Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 1 of 28 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory 

Respirator Branch 

626 Cochrans Mill Road 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15236 

Date: November 17, 2001 NOTE: The Respirator Branch maintains an updated 

index of current procedures. 

LABORATORY RESPIRATOR PROTECTION LEVEL TEST
 

QUANTITATIVE (HIGH-FLOW DEEP PROBE CORN OIL) FOR 

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS WITH FULL FACEPIECES
 

STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP)
 

1.	 PURPOSE 

This test establishes the procedures for ensuring the level of respiratory protection provided under 

special Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) requirements for Self-Contained 

Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with Full Facepieces 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(c). The purpose of this test is to ensure that CBRN SCBA 

have (1) good face-fitting characteristics that can accommodate a wide variety of facial sizes and 

shapes, and (2) instructions for facepiece size selection and donning that are easily understood, easily 

followed, and effective. To that end, each CBRN SCBA respirator will be evaluated on a panel of 

25 to 40 test subjects having facial sizes and shapes that approximate the distribution of sizes and 

shapes of the general population. 

2.	 GENERAL 

This procedure describes the Laboratory Respirator Protection Level (LRPL) Test [Quantitative HighFlow Deep-Probe Corn Oil] for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus with Full Facepieces 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/MATERIALS 

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

3.1.1.	 Corn oil - 99%. Source – Commercial Product Name; Maise Oil, Maydol, Mazola 

Oil, Maize Oil (Must comply with Chem. Abstract No. 8001-30-7) 

3.1.2.	 Environmental test chamber & plenum system with at least 24 square feet of interior 

floor space and an interior height of at least 7 feet, or equivalent. The chamber shall 

be designed so that the individual performing the test is visible at all times while in 

the chamber. The chamber design should include an entry vestibule designed to 

allow entry and exit from the chamber with minimal disturbance to the aerosol 

concentration and uniformity. The vestibule shall be large enough to accommodate 
Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 2 of 28 

door swing and a test subject with the other door closed. The test chamber shall be 

capable of maintaining spatial uniformity within ±10 percent in the vicinity of the 

respirator being tested. The challenge aerosol concentration shall not vary as a 

function of time more than ±10 percent over the duration of a single test 

(approximately 15 minutes). The aerosol challenge shall be characterized to verify 

that the aerosol is within specified physical parameters. 

3.1.3.	 DataAire Model DAP-2 Environmental Control System (20-80% RH + 5%,

 65-95 + 5o

F), normal operating conditions (ambient target) for LRPL Tests 

(70oF, 50% RH), or equivalent 

3.1.4.	 TSI Laser Photometer Model 8520, or equivalent, having a minimum limit of 

detection < .01 mg/m3 or 0.01 percent, shall be used to measure the aerosol 

challenge/leak concentration and accurately measure fit factors of at least 

10,000. 

3.1.5.	 MSP Model 2045 High Output Aerosol Generator, or equivalent, delivering 

15 to 40 mg/m3 corn oil challenge aerosol concentrations with a Mass Median 

Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) of 0.4 to 0.7 μm in the test chamber. The 

geometric standard deviation shall be less than 2.0. The chamber aerosol 

concentration shall not vary as a function of time more than ±10 percent over 

the duration of a single test (approximately 15 minutes). The test chamber 

shall be capable of maintaining spatial uniformity within ±10 percent in the 

vicinity of the respirator being tested. The challenge aerosol shall not be 

recycled. 

3.1.6.	 A means of providing two-way communication between the test subject and test 

conductor shall be provided. 

3.1.7.	 Each applicant for approval shall provide 11 to 25 full facepieces with nosecups of 

good quality and condition in each size according to the testing requirements set forth 

in Appendix B. The inward leakage of the respirator will be determined by 

continuous sampling the concentration of challenge aerosol inside the facepiece with 

a probe inserted into the facepiece (or nosecup if the respirator is so equipped). The 

probe 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. 
Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 3 of 28 

3.1.8. Sliding measurement calipers, Seritex model GPM 104, 0-200 mm length, 0-50 mm 

depth or equivalent. 

3.1.9.	 Spreading measurement calipers, Seritex model GPM 106, 0-300 mm width or 

equivalent. 

3.1.10. Twenty-five to forty test subjects meeting requirements of the NIOSH Human 

Subject Review Board (HSRB) approved Protocol. Refer to HSRB-01-NPPTL-01, 

“Protocol for the Testing of Respiratory Protective Devices.” See Appendix E for the 

proper consent form and complete details on the use of human test subjects in 

respirator certification testing. 

4.	 TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS 

4.1.	 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), or more frequently if specified by the equipment 

manufacturer. Equipment calibration records shall be available for examination at each 

testing facility. Prior to beginning any testing, a statement that all test equipment is within 

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

4.2.	 The test subjects shall be subjected to initial and annual physicals along with supplemental 

facial measurements. The facial measurements shall be used to determine facial size. 

4.3.	 Prior to conducting the test, the Users Instructions provided by the manufacturer shall be 

reviewed to verify that the instructions for facepiece size selection are easily understood, 

easily followed, and practical. Test subjects will familiarize themselves with the 

manufacturer’s selection, donning and fitting procedures for the SCBA facepiece, and may 

receive training from manufacturer representatives. 

4.4.	 If the respirator facepiece is available in multiple facepiece sizes, the manufacturer’s 

instructions for size selection shall be followed to determine consistency with LANL Panel 

cells. Inconsistencies should be noted in test reports. The test subject must be fitted with the 

facepiece size determined by facial measurements. 

