Bostock, G. J.

3M United Kingdom plc.
Heighington Lane, Aycliffe
Co. Durham DL56AF
England

The European approval system for respiratory protective devices is such that a number of Notified Bodies, situated in various European countries, are authorized to issue certificates of conformance.  Part of the certification process is dependent on test reports generated by independent Accredited laboratories.  In order to minimize differences that may exist between laboratories, a group was set up known as the ILEE-RPE, Inter-Laboratory Exchange of Experience for Respiratory Protective Equipment.  Since the first meeting in 1993, the group has met on an annual to discuss procedures, organize interlaboratory testing and to analyze the results.  To date, tests have been organized to compare filter penetration measurements by sodium chloride and paraffin oil aerosols, organic vapor and hydrogen cyanide filter cartridge service life, re-breathed carbon dioxide measurements and six burner flame testing.  In this presentation the outcome of these meetings and the interlaboratory testing is reviewed.