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RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
PERFORMANCE TEST (Rev 1)


Inspecting, Donning, and Doffing Half-Face Air-Purifying Respirators
(Mandatory Performance Test)(1)

"(1) Alert: For any trainee who does not have documented medical clearance to wear an air-purifying respirator, the performance test can be performed with the removal of the cartridges/filter elements from the respirator facepiece after step 4 on the checklist. Step 9, the negative pressure user seal check, will be performed by placing the palms of the hands over the inhalation valve inlets and inhaling slightly for a count of 10.



INSTRUCTIONS

Equipment and Supplies:

  1. Half-face APRs (one for every two students)
  2. Triple cartridges (high efficiency particulate/acid gas/organic vapor)
  3. Copy of the performance checklist for each trainee

Instructions:

  1. Demonstrate, practice, coach, and talk through the task as a training exercise; repeat as needed.
  2. Divide trainees into pairs to work together.
  3. Require each trainee to take the performance test while the second trainee observes.
  4. Require each trainee to talk through his/her thinking, inspection, and decision-making process while they complete the performance test.
  5. Score each trainee on each task, using the performance checklist. Trainees will be given two separate scores. One will be for correct performance of the operations listed (e.g., the trainee actually removes the exhalation valve cover and checks for foreign material) and the second score will be for making the correct decisions (e.g., the trainee explains verbally that the exhalation valve cover must be removed in order to check for foreign material). To score, circle a “yes” arrow for each correct operation performance or decision; circle a “No” arrow for each inadequate or incorrect response. The total number of circled “Yes” arrows in the “Performs Operation Correctly” column will be the Operations Performance Score. The total number of circled “Yes” arrows in the “Makes Correct Decisions” column will be the DecisionMaking Score. The maximum possible number for each score is 29.
  6. Discuss scores with each trainee. Have trainee sign and date checklist, together with evaluator’s signature.
  7. File checklists for future reference.
  8. Retest if a trainee fails to sufficiently pass checklist requirement.
  9. Report the range of scores for only the Operations Performance Score on the “Training Certifications and Information” section of the Disaster Site Worker Course #7600 Outreach Training Report. FROM will be the lowest Operations Performance Score obtained by any student and TO will be the highest Operations Performance Score.

Inspecting, Donning, and Doffing Half-Face Air-Purifying Respirators
PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST(1)


Name:

 Date:

 Operations Performance Score:
Decision-Making Score:
Signature of trainee:  
Signature of instructor:  

(1) NOTE: For any trainee who does not have documented medical clearance to wear an air-purifying respirator, this performance test can be performed with the removal of the cartridges/filter elements from the respirator facepiece after step 4 below. Step 9, the negative pressure user seal check, will be performed by placing the palms of the hands over the inhalation valve inlets and inhaling slightly for a count of 10.

TASK RATING
  Performs Operation Correctly Makes Correct Decisions
  Yes No Yes No
         
1. Examine the face piece for:        
  • Excessive dirt.
  • Cracks, tears, holes, or distortion from improper storage.
  • Inflexibility (stretch and massage to restore flexibility).
  • Cracked or broken air-purifying element holder(s), badly worn threads, or missing gasket(s) (if required).
         
2. Examine the head straps or head harness for:        
  • Breaks.
  • Loss of elasticity and twists.
  • Broken or malfunctioning buckles and attachments.
         
3. Remove exhalation valve cover and examine valve for:        
  • Foreign material, such as detergent, residue, dust particles, or human hair under the valve seat.
  • Cracks, tears, or distortion in the valve material.
  • Improper insertion of the valve body in the facepiece.
  • Cracks, breaks, or chips in the valve body, particularly in the sealing surface.
  • Missing or defective valve cover.
  • Improper installation of the valve in the valve body.
         
4. Examine air-purifying elements for:        
  • Correct cartridge, canister, or filter.
  • Correct/incorrect installation, loose connections, missing or worn gaskets, or cross-threading in holder.
  • Expired shelf-life date on cartridge or canister.
  • Cracks or dents in outside case of filter, cartridge, or canister.
  • Evidence of prior use of sorbent cartridge or canister, indicated by absence of sealing material, tape, foil, etc., over inlet.
         
5. Attach neck strap.
         
6. Place chin in chin cup and pull crown straps or head harness across head.
         
7. Adjust straps to correct fit.
         
8. Perform positive pressure user seal check by placing palm of hand over exhalation valve cover and exhaling slightly for a count of 10. Notice any leaks.
         
9. Perform negative pressure user seal check by placing palms of hands over filter intakes and inhaling slightly for count of 10. Notice any leaks.
         
10. Readjust straps, if necessary.
         
11. Repeat steps 8 and 9 if readjustment occurs.
         
12. Check for good breathing.
         
13. Loosen straps from top to bottom. Be gentle so as not to damage elasticity of straps.
         
14. Grasp respirator on bottom and remove upward over top of head.
         
15. Remove cartridges and dispose of properly.

Adapted from Performance Checklist developed by Gary Gustafson of Laborers-AGC