[Evaluation of half-face respirator fit in an Iranian petrochemical company's workers]

ABSTRACT

The performance of respirator-face piece is depending on a good contact between the worker's face and the respirator. Improper sealing can cause reduction in performance of respirators to protect health and safety of workers against risks related to chemical agents at work. This study is aimed to evaluate the fitness of half-face respirators and other related factors on it in an Iranian petrochemical industry. In this cross sectional study, 54 persons using half mask, in a petrochemical complex, were evaluated qualitatively by means of Moldex Kit. The effect of staff training on adjusting and doing seal-check and effects of facial hair and different mask's brand used in the industry on respirator fit was investigated. The data were analyzed using Chi-square and McNemar tests by means of SPSS software. Before intervention 17 [31.5%] of staff out of 54 passed the test. After training, the results improved from 31.5% to 92.6% [P<0.05]. Respirator-face seal in clean-shaven and bearded employees as well as relation of fit test results to different mask's brand using in the industry was not significant. Staff training about providing adequate fit can improve the performance of selection of respirators. Furthermore, by carrying out fit testing as a part of initial selection of respirators, it will be possible to check that the mask size and model chosen fit properly with the face