N017
Assessment
of Ergonomic Aspects of Respiratory Protective Devices
Krzysztof
Makowski & Katarzyna
Majchrzycka
Central
Institute for Labour Protection
National
Research Institute,
Tel:
+48 42 678 19 63 int. 32 Fax: +48 42
678 19 15
e-mail: krmak@ciop.lodz.pl
ABSTRACT
Efficiency of energetic processes of
human being organism is only 20 %. That
means that 80 % of energy turns into the heat and cause extra load to
organism. This fact is especially
important in environment with increased humidity and temperature, where cooling
of organism is very difficult.
Carried out studies on ergonomic aspects
of chosen respiratory protective devices proved that usage of RPD is always
connected with the extra load of human being organism, especially when work is
performed at the workplace where high temperature and humidity appear.
Existing standard test procedures of
practical performance test in accordance with European Standards,
do not contain any objective ways of measure of RPD usage comfort.
During the studies a new practical
performance test method was worked out.
The standard method was widen and the
measurements of energetic expenditure and temperature under a facepiece were
added. Tests were performed in different
ambient temperature and humidity to assess effect of extreme climatic
conditions on comfort of usage of RPD and their efficiency as well.
On the bases of obtained results hints
and guidelines for users of RPD and for health and safety engineers have been
also prepared.