4.5.	 Each full facepiece shall be probed for purposes of measuring concentrations of corn oil 

inside the facepiece nosecup. The primary sampling location shall be in the oral/nasal region. 

When sampling in the oral/nasal cavity, 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 position(s) of the sample 

probe(s) will depend upon the design of the mask being evaluated. 
Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 4 of 28 

4.6.	 Each test subject shall perform an unassisted donning of the respirator facepiece in 

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Each test subje ct will be permitted time to 

make the appropriate adjustments to the facepiece until they are satisfied that they are 

wearing the full facepiece in compliance with the manufacturer’s Users Instructions. Each 

test subject shall wear the respirator facepiece for approximately 15 minutes before entering 

the test chamber. 

4.7.	 A short length of tubing will then connect the sample probe(s) in the mask to the aerosol 

detector unit. Air shall be sampled out of the respirator at a range of 2 to 5 – 0.1 Lpm. The 

method in which the sampling probe(s) is used shall not interfere with respirator performance 

and shall minimize sampling biases. 

4.8.	 Protection level testing of full facepieces used on positive-pressure SCBA’s under this 

procedure will be accomplished by following the manufacturer’s instructions for temporarily 

converting the facepiece into a negative-pressure respirator with appropriate P100 filters. 

The manufacturer must furnish the adapter 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 this protection level 

testing should be representative of the facepiece used on the SCBA. 

4.9.	 Fit chamber conditions must be: 

4.9.1.	 Temperature Range = 68-80 oF 

4.9.2.	 Corn Oil Challenge Concentration = 15-40 mg/m3 

4.9.3.	 The oxygen level shall be at least 20% for the duration of each test. 

4.10.	 Normal laboratory safety practices must be observed. This includes all safety precautions 

described in the current NIOSH Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Safety and Health 

(ALOSH) Facility Laboratory Safety Manual, U.S. Army Soldiers and Biological Chemical 

Command Laboratory Safety Manual, or equivalent. 

4.11.	 Each applicant submitting a SCBA respirator for approval must provide donning instructions 

and sizing requirements if more than one size respirator is being tested. All manufacturers 

must provide the test facility with at a minimum, 11 to 25 good quality respirator facepieces 

in each size range as defined in Appendix to the test facility. If the respirator has a nondestructive sampling port then it will be used. If not, the respirator may have to be 

destructively probed. 

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.	 Close the inside and outside vents, and turn off exhaust fan. Ensure all covers are closed and 

sealed in side bulkhead fittings. 
 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 5 of 28 

5.2.	 Add neat corn oil to the aerosol generators and allow 15 minutes for the chamber 

concentration distributions to stabilize. The test challenge must be a non-toxic aerosol 

approved for human use. 

5.3.	 Test subjects shall be representative of the target population based on the Los Alamos Study 

Anthropometric Distribution. Test subjects shall be selected to cover all panels of the Los 

Alamos Study (refer to Appendix A). A minimum of 50 data points shall be collected by two 

donnings by test subjects of each facepiece size for each respirator submitted to NIOSH. At a 

minimum, the anthropometric measurements, face length (Menton-Nasal Root Depression or 

Menton-Sellion) and face width (Bizygomatic diameter) shall be taken for mask size 

determination. In addition, neck circumference shall be recorded for systems that use a 

neckdam or second skirt. 

5.4.	 The masks shall be properly sized and fitted on clean-shaven human test subjects. Prior to 

LRPL testing, training will be conducted by test personnel or manufacturer’s representatives 

based on the manufacturer’s instructions. The instruction period will be a minimum of 10 

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

may request the opportunity to observe LRPL testing. 

5.5.	 Procedures must ensure that test subject entering and exiting the chamber do not adversely 

affect chamber test conditions. 

5.6.	 Twenty-five test subjects will successively wear the self-contained breathing apparatus 

facepiece into the chamber. An exercise routine intended to stress the face seal and 

approximate field use conditions shall be used. Each exercise shall be performed for one 

minute in duration. The LRPL Test consists of a set of eleven standard exercises (eleven 

minutes total) using a routine devised to stress the face seal of the respirator facepiece. 

During the test, each test subject will be asked to perform the following eleven exercises for 

one-minute each (8 OSHA standard exercises plus 3 additional first responder exercises*): 

1. Normal Breathing 

2. Deep Breathing 

3. Turn Head Side to Side 

4. Move Head Up and Down 

5. Recite the Rainbow Passage 

6. Sight the Rifle* 

7. Reach for the Floor and Ceiling 

8. On Hands and Knees, Turn Head Side to Side* 

9. Grimace Exercise 

10. Climb the stairs at regular pace* 

11. Normal Breathing 

5.7	 The test subject anthropometric panels must meet the requirements outlined in Appendix B. 

5.8	 At the conclusion of testing, each test subject will exit the chamber. The subject shall 

quickly exit from the test chamber and leave the test area. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 6 of 28 

5.9	 All test subject’s comments will be written on the test data sheet (Appendix D). 

Note:	 Extension of Approval testing will be conducted only on self-contained breathing apparatus 

facepieces. (Is this note necessary?) 

Note:	 This test should be done on a minimum of 11 to 25 respirators in the required size ranges 

(new approval), or more if additional testing is required [reference 42 CFR, Part 84 Sections 

84.63(c) and Appendix B]. 

