Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Assessment of Left Lung Remodeling With Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Murine Model Following Exposure to Douglas Fir Smoke.

Wildland firefighters (WLFFs) experience lung function decline due to occupational exposure to fire smoke. WLFFs typically do not wear respiratory personal protective equipment, and if they do, it is a simple bandana, which is not effective at filtering smoke. To pinpoint the biological underpinnings of abnormal respiratory function following 3-7 years of WLFF service, we exposed mice to Douglas fir smoke (DFS) over 8 weeks. Following exposure, we assessed changes in lung structure through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and histological analysis, which was supported by immunohistochemistry staining. With MRI, we found that the signal decay time, T2*, from ultrashort echo time (UTE) images was significantly shorter in mice exposed to DFS compared to air controls. In addition, the variation in T2* was more heterogeneously distributed throughout the left lung in DFS-exposed mice, compared to air controls. As confirmed by histological analysis, shorter T2* was caused by larger parenchyma airspace sizes and not fibrotic remodeling. Destruction of the alveolar spaces was likely due to inflammation, as measured by an influx of CD68+ macrophages and destruction due to enhanced neutrophil elastase. In addition, measurements of airspace dimensions from histology were more heterogeneously distributed throughout the lung, corroborating the enhanced relative dispersion of T2*. Findings from this study suggest that the decline in lung function observed in WLFFs may be due to emphysema-like changes in the lung, which can be quantified with MRI.

Self-reported exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and use of respiratory protective equipment among Arctic miners

ABSTRACT Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012–2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Determination of the Convergence of Intra-Laboratory Measurements of Dust Content on a Construction Site

Introduction. Intra-laboratory comparison tests play an important role in ensuring the quality and reliability of research outcomes in laboratories. These tests allow researchers to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of the methods they use in their work, as well as to identify potential sources of error and inconsistency. The results of these tests are shared with experts to confirm competence within the accreditation. Typically, comparison tests are carried out in laboratory conditions in a familiar and calm environment for the testers. However, when laboratories conduct research as part of a special assessment of working conditions (SAWC) they are required to conduct on-site comparisons at real-world facilities, where customers may unwittingly disrupt the process and directly affecting the quality of the measurements. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of on-site intra-laboratory comparison tests using the example of determining the dust content in a bricklayer's work environment on a construction site, and to determine the minimum number of measurements necessary and sufficient for this purpose.Materials and Methods. To determine the dustiness of the bricklayer's workplace, a weighing method was used. This involved collecting dust on filters and then weighing them to determine the concentration. The quality assessment of intra-laboratory tests was conducted in accordance with GOST R ISO 5725-1-2002 "Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results. Part 1. General principles and definitions".Results. At the bricklayer's workplace, a 1.6-fold excess of the one-time maximum permissible dust concentration was detected. The average dust concentration at the workplace under study was: Kp2 = 9.57 ± 0.81 mg/m3, the convergence of the results obtained was r = 8.68 %, the relative error δ = 8.50 %. It was revealed that the maximum allowable difference between the results of the two tests was 0.84 mg/m3. The difference in direct measurements of the mass of the two samples should be no more than 0.1 mg.Discussion and Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrated the possibility of conducting a minimum number of measurements that, under reproducible conditions, are considered satisfactory and could be provided to experts for confirming the competence of the laboratory. As part of a special assessment of working conditions, employees of the object under study are recommended to use personal respiratory protection equipment that offers protection against highly dispersed dust particles.

