Test Procedures

DOE-STD-1167-2003

12.2

Test Procedures

12.2.1 The suit tester, wearing the supplied-air suit, should enter the test chamber

containing a nontoxic test agent and should attach the breathing air hose to

the fitting inside the chamber that is connected to the source of air. The suit

tester should connect the tubing leading from the probe inside the helmet of

the supplied-air suit to a fitting located inside the chamber that is connected

to the equipment utilized to detect aerosol concentration.

12.2.2 The suit tester should carry out the following series of exercises, and the test

operator should ensure that the recorder attached to the aerosol-monitoring

equipment records the penetration of aerosol into the helmet of the supplied-

air suit during each exercise. Each exercise should be carried out for at least

120 sec (2 min) or until no further increase in aerosol penetration is observed

for at least 30 sec (0.5 min):

a. Standing still, arms hanging downward along the sides of body, normal

breathing.

b. Bending forward and touching toes repeatedly.

c. Running in place (or use of a treadmill).

d. Raising arms above head and looking upward repeatedly.

e. Bending the knees by squatting repeatedly.

f. Crawling on hands and knees.

g. Standing with arms folded in front of chest and twisting torso from side to

side.

h. Standing still, arms hanging downward along sides of body, normal

breathing.

12.2.3 If one of the exercises listed in b, c, d, e, f, and g of 12.2.2 results in a

penetration of aerosol (greater than 1 percent) into the helmet, the suit tester

should stand still with his arms hanging downward along the sides of his

body and breathe normally for 120 to 180 sec. (2 to 3 min.) or until

penetration returns to that measured during exercise a., to purge the aerosol

inside the helmet of the supplied-air suit.

12.2.4 If the penetration of the aerosol into the helmet of the supplied-air suit

exceeds 10 percent, the test should be terminated to prevent undue exposure

of the suit tester to the aerosol.

12.2.5 After the exercises described in 12.2.2 b, c, d, e, f, and g have been carried

out by the suit tester, the test operator should stop the flow of air to the

supplied-air suit, and the test subject should continue to stand still with his

arms hanging downward along his sides and breathe normally. The test

operator should observe the increase in penetration of the aerosol into the

helmet of the supplied-air suit, and record the time between the termination