6.	 Analysis and Presentation of Data 

6.1.	 Results of all Laboratory Respiratory Protection Level (LRPL) testing will be reported in 

terms of values that were observed under the standard referenced test conditions. 

As a minimum, LRPL testing reports shall include the following: 

(a)	 Test conditions (see Appendix C) 

(b) Overall LRPL results for each subject, anthropometric panel cell number, along with 

LRPL’s by exercise set. (see Appendix C) 

(c) Record of Comments of Test Panel subjects. (see Appendix D) 

6.2.	 Data Analysis: 

6.2.1.	 All LRPL test data will be subjected to the following analysis. 

Respirator facepiece performance will be quantified in terms of a laboratory 

respiratory protection level (LRPL). The LRPLe for each exercise equals the ratio of 

the challenge aerosol concentration to the in-facepiece aerosol concentration as 

quantified by the photometer. An LRPL for each test subject (LRPLi) is calculated 

from the individual exercise data. The harmonic average of individual LRPLi are 

then used to calculate an overall LRPL for a subject (LRPLo) as follows: 

LRPLi= Le-1 to 11 LRPLe / 11 

where e is the number of exercises, 

LRPLo= Number of Test Subjects

 1/LRPL1 + 1/LRPL2 + 1/LRPL3 + ...............+ 1/LRPLn 

where n is the number of test subjects. The overall LRPL provides a time-integrated 

measure of the protection level afforded. Under the conditions of this test and the 

sensitivity of the photometer, the maximum LRPL that can be reported is 100,000. 

Each LRPL will be calculated by a computer and stored to disk. 
Respirator /Class Pass Percentages

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 7 of 28 

7.	 PASS\FAIL CRITERIA 

7.1. The criterion for passing this test is set forth in the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory 

Protection (DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 87-116) and 29 CFR 1910.134. The respirator will 

be considered to be in compliance when at least 24 of the 25 test subjects achieve values of LRPL 

that are equal to or greater than the value listed in the following table: 

APPROVAL STANDARD 

LRPL Levels 

SCBA – negative pressure mode 95% 500 Minimum 

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

84.63	 Test requirements; general. 

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

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

NFPA 1981 – current edition. 

(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. 

7.3.	 The 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. 

8.	 RECORDS\TEST SHEETS 

8.1. All test data will be recorded on the LABORATORY RESPIRATOR PROTECTION LEVEL 

TEST QUANTITATIVE (HIGH-FLOW DEEP PROBE CORN OIL) FOR SELF-CONTAINED 

BREATHING APPARATUS WITH FULL FACEPIECES test data sheets (Appendices C & D). 

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

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

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 SBCCOM Mask Fit Test Facility Manager will send a test report to 

the NIOSH Respirator Certification Team (RCT) Leader and prepare the hardware 

for return to the manufacturer. 
Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 8 of 28 

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

hardware will be examined by a SBCCOM technician, SBCCOM Mask Fit Test 

Facility Manager, 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 PostCertification Product Audits, RB-SOP-005-00. 

RECORD OF CHANGE: 
 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 9 of 28 

Appendix A 

Face Width (mm) 

117.5 126.5 135.5 144.5 153.5 133.5 

2 Males 

(Box 9) 

2 Males 

(Box 10) 

Face Length (mm) 

123.5 

1 Male 2 Males 

1 Female 5 Males (Box 8) (Box 6) (Box 7) 

113.5 

4 Females 1 Male 2 Females 

(Box 4) 1 Female (Box 3) (Box 5) 

103.5 

2 Females 2 Females 

(Box 1) (Box 2) 

93.5 

Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory 

Male-and-Female, 25 Member Panel for 

Testing of Full-Face Masks
 

Note: For the purpose of this testing, test subjects in each box may be male or female.
 
 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 10 of 28 

Appendix B 

Test panels used for the Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Tests 

Group 1 

Manufactures with 3 Facepiece Sizes: Total panel of 25 test subjects, two replicates each 

Small size 

Panel face sizes –Boxes 1, 2, 3, 4; panel size 10 (2 or 3 each size for 10 total samples) 

Medium size 

Panel face sizes - Boxes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; panel size 17 (2 or 3 each size for 17 total samples) 

Large size 

Panel face sizes – Boxes 7, 8, 9, 10; panel size 11 (3 each size for 11 total samples) 

Manufactures with 2 Facepiece Sizes: Total panel of 25 test subjects, two replicates each 

Small/medium size 

Panel face sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; panel size 14 (2 each size for 14 total samples) 

Medium/large size 

Panel face sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; panel size 15 (2 or 3 each size for 15 total samples) 

Criteria: Only one failure will be allowed for two facepiece sizes, and 2 failures allowed for 3 

facepiece sizes. These SBCA respirators are designed to fit specific facial size ranges (such as small) 

but are not expected to fit all subjects of that size range. When a small sample size is used (<25), 

statistical analysis is not practical. 

