Level of match between facial dimensions of Chilean workers and respirator fit test panels proposed by LANL and NIOSH
Author
dc.contributor.author
Rodríguez, Ariel Antonio
Author
dc.contributor.author
Escanilla, David Eduardo
Author
dc.contributor.author
Caroca, Luis Alberto
Author
dc.contributor.author
Albornoz, Christian Eduardo
Author
dc.contributor.author
Marshall, Paulina Andrea
Author
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Molenbroek, Johan F.M.
Author
dc.contributor.author
Castellucci, Héctor Ignacio
Admission date
dc.date.accessioned
2021-06-11T20:26:40Z
Available date
dc.date.available
2021-06-11T20:26:40Z
Publication date
dc.date.issued
2020
Cita de ítem
dc.identifier.citation
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 80 (2020) 103015
es_ES
Identifier
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10.1016/j.ergon.2020.103015
Identifier
dc.identifier.uri
https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/180107
Abstract
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The facial fit of respirators is crucial for determining how effectively respirators may protect users from exposure
to airborne contaminants, when their use is required in the workplace. In the Chilean market, all the respirators
available have been designed and manufactured using foreign regulations. The aim of this research was to
determine the facial dimensions in a sample of Chilean workers (users or potential users of respiratory protective
equipment) and the possible mismatch between their anthropometric characteristics and the respirator fit test
panels proposed by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH). An anthropometric survey that included 11 measurements was conducted, based on ISO/TS
16976–2 and ISO 15535 to ensure the highest standards possible, and a total of 474 workers (female: 229, male:
245), aged 18–66 years old participated in the survey. The anthropometric measurements were then contrasted
with the fit test panels used in LANL (for half and full facepieces) and NIOSH (Bivariate and Principal component
analysis (PCA)), to verify the level of mismatch. The results showed that LANL panels presented a level of
mismatch of 11.8% and 21% for the half-facepiece and the full-facepiece, respectively. Considering the NIOSH
bivariate and PCA panels, 4.6% and 4.4% of the sample remains without an assigned cell, respectively. It can be
concluded that the LANL panels for half and full facepieces do not match the facial dimensions of the Chilean
working population. The panels developed by NIOSH and considered by the ISO/TS 16976–2 (bivariate and
PCA), are applicable to the Chilean working population.
Relevance for the Industry: This research provides anthropometric measurements of Chilean workers, to determine
the dimensions for half- and full-facepiece respirators, which are currently not available. The NIOSH or ISO fit
test panels, as opposed to LANL panels, should be used when manufacturing respirators for Chilean workers.