Use, failure, and non-compliance of respiratory personal protective equipment and risk of upper respiratory tract infections-A longitudinal repeated measurement study during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers in Denmark.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are common and a common cause of sick-leave for healthcare workers, and furthermore pose a threat especially for patients susceptible to other diseases. Sufficient use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) may protect both the workers and the patients. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to study the association between use of RPE and URTI in a real-life setting. The aim of this study was to examine if failure of RPE or non-compliance with RPE guidelines increases the risk of non-COVID-19 URTI symptoms among healthcare workers. In a longitudinal cohort study, we collected self-reported data daily on work tasks, use of RPE, and URTI symptoms among healthcare workers with patient contact in 2 Danish Regions in 2 time periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association between failure of RPE or non-compliance with RPE guidelines and URTI symptoms was analyzed separately by generalized linear models. Persons tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were censored from the analyses. The 2 waves of data collection were analyzed separately, as there were differences in recommendations of RPE during the 2 waves. We found that for healthcare workers performing work tasks with a risk of transmission of viruses or bacteria, failure of RPE was associated with an increased risk of URTI symptoms, RR: 1.65[0.53-5.14] in wave 1 and RR: 1.30[0.56-3.03] in wave 2. Also non-compliance with RPE guidelines was associated with an increased risk of URTI symptoms compared to the use of RPE in wave 1, RR: 1.28[0.87-1.87] and wave 2, RR: 1.39[1.01-1.91]. Stratifying on high- versus low-risk tasks showed that the risk related to failure and non-compliance was primarily associated with high-risk tasks, although not statistically significant. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and thus may be affected by other preventive measures in society. However, this gave the opportunity to study the use of RPE in a real-life setting, also in departments that did not previously use RPE. The circumstances in the 2 time periods of data collection differed and were analyzed separately and thus the sample size was limited and affected the precision of the estimates. Failures of RPE and non-compliance with RPE guidelines may increase the risk of URTI, compared to those who reported use of RPE as recommended. The implications of these findings are that the use of RPE to prevent URTI could be considered, especially while performing high-risk tasks where other prevention strategies are not achievable.

Продвижение пожарных в зонах повышенных температур

Purpose. This article addresses the issue of the impact of hazardous fire factors (HFF) on firefighters in an environment unsuitable for breathing. Currently, there are no regulatory criteria for permissible exposure of firefighters to HFF, particularly elevated ambient temperatures. To reach the position for deploying fire extinguishing agents, firefighters are forced to traverse a zone of elevated temperatures, and in some cases, remain in it for some time. The authors have studied the effect of elevated temperatures during firefighting on the ability of smoke divers to advance towards the fire zone in personal respiratory and vision protective equipment, as well as in firefighting gear. Methods. A field experiment was conducted to assess the ability of firefighters to advance in high-temperature zones. Temperature values and corresponding sensations of firefighters were studied to identify the peculiarities of the smoke divers teams' (SDT) work when advancing in different zones of elevated temperatures. Findings. The experiment demonstrated the peculiarities of advancement of smoke divers in high-temperature zones and the limiting conditions thereof. The experiment was conducted under conditions approximating real ones, created in the “Ugolyok” training complex. The analysis conducted based on the experiment results allowed determining the range of tolerance for elevated temperatures by firefighters, depending on the protective properties of firefighting gear, their own tolerance threshold, experience working in high-temperature zones, and the use of other protective methods. For instance, at temperatures of 150–180°C, SDT were able to reach the fire zone, but they reported feeling the temperature already, making it difficult to work near the fire zone for an extended period. When the temperature rose to 280–350°C, poorly protected areas (knees and elbows in contact with firefighting gear, hands, head, and legs between the boot shin guards and liners) began to burn, making advancement difficult and unsafe for the lives and health of smoke divers at such temperature levels. Research application field. The results of the conducted experiment justify measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of personnel work in high-temperature zones and minimizing risks during the performance of professional tasks. The results can also be used in expert examinations of firefighting organization (e.g., in determining the possibility of advancing SDT into various zones). Conclusions. The authors have more thoroughly studied the mechanism of SDT work when advancing under the influence of hazardous fire factors, describing the sensations of smoke divers under different temperature conditions. The conducted experiment allowed determining the levels of tolerance for elevated temperatures by firefighters in firefighting gear and respiratory and vision protective equipment.