Group 2 

Manufactures with a Single Facepiece size 

Universal (one size fits all) 

Panel size – Every Box 1-10; panel size 25 (2 or 3 for each size for 25 total samples) 

Criteria: 

Whenever a full panel of sizes 1 through 10 is used to evaluate a respirator, 1 failure will be 

allowed. This is because, when a 25 person panel size is used consisting of all 10 facial sizes, it 

is statistically unlikely that any respirator design can be expected to fit all individuals due to the 

human variability in facial structure. 
Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 11 of 28 
Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 12 of 28 
Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 13 of 28 

Appendix E 

Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Test
 

Quantitative Corn Oil Fit Testing Procedure 

For Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Respirator Evaluations
 

Medical Screening and Test Subject Consent Forms
 

Original: 10/18/2001 

Revised: 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

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Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 14 of 28 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH)
 

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
 

U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

AND
 

SOLDIERS AND BIOLOGICAL CHEMICAL COMMAND (SBCCOM)
 

U.S. ARMY 

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN A RESEARCH STUDY 

You have been asked to participate in a joint NIOSH

 and SBCCOM research study. We explain here the

 nature of your participation, describe your rights, and

 specify how NIOSH and SBCCOM will treat your records. 

I.	 DESCRIPTION 

1.	 Project Title: “LABORATORY RESPIRATOR PROTECTION LEVEL TEST 

QUANTITATIVE (HIGH-FLOW DEEP PROBE CORN OIL) FOR SELFCONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS WITH FULL FACEPIECES 

STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP)” 

Document A: Medical Screening and Test Subject Consent 

2. Sponsor and/or Project Officer: This project is a collaborative study by NIOSH and 

SBCCOM with Co-Project Officers: 

John M. Dower, NIOSH 

Alex G. Pappas, SBCCOM Mask Fit Test Facility Manager 

3.	 Purpose and Benefits: The purpose of our overall study is to evaluate and certify 

respirators to make sure they are safe and work properly. The procedures for testing 

respirators have been developed jointly by senior scientists and engineers from 

NIOSH and SBCCOM. Because of unique test system requirements, the testing will 

be conducted at the SBCCOM Fit Testing Facilities, Edgewood, Maryland under 

provisions of an Interagency Agreement with the NIOSH Respirator Branch. Under 

the provisions of this Interagency Agreement, SBCCOM will function as NIOSH’s 

testing agent. 

Information generated by this research project will benefit: 
 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 15 of 28 

a.	 you, the participant, by providing a better understanding of respirators 

and their performance. Also, you will receive a free limited annual 

medical examination if you qualify to participate in the testing 

program. However, annual medical physicals will be terminated at the 

end of the program. 

b.	 workers who routinely use this same type of respirator, by ensuring 

that respirators in the field perform as they were certified by NIOSH to 

perform, and thus provide the expected level of respiratory protection. 

c.	 those involved in testing, certifying, and manufacturing respirators by 

providing feedback on how respirators perform in the field. 

d.	 workers such as HazMat responders, firemen, police, and emergency 

medical service personne l for protectionagainst terrorism agents, toxic 

compounds and oxygen deficiency. 

II.	 CONDITIONS OF THE STUDY 

1. Participation in this study consists of two parts. The first part is a brief medical 

screening. If the results of your medical screening indicate that you can participate in 

the testing of respirators, you will be invited to enter a pool of subjects who will be 

called upon from time to time to perform a series of simple tasks such as walking up 

stairs, turning their head from side to side, or sighting a rifle while wearing a 

respirator. At this time, we are only asking for your consent to perform the medical 

screening. If you are eligible for the testing program, we will invite you back and 

explain the respirator test program in greater detail. 

The medical screening consists of: 

a)	 a brief health questionnaire, asking general questions about current physical 

condition, medical history, pulmonary illness or disease, and experience with 

respirators and masks. 

b)	 a resting EKG to test your heart. This involves attaching some electrodes to the 

surface of the skin on your chest and legs and measuring your heart beat. This is 

a painless procedure although some individuals may develop a slight skin 

irritation or a mild rash from the electrode paste. 

c)	 a breathing test (pulmonary function test) to measure your lung capacity. This 

involves blowing as hard as you can into a tube. Some individuals may become 

temporarily winded or lightheaded during the breathing test. On rare occasions, an 

individual may faint. 

d) a standard hearing test. The hearing test consists of a series of sounds of different 

intensities and frequencies. All you need to do is to signal every time you hear a 

noise through a set of earphones. There are no apparent risks associated with the 

hearing test. 
 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 16 of 28 

e)	 a measurement of your face to determine what size or model respirator is most 

appropriate for you should you be called back for later testing. 

The physical examination will be provided by a licensed physician at no cost to you. . 

All hearing tests are given by qualified technicians. The first portion of the test will 

take about 45 minutes. 

You will be asked not to take part in uncomfortable or strenuous activity, smoke, eat, 

or drink anything (other than plain water) for at least 2 hours before the physical 

examination. 

2. Recruitment and Screening of Test Subjects: The U.S. Army Soldiers and Biological 

Chemical Command will maintain a pool of perspective human test subjects for use 

in the testing of respirators. All test subjects will be healthy volunteers between the 

ages of 18 and 49 years. Compensation will be given to non-Federal Government 

employees at the rate of $25.00 to $50.00 depending upon the test being conducted. 

Compensation will not be given to Federal Government employees. No NIOSH 

employees will be included. 

Prospective human test subjects are recruited by word-of-mouth. 

Prospective test subjects will be screened for fitness to be added to the NIOSHSBCCOM LRPL human test subject pool. 

