Wearability test requirements.

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§ 84.306 Wearability test requirements.

(a) NIOSH will conduct the wearability test on a total of three of the units submitted for approval. Three human subjects (two males and one female), one subject per unit, will conduct the test. The three subjects will range in height and weight as follows: One subject of height ≥174 cm and weight ≥90 kg; one subject of either 163 cm ≤height <174 cm, regardless of weight, or 72 kg ≥weight <90 kg, regardless of height; and one subject of height <163 cm and weight <72 kg. All units tested must meet all conditions specified in this section to receive approval.

(b) NIOSH will evaluate the ease and speed with which users can don the CCER, as follows:

(1) Each test subject will be provided with manufacturer instructions, and must be able to don the CCER correctly, isolating the lungs within 30 seconds;[1] and

(2) A CCER must not include any design, construction, or material characteristic that can be anticipated or demonstrated, under plausible conditions, to hinder the user in the correct and timely donning of the CCER.

(c) NIOSH will continuously monitor CCER use by each test subject during the activities specified in Table 4 to evaluate the ability of the CCER to provide an adequate and uninterrupted breathing supply, including but not limited to the requirements of § 84.303(b), without harming or hindering a user. NIOSH will not approve a CCER if the use of any unit during these activities indicates any potential for the CCER to harm or hinder the user or to fail to provide an adequate and uninterrupted breathing supply to the user during reasonably anticipated conditions and activities of an escape.

Expand Table

Table 4 - Wearability Test Requirements

Activity Minimum duration
Sitting 1 minute.
Stooped walking 1 minute.
Crawling 1 minute.
Lying on left side 1 minute.
Lying on right side 1 minute.
Lying on back 1 minute.
Bending over to touch toes 1 minute.
Turning head from side to side 1 minute (at least 10 times).
Nodding head up and down 1 minute (at least 10 times).
Climbing steps or a laddermill 1 minute (1 step/second).
Carrying 50-lb bag on treadmill at 5 kph 1 minute.
Lifting 20-lb weight from floor to an upright position 1 minute (at least 10 times).
Running on treadmill at 10 kph 1 minute.


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