MINIMISATION OF THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO OF THE IMPACT OF INCENDIARY WEAPONS ON THE CIVILIAN POPULATION

Incendiary weapons are understood as incendiary substances and means of their combat use. Incendiary weapons are intended to defeat personnel, destroy and damage weapons and military equipment, structures and other objects. Throughout the history of warfare, incendiary weapons have caused suffering to millions of people who were not directly involved in the armed conflict. The situation remains unchanged today, with civilians being killed, injured or disabled for life, often losing loved ones or property as a result of the use of incendiary weapons. Virtually all existing publications on protecting people from incendiary weapons are focused on the protection of military personnel. There is very little information on how to protect civilians.
 An algorithm of actions for a civilian to minimise the negative effects of the impact of incendiary weapons has been developed. This algorithm includes the following actions: timely warn others about the use of incendiary weapons, help and, if necessary, guide the actions of those who need it (elderly people, children, people in panic); take shelter in the nearest civil defence structure, shelter (shelter). In the absence of such facilities, use underground passages, subway stations, basements and entrances of residential buildings, and shops; in the event of a sudden attack and the absence of nearby civil defence structures, shelters and refuges, use the protective properties of vehicles. It should be borne in mind that cars, buses and vehicles covered with tents provide only short-term protection, as they quickly catch fire.
 Use the protective properties of the terrain (uneven terrain, pits, covered public transport stops, fences, benches, curbs) to reduce the chance of pieces of incendiary material falling on a person; if it is impossible to find any shelter, lie down on the ground. Use local materials available to protect the surface of the body from incendiary weapons (suitcases, backpacks, billboards, paper clips). Burning surfaces are immediately thrown off and extinguished. Use personal respiratory protection equipment (handkerchiefs soaked in liquid, pieces of cloth) and skin protection equipment (cotton jackets, half-coats, raincoats, which are short-term protection equipment and should be immediately discarded if they come in contact with pieces of incendiary mixture); provide first aid to the victims. First aid shall begin with extinguishing by the victims themselves or with the help of surrounding inflammable substances that have got on their skin or clothing. At this point (period), no loss of self-control is allowed. To extinguish a small amount of inflammable substance, it is necessary to cover the burning area with a sleeve, jacket, wet clay, earth or snow. If several pieces of clothing are burning on your person, the flames should be knocked down by rolling them successively on the ground.
 If a significant amount of inflammable substance gets on a person, extinguishing is carried out by covering the victim with clothes, pouring water, covering with earth or sand.

CATALYST BASED ON PALLADIUM(II), COPPER(II) COMPOUNDS AND THERMALLY-MODIFIED TRIPOLI FOR THE PREPARATION OF RESPIRATORY REMEDIES FROM CARBON MONOXIDE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Nowadays, the number of emergency situations related to fires is quite high. The high percentage of human deaths is mainly due to poisoning by gaseous toxic substances including carbon monoxide. The most problematic issue is the development or application of existing catalysts in means of individual protection of human respiratory organs – respirators, gas masks, self-rescuers. The compositions based on thermally modified tripoli obtained by the method of impregnation of the carrier by moisture content with compounds of copper(II), palladium(II) and potassium bromide were investigated. According to X-ray phase analysis, it was established that thermally modified tripoli is a polyphase crystalline mineral containing the following main phases: a-quartz, a-tridymite, b-cristobalite, a-cristobalite. The influence of the initial concentration of CO, which does not exceed 15 MPC, on the kinetic and stoichiometric parameters of the reaction varied in the range from 100 to 300 mg/m3. It was noted that the reaction rate in the stationary mode (Wst) is directly proportional to the increase in the initial concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas phase. The values of the constant kI and the degree of CO conversion (ηst) do not depend on CinCO, which also confirms the first order of CO concentration. Particular attention is paid to the aspects of ensuring protection against carbon monoxide when its concentration exceeds 15 MPC. Usually, special equipment, such as filtering self-rescuers, is used to clean the air from carbon monoxide at concentrations from 1000 to 6500 mg/m3. The catalyst developed by us is intended for use in lightweight personal respiratory protective equipment (RPE) at concentrations not exceeding 15 MPC. Therefore, there was an interest in researching the possibilities of using this catalyst in the self-saving filter system. The concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas-air mixture was varied from 400 to 2500 mg/m3 in the presence of the К2PdCl4-Cu(NO3)2-КBr/300-Tr(K) system. It was established that Wst increases in direct proportion with an increase in the gas-air mixture up to 1250 mg/m3, which indicates the first order of the reaction according to carbon monoxide. It was found that at CinCO = 1000 mg/m3 only under the condition τ´ = 1.13 s (mk = 10 g) the К2PdCl4-Cu(NO3)2-KBr/Tr catalyst provides air purification below the breakthrough CO concentration (CfCO = 200 mg/m3). Experiments on the influence of SO2 on the activity of carbon monoxide oxidation catalysts have shown that they lose their activity, so in air purification systems from CO, it is necessary to provide for the stage of capturing sulfur dioxide.