Prior to testing all test subjects are given an annual physical examination (which 

includes completing the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire and 

Clinical History and Exam Form) by a qualified physician. Any new test subjects 

(when required) will be given an interview and get their faces measured (for size 

according to the Los Alamos schedule for face sizes), have a physical, and be added 

to a pool of approximately 40-100 test subjects. Testing dates for respirator testing 

vary with respirator manufacturer’s request. On average for certification testing, 25 

to 40 subjects will be selected from this pool (approximately 30 times per year) to 

perform LRPL Quantitative Respirator Test. The frequency of certification testing is 

dependent on the types of request from manufacturers but subjects can expect to be 

called on approximately 10 times per year for testing. If selected for testing in the 

NIOSH-SBCCOM research projects, there are from 20 to 30 tests per project per year 

for one or two projects per year for each test subject selected and tests are usually 

scheduled weekly. Selection from the pool is determined by the availability of the 

test subject. Prior to performing the LRPL Quantitative Test, test subjects are 

administered the Screening Questionnaire for the LRPL Test. This is to make certain 

the test subject does not have any problem completing a moderate work test. 

Criteria of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart 

Association will be used by a qualified physician to determine fitness to do the LRPL 

tests. However, these criteria are meant to cover the testing of all subjects, including 
Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 17 of 28 

many individuals who are tested for clinical management purposes because they have 

various types of cardiac disease. Since this project is interested in respirator 

performance and not an individual's results, it will use essentially healthy test 

subjects. Therefore, additional criteria are included to screen out certain subjects who 

may have an increased risk during exercise. 

SBCCOM contracts with a local health care provider to conduct the medical 

examination and screening procedure. As part of this contract, the health care 

provider provides a written summary of the examination and test results to each 

prospective test subject. This written summary includes a statement of the subject’s 

suitability for participation in the testing at SBCCOM. Each of the attached consent 

forms includes a draft of an example notification letter. The actual letter is sent by 

the health care provider and is updated from time to time. 

The physician will evaluate all medical data and recommend those test subjects 

suitable for addition to the NIOSH-SBCCOM test subject pool. The physical 

examination will be repeated every year to determine a subject’s continued suitability 

of inclusion on the NIOSH-SBCCOM test subject pool. 

If selected for the program, we will ask you back in about one month to start the 

actual respirator testing. We will explain the procedures in detail to you at that time 

and have you sign a separate consent form. Once enrolled in the program you will be 

given this health evaluation every 12 months for as long as you choose to continue in 

the testing program. 

Inclusion Criteria. The majority of the test volunteers will be military volunteers. 

As military personnel, they receive regular physical examinations by a physician. 

Furthermore, they are required to be examined by a physician if they should suffer 

any ailment or physical injury. The use of military personnel will thus help to ensure 

that the volunteers will be in satisfactory health prior to testing. Any individual who 

is in satisfactory health and judged by the test director fit to wear a respirator and/or 

protective clothing can participate as a test subject. 

Exclusion Criteria. An inquiry of the health of the volunteers will be made before 

they are allowed to be tested. Subjects will be excluded from testing if there is any 

evidence of the following conditions: Heart or circulatory dysfunc tions, emphysema 

or other major respiratory dysfunctions, claustrophobia, head injury, or any other 

bodily injury which would prohibit the subject from wearing a mask and/or protective 

clothing and performing the exercises. In addition, volunteers will no t undergo 

testing if they are currently for any reason deemed unfit such that the performance of 

light to moderate exercise (under the test conditions specified) might pose any 

significant health risk to the individual. The test director will ensure that the 

individuals having the previously listed medical conditions will be excluded from 

participating in the mask fit testing. To certify that the subject has been questioned 

regarding the status of his current health and relevant history of the medical criteria 
 

 

 

 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 18 of 28 

associated with this type of test, the questionnaire will be provided for signature as 

part of the Volunteer Agreement Explanation. Exclusion from the test will be 

determined by the test director's review of the questionnaire. 

Source of Subjects. The majority of the test volunteers will be military volunteers. 

For most studies, U.S. Army military personnel will be recruited as volunteers from 

troops stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. However, civilian test 

volunteers may also be used occasionally. 

Subject Identification System. Prior to testing, each subject will be assigned an 

identification number using a sequential numbering system. All test data generated 

will be identified by subject number only to insure confidentially of the subjects 

identity. 

3.	 If you have any reaction to the medical screening procedures, you should contact Mr. 

Alex G. Pappas, Mask Fit Test Facility Manager, SBCCOM (410-436-3338) or John 

M. Dower, Senior IH Project Manager, NIOSH, Respirator Branch, (304) 285-5907. 

4.	 Injury from this project is unlikely. But if injury occurs, medical care, other than 

emergency treatment, will not be provided. If you are injured during testing through 

negligence of a SBCCOM or NIOSH employee, you may be able to obtain 

compensation under Federal Law. If you want to file a claim against the federal 

government your contact point is: Public Health Service Claims Office (301) 443­

1904. If you are injured through the negligence of a NIOSH contractor, your claim 

would be against the contractor, not the federal government. 

Any serious incident of adverse reaction that should arise during the conduct of this 

study at SBCCOM will be reported within one hour to Timothy Williams, CIH, CSP, 

Master Industrial Hygienist and SBCCOM Human Use Chairman at (410) 436-2302. 

If you are injured during testing, you should also contact: Mr. Alex G. Pappas, Mask 

Fit Test Facility Manager, SBCCOM (410-436-3338); John M. Dower, Senior IH 

Project Manager, NIOSH, Respirator Branch, (304) 285-5907; Dr. Michael J. 

