Panel 

 

25 Test Subject, One Size/Universal LANL, Member Panel for 

Testing of NIOSH CBRN APER 

Face Width (mm)

117.5 126.5 135.5 144.5 153.5 133.5

123.5

113.5

103.5

93.5

(Box 9) (Box 10)

(Box 6) (Box 7) (Box 8)

(Box 3) (Box 4) (Box 5)

(Box 1) (Box 2)

Face Length (mm)

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Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005 Page 16 of 27 

Appendix B 

CBRN HSBG PASS/FAIL CRITERIA 

Where the service time is Maximum time-weighted average fractional 

concentration of inspired carbon dioxide 

15 min or 30 min 0.025 (or 2.5%) 

45 min or 60 min 0.020 (or 2.0%) 

Table 2.—Inspired carbon dioxide limits 

PASS/FAIL Criteria: Whenever a full panel of sizes 1 through 10 is used to evaluate a one-size-fits-all 

CBRN APER hood, 0 failures will be allowed, depending on number of subjects. The same number of 

failures will be allowed for the two facepiece sizes and three facepiece sizes. This is because, when a 12 

person panel size is used consisting of all 10 facial sizes, one failure would not meet the 95% pass rate. 

When a small sample size is used (<30), statistical analysis is not practical. If more than three sizes are 

submitted, NIOSH will determine which sizes to test based on manufacturer recommendations. If sizing 

enhancement tools or products are used to maintain user seal, these products must demonstrate LAT 

passing criteria in accordance with applicable APER LAT STP. NOTES: Some panel members may be 

the same individuals in a dual role filling the cell requirements of 2 panels for the facepiece sizes. The 

data for each test subject donning (sample) are judged individually against the pass/fail criteria. 

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Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005 Page 17 of 27 

Appendix C 

CBRN APER HSBG Test Data Sheet 

CBRN APER PP Observation Sheet 

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Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005 Page 18 of 27 

Human Subject BG for CBRN APER Test Data Sheet 

Task Number: STP No: CET-CBRN-ESCAPE-STP-0454 

Manufacturer: Reference No: 

Test: Human Subject Breathing Gas Test 

 for CBRN Air-Purifying Escape Respirators (SCER) 

Model Number: 

Trade Name: 

Facepiece/ 

Part Number: 

Test Temperature: 

 Relative Humidity: 

 Facepiece Size: 

Test 

Subject No 

Test Subject 

Identification 

& Hood Size 

BG 

Box # 

O2 Level CO2

Level 

Practical 

Performance 

Pass/Fail 

Reason for 

Failure 

 

NIOSH Approval Numbers 

 

 

 

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Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005 Page 22 of 27 

 

Overall Pass Percentage: % 

 

Practical Performance: 

 Requirement: 

Each CBRN Air-Purifying Escape Respirator (APER) will be worn in an atmosphere resembling 

a standard atmosphere’s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, while completing the specified 

exercises. The minimum Oxygen level in the breathing zone is 19.5% and the maximum Carbon 

Dioxide level in the breathing zone is 2.5% for 15-30 minute respirators and 2.0% for 45-60 

minute respirators throughout the entire test. The breathing gas quantities will be evaluated in 

accordance with Procedure No. CET-CBRN-ESCAPE-STP-0454. Each wearer shall not be 

subjected to any undue discomfort or encumbrance because of the fit, air delivery, or other 

features of the respirator during the testing period. 

Comments: 

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

Overall Result:

Were the part numbers verified against the hardware? Yes No

 (NAR – Non-Applicable Research Data) 

Pass Percentages BG Levels Results 

 

 => 19.5/19.5% O2 

 <= 0.025/0.02% CO2 

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Signature: _______________________ Date: _________________ 

 Laboratory Technician 

Concurrence: 

 Laboratory Supervisor 

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Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005 Page 24 of 27 

Data Sheet A, Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 1 of 2) 

NOTE: (Use this sheet during the LRPL TEST and THE HUMAN SUBJECT BREATHING GAS TEST)

NIOSH Procedure Number: ______________________ 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Respirator Branch

Test Data Sheet

Task Number: ____________________ STP No.: CET-CBRN-ESCAPE-STP-0456

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

Test: 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)

During which test is Practical Performance being evaluated (circle)?

LRPL Human Subject Breathing Gas Testing

Model Number: _______________ NIOSH Approval Numbers

Trade Name: _______________

Escape Hood Respirator Type (circle): 

APER SCER

Date of Evaluation__________________

Test Subject 

Number

Test Subject 

Identification Hood Size

LRPL 

Panel Cell 

#

Human Subject 

Breathing Gas Testing 

LANL Panel Cell #

Check here if 

Practical 

Performance Passed

Check here if 

Practical 

Performance Failed

Reason for Practical 

Performance 

Failure

 

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 Data Sheet A, Practical Performance Level Observation Data Sheet (Page 2 of 2) 

Test Subject 

Number

Test Subject 

Identification Hood Size

LRPL 

Panel Cell 

#

Human Subject 

Breathing Gas Testing 

LANL Panel Cell #

Check here if 

Practical 

Performance Passed

Check here if 

Practical 

Performance Failed

Reason for Practical 

Performance 

Failure

Total Pass Total Fail

Enter Total Pass and Total Fail Results on Data Sheet B, Master Practical Performance Data Sheet

Requirement:

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

Were all part numbers verified against the hardware? Yes No

The Practical Performance Level of the respirator shall evaluate human interface issues associated with the use of the escape respirator. As 

a minimum, contributing factors (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 don 

the respirator. 

The pass criteria for the Practical Performance requirement shall be that ≥ 95% of the total trials from the Human Subject Breathing Gas Test 

and Laboratory Respirator Protection Level (LRPL) Test demonstrate acceptable Practical Performance.

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 the Practical Performance Level. 

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

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

Human Subject Breathing Gas tests and LRPL tests. Total trials will include both the number 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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Appendix D

Breathing Gas Performance Evaluation 

For Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear RPD Evaluations 

Medical Screening and Test Subject Consent Forms 

To be Published 

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Procedure No. CET-APRS-STP-CBRN-0454 Revision: 1.1 Date: 22 December 2005 Page 27 of 27 

Revision History 

Revision Date Reason for Revision 

0 3 August 2004 Historic document 

1.1 22 December 2005 Update header and format 

No changes to method 

 

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