Расчетная оценка эффективности технических решений по естественному проветриванию обычных лестничных клеток при пожаре в жилых зданиях

Introduction. Natural ventilation of ordinary staircases in case of fire is provided for by the provisions of regulatory documents in the field of fire safety and plays an essential role in ensuring the safety of people. This article analyzes the effectiveness of ventilation of staircases through window openings in the outer walls, as well as through the openings of exits to the roof. The purpose of this article is to develop criteria and mathematical relationships for evaluating the effectiveness of technical solutions for ventilation of staircases, as well as their approbation for residential buildings of various heights. Methods. Mathematical methods are used to predict the concentration of combustion products on different floors of stairwells, depending on the area of open window openings and the possibility of opening roof access hatches, as well as an analytical method for evaluating the effectiveness of technical solutions for ventilation of stairwells. Resu lts. Theoretical provisions have been developed to assess the effect of the area of open window openings and roof hatches on the natural ventilation of ordinary staircases in sectional-type residential buildings with exits from apartments to staircases, and calculations have been made to evaluate the effectiveness of these solutions in buildings of various heights. Conclusions. Based on the research, criteria and mathematical ratios have been developed to evaluate the effectiveness of various technical solutions for the natural ventilation of ordinary staircases. At the same time, the effectiveness of these solutions is determined by the possibility of rescuing people from the apartments of the corresponding floor without the involvement of a significant number of firefighters and without the use of personal respiratory and eye protection equipment.

Respiratory protection: what SARS-CoV-2 has taught us.

This review summarizes the epidemiological evidence for respiratory personal protective equipment for SARA-CoV-2, a topic of considerable controversy. The main findings are that the observational studies and non-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) randomized trials do not provide clear evidence that the N95 respirators offer superior protection over surgical masks. A randomized controlled trial on COVID-19 provides evidence that the absolute risk to healthcare workers over time using surgical masks is similar to N95 respirators. The implications of the findings are that surgical masks and N95 respirators can be considered for respiratory protection in healthcare workers.

Improving communications in PPE: a solution for ‘landline’ telephone communication

BackgroundEmergency care staff wearing elastomeric respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) report difficulties in communicating by telephone. We developed and tested an affordable technological solution aimed at improving telephone call intelligibility...

Innovate and Stockpile: Respiratory Protection for Essential Workers in a Catastrophic Pandemic.

Innovate and Stockpile: Respiratory Protection for Essential Workers in a Catastrophic Pandemic.

INDIVIDUAL RESPIRATORY PROTECTION EQUIPMENT: INNOVATIONS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES

Individual respiratory protective equipment (PPE) is the last barrier to protect workers when performing production tasks in harmful and dangerous working conditions. The article analyzes modern innovative designs of personal respiratory protective equipment, which increase the level of protection of users during their operation. The method of morphological analysis is applied. This method based on the selection of possible solutions for assessing the manufacturability of PPE models (if there is a system of criteria) and making a rational decision regarding the features of their application in production conditions. As a result, it was established that in order to ensure the appropriate duration of the protective action of gas and dust filters and to avoid both poisoning of workers due to the ingress of harmful aerosols into the sub-mask space of the filter respirator, and excessive physical exhaustion due to the increase in pressure drop above the standard substances, it is recommended to equip the filters with special indicators for determining air pollution and pressure drop values. It was determined that in order to increase the reliability of the protection of workers, it is necessary to equip filter respirators with the functions of operational control of breathing resistance, place a headrest to control the occurrence of possible gaps behind the obturation band when performing various production operations, and establish the real term of the protective effect of the filters. The practical value of the work is innovative solutions to improve the designs of existing filter respirators, which will allow control over technological parameters during operation. In particular, the density along the obturation strip and the magnitude of the tension force of the respirator headgear. Recommendations are also given for controlling the term of the protective action of gas filters, since determining the specified indicators based on the organoleptic abilities of the user is dangerous for health. Keywords: risk, means of individual protection of respiratory organs, filtering respirator.