Colligan, Chairperson, NIOSH Human Subjects Review Board (513) 533-8222; or 

Timothy Williams, CIH, CSP, Master Industrial Hygienist and SBCCOM Human Use 

Chairman at (410) 436-2302. 

5.	 If you have questions about this research, contact: Mr. Alex G. Pappas, Mask Fit Test 

Facility Manager, SBCCOM (410-436-3338) or John M. Dower, Senior IH Project 

Manager, NIOSH, Respirator Branch, (304) 285-5907. If you have questions about 

your treatment or rights as a member of this study, contact: Michael J. Colligan, 

Ph.D., Chair, NIOSH Human Subjects Review Board at (513) 533-8222; or Timothy 

Williams, CIH, CSP, Master Industrial Hygienist and SBCCOM Human Use 

Chairman at (410) 436-2302. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 19 of 28 

6.	 SBCCOM Mask Fit Test Facility staff will retain the results of each military and 

civilian test subject’s medical screening. SBCCOM, NIOSH, the test subject and 

their authorized private physician will have access to medical screening reports. The 

results of the medical examination will be maintained in a locked file cabinet at the 

SBCCOM Mask Fit Test Facility and will only be accessible to members of the 

research staff. NIOSH will provide you and your doctor (if you wish) with all 

findings from your medical tests and physical examination. 

Your participation in the medical screening for this project is voluntary and you may 

withdraw your consent and your participation in this study at any time without 

penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. The frequency of 

respirator testing is dependent on the types of request from manufacturers but subjects 

can expect to be called on approximately 10 times per year for testing. 

For the Medical Screening Test you will receive $50.00. If you are eligible for the 

respirator testing program you will receive $25.00 per test depending upon the length 

of the test for each visit or partial visit that you participate in this study. Each visit 

may consist of multiple 45-minute tests over a 1 to 4 hour testing period depending 

upon the respirator being tested. 

7.	 Overall results of the testing of the respirators will not contain information useful to 

you personally. In addition, the results contain certain trade secrets and confidential 

design operation information that NIOSH and SBCCOM will not release to the 

public. Because of this, we cannot directly provide you with the overall study testing 

results. However, the test report with all personal identifiers and trade secret 

information removed would be available upon written request under the Freedom of 

Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. Send your written request to: 

Freedom of Information Act Officer
 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 

1600 Clifton Road
 

Atlanta, Georgia 30337
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 20 of 28 

NIOSH-SBCCOM SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE FOR
 

Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Quantitative Fit Test.
 

1. Are you in good general health? 

2.	 Do you have any pain when you:
 

Yes No
 

a. Perform normal breathing 

b. Perform deep breathing 

c. Nod or turn your head from side to side 

d. Move your head up and down 

e. Recite the passages from literature 

f. Reach for the floor and ceiling 

g. Crawl on your hands and knees 

h. Perform facial expressions like a grimace 

i. Climb the stairs at regular pace 

3.	 Have you ever been treated by a physician for any of the following ailments? 

Yes No 

a. Collapsed lung 

b. Dizziness or fainting spells 

c. Chronic respiratory illness 

d. Asthma 

e. Claustrophobia or anxiety reaction 

f. Shortness of breathe or breathing problems 

g. Heart problems 

h. High blood pressure 

4.	 Have you taken medication or seen a physician for any of the following ailments within the last 15 

days?
 

Yes No
 

a. Dizziness or fainting spells 

b. Chronic respiratory illness 

c. Asthma 

d. Shortness of breath 

e. Heart trouble 

f. High or low blood pressure 

g. Ear, nose, or throat trouble 

h. Sinusitis 

i. Susceptibility to skin reactions 

j. History of allergic diseases 

k.	 Upper respiratory tract infection 

Yes No 

5.	 Have you ever worn a respirator or military mask before? _____ _____ 

If so, did you have an adverse reaction before, during, or after wearing the mask? _____ _____ 

TEST SUBJECT'S INITIALS _______________ DATE__________ 
 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 21 of 28 

III. USE OF INFORMATION 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, is 

authorized to collect this information, including your social security number (if applicable), under 

provisions of the Public Service Act, Section 301 (42 U.S.C. 241); Occupationa l Safety and Health 

Act, Section 20 (29 U.S.C. 669); and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, Section 501 

(30 U.S.C. 95). The information you supply is voluntary and there is no penalty for not providing it. 

The data will be used to assess the performance of various respiratory protective devices, to make 

sure they are safe and work properly. Data will become part of CDC Privacy Act system 09-20­

0159 "Records of Subjects in Certification, Testing, Studies of Personal Protective Devices, and 

Accident Investigations" and may be disclosed; to appropriate state or local health departments to 

report certain communicable diseases; to the State Cancer Registry to report cases of cancer where 

the state has a legal reporting program providing for the information's confidentiality; to private 

contractors assisting NIOSH; to collaborating researchers under certain limited circumstances to 

conduct further investigations; to one or more potential sources of vital statistics to make a 

determination of death; to the Department of Justice in the event of litigation, and to a congressional 

office assisting individuals in obtaining their records. An accounting of the disclosures that have 

been made by NIOSH will be made available to you upon request. Except for these and other 

permissible disclosures expressly authorized by the Privacy Act, or in limited circumstances when 

required by the Freedom of Information Act, no other disclosure may be made without your written 

consent. 

IV. SIGNATURES 

I have read this consent form and I agree to participate in this study. 

