Qualitative Fitting Characteristics of Elastomeric Half Face-Piece Respirators Using Isoamyl Acetate Agent

To examine the fitting testing of elastomeric half face-piece respirators (EHRs), a total of 41 candidates were randomly assigned into seven EHRs equipped with organic vapor (OV) cartridges which were commonly used in the Iranian industrial workplaces. The qualitative fitting into the facial dimensions was assessed using the Allegro Isoamyl Acetate fit test kit. While the studied EHRs showed very low passing fit testing rates, the 3M, AoSafety (Medium), and AoSafety (Large) had the highest passing rates with 22.0%, 14.60%, and 9.76%, respectively. The AoSafety ‎(All sizes) delivered a higher passing fit test rate than the 3M brand (29.30 vs. 22.0%). The one size fits all respirators including the DUO and Climax showed lower proportions of passing fit tests compared with AoSafety three-size system brands (2.40% and 4.90% vs. 29.30%). Low fit test passing rates were determined among different respirators. The respirators with various sizes and styles had more opportunities for different wearers to pass the fit test than single size models. The initial and annual fit testing requirements shall be developed by local government. Also, the manufacturers are required to pay attention to respirator features and subject characteristics during the production to obtain satisfactory protection for the end-users

Assessment of Aloe Vera for Qualitative Fit Testing of Particulate Respirators: A Logistic Regression Approach

Fit testing procedure is required for filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) to ascertain an acceptable fit between the skin and facepiece sealing surface. The present study seeks to compare the efficacy of Aloe vera (A. vera) and commercial BitrexTM as challenge agents of qualitative fit testing of particulate respirators. An herbal solution consisting of A. vera at seven different concentrations was developed. Threshold Screening Tests (TSTs) of A. vera solutions were compared to BitrexTM. To do so, solutions were administered randomly on a total of 62 participants. A placebo was also tested to ensure the taste response being valid. Statistical analysis was performed using R 3.2.5.0 software. There were no statistically significant differences between the A. vera (41.7, 58.3, 75, and 91.7 mg/ml) and BitrexTM threshold tests. Therefore, the minimum concentration of A. vera to develop the threshold solution was considered to be 41.7 mg/ml. When commercial products are expensive and unavailable, a cost-effective technique would be to replace A. vera solution with a commercial product as a challenge agent of qualitative fit testing of respirators

The Effect of Musculoskeletal Problems on Fatigue and Productivity of Office Personnel

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) can be affective on the fatigue and productivity of office workers. This study aimed to survey of the effect of musculoskeletal problems on fatigue and productivity in office personnel.Methods: In this study, 101 Iranian office workers participated. Data was gathered through demographic questionnaire, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Numeric Rating Scale, Persian version of Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale, and Persian version of Health and Work Questionnaire.Results: The results revealed that the highest prevalence rates of musculoskeletal symptoms in the past week were related to the neck (41.6%), lower back (41.6%), and shoulders (40.6%). The mean score of discomfort/pain in the neck, lower back, and shoulders were 1.67, 1.55, and 1.31, respectively. The severity of discomfort/pain in neck, shoulders, lower back, and thighs were correlated with total fatigue. The severity of discomfort/pain in the neck, lower back, buttock, and thighs were correlated with concentration/focus sub-scale of productivity.Conclusions: Improvement of working conditions is suggested for reducing musculoskeletal problems, fatigue decrement, and productivity increment

A systematic review of passing fit testing of the masks and respirators used during the COVID-19 pandemic: Part 1-quantitative fit test procedures.

BackgroundDuring respiratory infection pandemics, masks and respirators are highly sought after, especially for frontline healthcare workers and patients carrying respiratory viruses. The objective of this study was to systematically review fit test pass rates and identify factors influencing the fitting characteristics.MethodsPotentially relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct during the COVID-19 pandemic from February 5, 2020, to March 21, 2023. The search strategy using the following keywords was conducted: Quantitative Fit Test, Condensation Nuclei Counter, Controlled Negative Pressure, PortaCount, Sibata, Accufit, Fit, Seal, Mask, Respirator, Respiratory Protective Device, Respiratory Protective Equipment, Protective Device, Personal Protective Equipment, COVID-19, Coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2. The quality of the included studies was also assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.ResultsA total of 137 articles met the eligibility criteria. Fifty articles had a quality score of less than 7 (good quality). A total of 21 studies had a fit test pass rate of less than 50%. 26 studies on disposable respirators and 11 studies on reusable respirators had an FF of less than 50 and less than 200, respectively. The most influential factors include respirator brand/model, style, gender, ethnicity, facial dimensions, facial hair, age, reuse, extensive movement, seal check, comfort and usability assessment, and training.Conclusion37.36% of the disposable respirator studies and 43% of the reusable respirator studies did not report fit test results. 67.86% of the disposable respirator studies had a fit test pass rate greater than 50%, and 35.84% of these studies had an FF greater than 100. Also, 85.71% of the reusable respirator studies had a fit test pass rate greater than 50%, and 52.77% of these studies had an FF greater than 1000. Overall, the fit test pass rate was relatively acceptable. Newly developed or modified respirators must undergo reliable testing to ensure the protection of HCWs. Subject and respirator characteristics should be considered when implementing fit testing protocols. An optimal fit test panel should be developed prior to respirator design, certification, procurement decisions, and selection procedures

Investigation of Housekeeping Principles and Its Effective Factors in Micro-Scale Enterprises in 2015, Shiraz, Iran.

Background: Micro-scale enterprises play a vital role in development of national economics and self-employment. However, these industries due to lack of proper safety controls including poor housekeeping, َas well as low awarenessabout safety behaviors and procedures, do not have&nbsp; adequate healthand safety condition. This study was aimed to assess housekeeping principles and its effective factors in Shiraz micro-scale enterprises. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 selected micro-scale enterprises in Shiraz. A researcher-made checklist with reliability and validity of 0.851 was used for the study. Results: The mean score of housekeeping among studied enterprises was calculated to be 58.69 11.23%., The maximum and minimum scores among different housekeeping fields were related to equipment layout, and labeling calculated about 8.99&plusmn;39.06%, and 5.77&plusmn;3.77%, respectively. Among studied variables, there was a significant relationship between the type of activity and the incident report with housekeeping score (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed the rate of incident report was higher among enterprises having better housekeeping status which could help enterprises in better safety management including planning for prevention and reduction of incidents