Разработка фильтрующе-сорбирующих материалов в целях формирования ассортимента современных фильтров для противогазов и респираторов

The article focuses on the study of filter-sorbing materials (FSM) for the development of small-sized filters and the formation of a modern filters range for gas masks and respirators. There are various kinds of filters, namely particle filters, consisting of a filter material (FM) with protection from aerosols; gas filters, consisting of coal charge with protection from various concentrations of dangerous gases and vapors and combined filters, including anti-aerosol and gas protection. But in industry, due to the improvement of working conditions at enterprises, personal respiratory protection equipment is needed both from aerosols and from low concentrations of dangerous gases and vapors in the air of the working area. The creation of a new small-sized filter with a single filter-sorbing element with low resistance to air flow during breathing is an actual task. In order to form an assortment of modern filters for gas masks and respirators, we studied FSM in the form of polymer or glass fibers sprayed with carbon particles. An experimental series of studies based on the use of FSMs with adsorbents has been carried out, activated carbon (AC) and various absorbers were obtained by impregnation of AC. It is determined that the impregnation of AC with special additives allows for additional protection from inorganic and acid gases and vapors, from ammonia. Comparative tests of the FSMs were carried out with the analysis of the research results. Optimal FSMs have been determined. The fractional composition of coal particles is determined depending on the method of their application. The sorption properties of the obtained FSMs are determined. In this work, for the first time, the combination of a filter material with AC impregnated with chemical additives in particle filters was tested and evaluated. The effect of a combination of AC and a fibrous semi-finished product on the properties of FSM has been studied.

Filtration performance, fit test and side effects of respiratory personal protective equipment following decontamination: Observations for user safety and comfort.

While facing personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, several institutions looked to PPE decontamination and reuse options. This study documents the effect of two hydrogen peroxide treatments on filtration efficiency and fit tests as well as the side effects for volunteers after the decontamination of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). We also propose an efficient and large-scale treatment protocol that allows for the traceability of this protective equipment in hospitals during PPE shortages. The effects of low-temperature hydrogen peroxide sterilization and hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) on two FFR models (filtration, decontamination level, residual emanation) were evaluated. Ten volunteers reported comfort issues and side effects after wearing 1h FFRs worn and decontaminated up to five times. The decontamination process does not negatively affect FFR efficiency, but repeated use and handling tend to lead to damage, limiting the number of times FFRs can be reused. Moreover, the recommended 24-h post-treatment aeration does not sufficiently eliminate residual hydrogen peroxide. Prolonged aeration time increased user comfort when using decontaminated FFRs. HPV and low-temperature hydrogen peroxide sterilization seem to be appropriate treatments for FFR decontamination when the PPE is reused by the same user. PPE decontamination and reuse methods should be carefully considered as they are critical for the comfort and safety of healthcare workers.

КАЧЕСТВО И ТОВАРЫ МАССОВОГО ПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ В ПОЗДНЕСОВЕТСКОМ ОБЩЕСТВЕ

The paper analyzes the content and meaning of the concept of “quality” in the late USSR at the level of political discourse and among scientists. Based on selected cases of the history of Soviet materiality – personal respiratory protection equipment, foodstuffs and clothing – the peculiarities of the definition of quality as an economic, scientific, technological and cultural category are examined. After the Great Patriotic War, quality was an important category in Soviet industrial production and the scientific and industrial sector. In industrial and political discourse, quality acted as an important category of modernity, generally denoting modern society. It meant the increased importance for the state of the quality of life and the categories of life safety and working conditions of the Soviet person and was at the center of the rhetoric about the material basis of communism. Science and the notions of the wide possibilities of scientific tools in the production of wholesome foodstuffs and comfortable and high-quality clothing played an important role in the evolution of the notion of “quality” in the late Soviet period. In addition, in the last decades of the Soviet era, quality was also associated with the notion of safety in a broad sense. It meant the possibility of producing and consuming goods and food products that are safe for consumption. The article also shows the significance of Soviet quality in contemporary Russia in the context of the phenomenon of nostalgia for the Soviet. This study thus allows the author to contribute to the study of the history of Soviet everyday life, material history, as well as the history of economic development of the USSR.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIAL PERMEABILITY OF A PERSONAL PROTECTIVE RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT AT DIFFERENT DURATIONS OF ITS CONTINUOUS OPERATION.