PARTICIPANT _____________________________ DATE _______
 

(signature)
 

I, the SBCCOM representative, have accurately described this collaborative study to the participant. 

REPRESENTATIVE ___________________________ DATE ______

 (signature)
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 22 of 28 

REQUEST AND AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION 

I, , request and permit the project officer or 

attending physician to inform the following physicians or health care facilities (whose names 

and addresses I have entered below) of any significant findings from this study that concern 

me. (Do not leave blank. Write "No" where you do not wish to give a name and address.) 

1. My personal physician(s): 

Dr. _____________________________________ 

Street ____________________________________
 

City State Zip_________
 

2. Other physician or health care facilities: 

Name ____________________________________
 

Street ____________________________________
 

City State Zip ________

 Date 

Participant 

1 copy to participant 

1 copy to project officer 
 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 23 of 28 

Document B 

Laboratory Respiratory Protection Level Quantitative Fit Test 

Original – 10/30/2001 

Revised ­
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 24 of 28 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) 

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION 

U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
 

AND
 

SOLDIERS AND BIOLOGICAL CHEMICAL COMMAND (SBCCOM) 

U.S. ARMY 

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN A RESEARCH STUDY 

 You have been asked to participate in a joint NIOSH

 and SBCCOM research study. We explain here the

 nature of your participation, describe your rights, and

 specify how NIOSH and SBCCOM will treat your records. 

I. DESCRIPTION 

1.	 Project Title: “LABORATORY RESPIRATOR PROTECTION LEVEL TEST 

QUANTITATIVE (HIGH-FLOW DEEP PROBE CORN OIL) FOR SELFCONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS WITH FULL FACEPIECES 

STANDARD TESTING PROCEDURE (STP)” 

Document B: Quantitative Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Test 

2.	 Sponsor and/or Project Officer: This project is a collaborative study by NIOSH and 

SBCCOM with Co-Project Officers: 

John M. Dower, NIOSH 

Alex G. Pappas, SBCCOM Mask Fit Test Facility Manager 

3.	 Purpose and Benefits: The purpose of our overall study is to evaluate and certify 

respiratory protective devices, to make sure they are safe and work properly. The 

purpose for this test is to determine if the respirator meets the performance test 

requirements listed in the regulations. 

Information generated by this research project will benefit: 

a.	 you, the participant, by providing a better understanding of respirators 

and their performance. Also, you will receive a free annual medical 

examination if you qualify to participate in the testing program. 
 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 25 of 28 

b.	 workers who routinely use this same type of respirator, by ensuring 

that respirators in the field perform as they were certified by NIOSH to 

perform, and thus provide the expected level of respiratory protection. 

c.	 those involved in testing, certifying, and manufacturing respirators by 

providing feedback on how respirators perform in the field. 

e.	 workers such as HazMat responders, firemen and mine rescue 

personnel for protection against terrorism agents, toxic compounds and 

oxygen deficiency. 

II.	 CONDITIONS OF THE STUDY 

1.	 Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Quantitative Fit Tests -­

Before the tests begins, you will be asked a few questions to make sure you can safely 

perform the required activities of this test. You will be asked if you have any serious 

illnesses or injuries or chronic pain associated with the body movements to be 

performed during this test. You will not be allowed to participate in this testing if 

you cannot safely perform the required tasks. 

During the testing, you will wear a full facepiece for a self-contained breathing 

apparatus equipped with high efficiency 100-series particulate air filters that is being 

evaluated by NIOSH. The tests which you will be doing include various movements 

like those commonly performed in various industries by a person wearing a 

respirator. 

The test, a quantitative fit test, uses a corn oil mist. This test is designed to evaluate 

the respirator’s ability to achieve a good fit to the user’s face. 

You will be given a respirator and asked to don it according to the manufacturer's 

instructions. The investigator will help you. If appropriate, you will then be asked to 

perform a facepiece seal check on the respirator, again according to the 

manufacturer's instructions. The investigator will show you the proper methods for 

donning and testing the respirator. 

The fit test will last about 45 minutes at most. 

1.a.	 Corn Oil Quantitative Fit Test -­

NIOSH and SBCCOM use corn oil aerosol because it is easy to measure and nontoxic. 
 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 26 of 28 

When you are asked to perform the corn oil test, you will don a respirator, wear it for 

about 20-30 minutes, enter a chamber containing a low concentration (about 15 to 40 

milligrams per cubic meter) of corn oil, and perform the following movements: 

(1)	 one minute normal breathing; 

(2)	 one minute deep breathing; 

(3)	 one minute turn head side to side; 

(4)	 one minute move head up and down; 

(5)	 one minute reciting the Rainbow Passage; 

(6)	 one minute sight the rifle; 

(7)	 one minute reach for the floor and ceiling; 

(8)	 one minute on hands and knees, turning head side to side; 

(9)	 one minute making facial expressions; 

(10)	 one minute climbing the stairs at regular pace; 

(11)	 one minute normal breathing. 

The investigator will demonstrate the above activities to you. Actual corn oil testing 

will last about 15 minutes (11 minutes for activities and 4 minutes of instrument 

calibrations). We will be comparing the corn oil measurements in the chamber with 

the corn oil measurements inside the respirator using a measuring probe in the face of 

the respirator. If the respirator is working, there should be very little corn oil inside 

the respirator compared to the chamber. If the investigator determines the respirator 

is not working properly, the test will be stopped. You may then be asked to adjust the 

respirator and do the test over. 

