42 C.F.R. § 84.172

Current through May 31, 2024
Section 84.172 - Airflow resistance test
(a) Resistance to airflow will be measured in the tight-fitting respiratory inlet covering of a complete particulate respirator mounted on a test fixture with air flowing at continuous rate of 85 ±2 liters per minute, before each test conducted in accordance with § 84.173 .
(b) Resistance of a complete tight-fitting powered air-purifying particulate respirator system will be measured with the blower off if the manufacturer indicates that the respirator should not be doffed in the event of a blower failure.
(c) The maximum allowable resistance requirements for air-purifying particulate respirators are as follows:

Maximum Resistance

[mm water-column height]

Respirator typeInhalationExhalation
InitialFinal
Non-Powered (N, R, and P)35N/A25
Powered (tight fitting) (HE class and PAPR100 class)507020

42 C.F.R. §84.172

85 FR 20608, 4/14/2020