The aim: To establish the level of antibacterial protection of the studied personal protective respiratory equipment set and its main components and compare antibacterial resistance of the personal protective respiratory equipment set in the presence and absence of filtering components. Materials and methods: The proposed methodology for assessing biological protection parameters is based on testing the permeability of personal respiratory protection equipment for bacteria by the method of serial dilutions. Also additional culturing of separate components of the protective set on a separate media is carried out. The experiment was also repeated in the absence of filtering elements and when they were replaced by gauze masks. Results: The use of a fully equipped pneumatic helmet counteracted the penetration of the bacterial aerosol, which was manifested in the absence of growth on the media. The results obtained with the full configuration, as well as the indicators of the spread of bacteria when removing the filter elements and replacing them with gauze masks, showed that the device creates sufficient positive air pressure inside. The latter becomes a restraining factor that does not allow microorganisms to penetrate through the lower circuit. Conclusions: Increasing the duration of continuous operation of the conceptual model up to 24 hours, increasing the bacterial load on the filters do not lead to a deterioration in the properties of antibacterial protection. Bacterial aerosol did not penetrate into the inner space of pneumatic helmet.

АНАЛІЗ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ІСНУЮЧИХ СПОСОБІВ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ЧАСУ ЗАХИСНОЇ ДІЇ ПРОТИГАЗОВИХ ФІЛЬТРІВ

Purpose. To analyze the existing systems and means of determining the minimum breakthrough time of gas filters, to establish their advantages and disadvantages. Methodology. The analysis of the effectiveness of means of determining the minimum breakthrough time of gas filters was carried out according to five criteria: ease of use, functionality, effectiveness, reliability and adaptability, which are the main indicators of the quality of any on a five-point scale, where 1 point corresponds to a lowest level of assessment, and 5 - to the highest, with the involvement of groups of experts and technical specialists, each consisting of 5 people working in the field of development and quality control of personal respiratory protective equipment. Research results. An analysis of regulatory requirements for determining the minimum breakthrough time of personal respiratory protective equipment against gases was carried out, which made it possible to establish the existence of requirements for determining the minimum breakthrough time of respirators. An analysis of six existing approaches to determining the minimum breakthrough time of gas filters was carried out, and it was shown that the approach of determining the term of protective action based on smell cannot be used in production conditions. An analysis of the effectiveness of approaches to determining the minimum breakthrough time of gas filters was carried out according to the five established criteria, which made it possible to determine the most promising approach to determining the minimum breakthrough time - Replacement of gas filters when the indicator is triggered. Recommendations have been developed regarding the use of the minimum breakthrough time of filters and the areas of application of such systems. Scientific novelty. The most effective approach to determining the minimum breakthrough time based on five arterial assessments has been substantiated. It has been found out what characterizes the consumer properties of the product: reliability, effectiveness, simplicity, adaptability and functionality. Practical significance. Recommendations have been developed regarding the use of the minimum breakthrough time of filters and the areas of application of such systems.

Development of a new classification of re-sources individual respiratory protection

