Conduct of Examinations and Tests, Assistance, and Observers at an STF

DOE-STD-1167-2003

10.0

Conduct of Examinations and Tests, Assistance, and Observers at an STF

All examinations and tests of the supplied-air suit by a DOE contractor should be under the

sole direction and control of the STF. Only personnel of the STF, the DOE contractor or his

designee, and such other persons as are requested by the STF may be present during any

examination and test of the supplied-air suit submitted by a DOE contractor.

11.0

General Criteria for Testing by STF

Each supplied-air suit submitted for evaluation of its performance should be examined and

tested in accordance with procedures set forth in this standard or equivalent procedure(s) in

a recognized standard such as EN-1073-1 (The European standard for ventilated protective

clothing).

11.1

Initial Testing Criteria

11.1.1 The STF should not initiate testing unless the suit has been designed to allow

at least a 6.0 acfm flow of air to the helmet.

11.1.2 Written instructions covering donning, operation, maintenance, storage, and

contaminant protection offered should be provided along with the supplied-air suit to

the STF. The manufacturer's or the contractor's quality assurance program

pertaining to the supplied-air suit submitted by the DOE contractor should be

examined and studied by the STF staff. If these instructions or the assurance program

are considered inaccurate, confusing, or incomplete, the supplied-air suit should not

be considered acceptable for testing.

The supplied-air system should be equipped with an airflow meter or a pressure

gauge for measurement of the rate of flow of air to the supplied-air suit.

The entire supplied-air suit, including the breathing air hose and including

attachments, accessories, and auxiliary items (such as couplings, flow-control

valve, airflow meter, air-pressure regulator, air-pressure gauge, communications

equipment, gloves, boots, and shoe covers), submitted by the DOE contractor

should be used as appropriate during the testing process.

The test operator should examine the supplied-air suit worn by the suit tester to

observe if it contains any punctures, tears, seam separations, loose joints, and

other defects. If any such defects are found, the suit should not be considered

acceptable. This examination should also be carried out on a laundered or

reusable supplied-air suit or component if applicable.

11.2

Reusable or Laundered Supplied-Air Suit Components

If a supplied-air suit or a supplied-air suit component that has been reused or laundered is

submitted to the STF for testing, the maximum number of acceptable launderings or reuses

of the supplied-air suit or portion should be recorded and listed in the report containing the