The corn oil is similar to products you buy at the store and cook with every day. The 

amount of corn oil in the chamber will range from 15-40 milligrams per cubic meter 

of air. The amount inside the respirator should be much less than that, around 0.31 

milligrams per cubic meter. NIOSH has said that exposure to corn oil at 10 

milligrams per cubic meter can be a nuisance. The test will be stopped if the levels of 

corn oil in the respirator reach 10 milligrams per cubic meter. Corn oil has no known 

toxic properties. 

2.	 During testing, you might experience slightly higher breathing resistance than you are 

normally used to. You may also experience slight discomfort from the facepiece, 

nosecup, and uncomfortable harnesses or belts. 

3.	 No other test procedures can be substituted for the Laboratory Respirator Protection 

Level Quantitative Fit Test. 

4.	 The procedures for the Laboratory Respirator Protection Level Quantitative Fit Test 

will be clearly explained in detail before the testing is started. Feel free to ask any 

questions. 
 

 

 

 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 27 of 28 

5.	 If you have any reaction to the medical screening procedures, you should contact Mr. 

Alex G. Pappas, Mask Fit Test Facility Manager, SBCCOM (410-436-3338) or John 

M. Dower, Senior IH Project Manager, NIOSH, Respirator Branch, (304) 285-5907. 

6.	 Injury from this project is unlikely. But if injury occurs, medical care, other than 

emergency treatment, will not be provided. If you are injured during testing through 

negligence of a SBCCOM or NIOSH employee, you may be able to obtain 

compensation under Federal Law. If you want to file a claim against the federal 

government your contact point is: Public Health Service Claims Office (301) 443­

1904. If you are injured through the negligence of a NIOSH contractor, your claim 

would be against the contractor, not the federal government. 

Any serious incident of adverse reaction that should arise during the conduct of this 

study at SBCCOM will be reported within one hour to Timothy Williams, CIH, CSP, 

Master Industrial Hygienist and SBCCOM Human Use Chairman at (410) 436-2302. 

If you are injured during testing, you should also contact: Mr. Alex G. Pappas, Mask 

Fit Test Facility Manager, SBCCOM (410-436-3338); John M. Dower, Senior IH 

Project Manager, NIOSH, Respirator Branch, (304) 285-5907; and Dr. Michael J. 

Colligan, Chairperson, NIOSH Human Subjects Review Board (513) 533-8222. 

7.	 If you have questions about this research, contact: Mr. Alex G. Pappas, Mask Fit Test 

Facility Manager, SBCCOM (410-436-3338) or John M. Dower, Senior IH Project 

Manager, NIOSH, Respirator Branch, (304) 285-5907. If you have questions about 

your treatment or rights as a member of this study, contact: Michael J. Colligan, 

Ph.D., Chair, NIOSH Human Subjects Review Board at (513) 533-8222; or Timothy 

Williams, CIH, CSP, Master Industrial Hygienist and SBCCOM Human Use 

Chairman at (410) 436-2302. 

8.	 Your participation is voluntary and you may withdraw your consent and your 

participation in this study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you 

are otherwise entitled. 

You will receive $25.00 per test per visit or partial visit that you participate in this 

study. 

9.	 Overall results of the testing of the respirators will not contain information useful 

to you personally. In addition, the results contain certain trade secrets and 

confidential design operation information that NIOSH and SBCCOM do not 

release to the public. Because of this, we cannot directly provide you with the 

overall study testing results. However, the test report with all personal identifiers 

and trade secret information removed would be available upon written request 

under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. Send your written request 

to: 
 

 

 

 

 

Procedure No. RCT-CBRN-STP-0001 Page 28 of 28 

Freedom of Information Act Officer
 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 

1600 Clifton Road
 

Atlanta, Georgia 30337
 

III. USE OF INFORMATION 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, is 

authorized to collect this information, including your social security number (if applicable), 

under provisions of the Public Service Act, Section 301 (42 U.S.C. 241); Occupational Safety 

and Health Act, Section 20 (29 U.S.C. 669); and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 

1977, Section 501 (30 U.S.C. 95). The information you supply is voluntary and there is no 

penalty for not providing it. 

The data will be used to assess the performance of various respiratory protective devices, to 

make sure they are safe and work properly. Data will become part of CDC Privacy Act system 

09-20-0159 "Records of Subjects in Certification, Testing, Studies of Personal Protective 

Devices, and Accident Investigations" and may be disclosed; to appropriate state or local health 

departments to report certain communicable diseases; to the State Cancer Registry to report cases 

of cancer where the state has a legal reporting program providing for the information's 

confidentiality; to private contractors assisting NIOSH; to collaborating researchers under certain 

limited circumstances to conduct further investigations; to one or more potential sources of vital 

statistics to make a determination of death; to the Department of Justice in the event of litigation, 

and to a congressional office assisting individuals in obtaining their records. An accounting of 

the disclosures that have been made by NIOSH will be made available to you upon request. 

Except for these and other permissible disclosures expressly authorized by the Privacy Act, or in 

limited circumstances when required by the Freedom of Information Act, no other disclosure 

may be made without your written consent. 

IV. SIGNATURES 

I have read this consent form and I agree to participate in this study. 

PARTICIPANT _____________________________ DATE __________ 

(signature) 

I, the SBCCOM representative, have accurately described this study to the participant. 

REPRESENTATIVE ___________________________ DATE __________

 (signature)