The purpose of the study is to develop a new classification of personal respiratory protective equipment (PPE), which will contribute to their qualitative selection for appropriate production conditions of use, taking into account the assessment of occupational risks (hereinafter - OR). An analysis of the legislation of Ukraine, the European Union and other countries of the world in relation to the used classifications of PPE was carried out. It was established that the existing classification systems are outdated and do not meet the requirements for their selection based on the assessment of OR. An analysis of publications related to this problem was carried out, and proposed ways of improving the existing classification systems were considered, taking into account normative documents regarding the minimum provision of PPE for employees of various industries. By means of system analysis, the weakest points in the existing classification systems of the countries of the world have been identified. Weaknesses of the PPE classification set out in the ISO/TS 16973 standard are considered. A new approach to the PPE classification is proposed, developed taking into account international standards and generally accepted approaches in other countries, taking into account the requirements for the assessment of PPE. The main difference of the new classification is the division of PPE on the basis of common characteristics, which makes it possible to distinguish certain departments, subdivisions, groups, subgroups, species, subspecies and varieties, which will fully cover all their structural features. This allows you to clearly develop a sequence of actions when choosing them and clearly understand the structural interaction between different groups and determine the degree of branching of possible options. The developed classification is the first attempt in the distribution of all existing PPE according to a clear hierarchical order of subordination of lower links to higher ones, starting with the department - filtering PPE and ending with the variety - according to the degree of perfection of the design of filtering respirators or/and their components in relation to physiological requirements

Оценка влияния ношения средств индивидуальной защиты органов дыхания на организм человека

The article is devoted to assessing the effect of personal respiratory protective equipment on the vital activity of the human body. In the context of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the society had to take emergency measures to prevent the spread of infection, the most common of which was the massive and uncontrolled wearing of masks. This further complicated the situation of those who are prescribed to use personal protective equipment for production needs, to protect themselves from hazardous and harmful production factors. The survey revealed the number of physiological and psychological reactions to the effects of masks both during their wearing and after removal. Among the negative consequences: difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, headaches, as well as health-threatening conditions associated with disruption of the heart. A relationship was found between the presence of chronic diseases of the respiratory system in the respondents, and an increase in the number of complaints of difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fainting and heart failure while wearing a mask. The physiological reactions of the body that occurred after the cessation of the use of personal respiratory protective equipment, especially after prolonged wearing, were analyzed. It is shown that the revealed physiological reactions, especially in chronic manifestation, negatively affect the human immunity, making it vulnerable both to hazardous and harmful production factors, as well as to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, primarily pulmonary. People with diseases of the cardiorespiratory system are at particular risk.

Perceived Workload Using Separate (Filtering Facepiece Respirator and Face Shield) and Powered Air-Purifying Respirator and Integrated Lightweight Protective Air-Purifying Respirator: Protocol for an International Multisite Human Factors Randomized Crossover Feasibility Study.

The design of personal protective equipment (PPE) may affect well-being and clinical work. PPE as an integrated item may improve usability and increase adherence by healthcare professionals. Human factors design and safety may reduce occupational-acquired diseases. As an integrated PPE, a lightweight protective air-purifying respirator (L-PAPR) could be used during health procedures where healthcare professionals are exposed to airborne pathogens. The human factors affecting the implementation of alternative PPE such as L-PAPR have not been thoroughly studied. The population of interest is health care professionals, the intervention is the performance by PPE during tasks across the three PPE types 1.) N95 respirators and face shields, 2.)traditional powered air-purifying respirator(PAPR), and 3.) L-PAPR. The outcomes are user error, communications, safety, and end-user preferences. This study will assess whether the L-PAPR improves health care professionals' comfort in terms of perceived workload and physical and psychological burden during direct patient care when compared with the traditional PAPR or N95 and face shield. This study also aims to evaluate human factors during the comparison of the use of L-PAPR with a combination of N95 respirators plus face shields or the traditional PAPRs. This is an interventional randomized crossover quality improvement feasibility study consisting of a 3-site simulation phase with 10 participants per site and subsequent field testing in 2 sites with 30 participants at each site. The 3 types of respiratory PPE will be compared across medical tasks and while donning and doffing. We will evaluate the user's perceived workload, usability, usage errors, and heart rate. We will conduct semistructured interviews to identify barriers and enablers to implementation across each PPE type over a single continuous wear episode and observe interpersonal communications across conditions and PPE types. We expect the research may highlight communication challenges and differences in usability and convenience across PPE types along with error frequency during PPE use across PPE types, tasks, and time. The design of PPE may affect overall well-being and hinder or facilitate clinical work. Combining 2 pieces of PPE into a single integrated item may improve usability and reduce occupational-acquired diseases. The human factors affecting the implementation of an alternative PPE such as L-PAPR or PAPR have not been thoroughly studied. PRR1-10.2196/36549.