Use of Individuals to Test Supplied-Air Suits

DOE-STD-1167-2003

results of tests on the suit. This requirement does not apply to certain reusable items such as

coveralls, cloth hoods, cloth booties, rubber gloves, or rubber overshoes that are worn with

supplied-air suits.

11.3

Use of Individuals to Test Supplied-Air Suits

11.3.1 Testing should use three volunteer suit testers to determine the performance

of the supplied-air suit. Each of the three suit testers should be of a different

size. One suit tester should be selected from each of the following range of

heights: (a) 168 to 176 cm (5 ft 6 in. to 5 ft 9 in.); (b) 177 to 188 cm (5 ft 10

in. to 6 ft 2 in.); and (c) 191 to 198 cm (6 ft 3 in. to 6 ft 6 in.).

11.3.2 In the event that a supplied-air suit is designed for individuals meeting

specific requirements, i.e., minimum or maximum height and girth (chest

and/or stomach), the three suit testers should be selected to be representative

of the minimum and maximum range.

11.3.3 The height and the maximum girth (chest and/or stomach) of each of the

three suit testers should be determined and listed in the report containing the

results of the tests on the supplied-air suit.

11.3.4 Each suit tester must have successfully passed a medical evaluation as

required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in

29 CFR 1910.134.

11.4

Donning and Wearing of Supplied-Air Suit by Suit Tester

11.4.1 Before permitting a suit tester to don the supplied-air suit submitted by a

DOE contractor, a test operator should attach to the test subject a suitable

device that contains the appropriate probes and sensing elements for

measuring the performance characteristics of the supplied-air suit.

11.4.2 Before donning the supplied-air suit, the suit tester should don spectacles,

hearing protectors, and any other items needed for comfort or considered

necessary. The suit tester should don and wear the supplied-air suit in

accordance with instructions provided to the STF by the DOE contractor.

11.5

Determination of Airflow Indicator Accuracy

11.5.1 During a test of the airflow to the supplied-air suit, the rate of flow of air to

the suit should be determined at the minimum and maximum airflow rate

values specified by the DOE contractor for a particular length and inside

diameter of the breathing air hose. The air pressure in the breathing zone of

the suit tester wearing the suit should be measured at the minimum and

maximum specified values for airflow specified by the DOE contractor for a

particular length and inside diameter of breathing air hose.

11.5.2 The acceptable accuracy of the airflow and pressure indicators of the

supplied-air suit should be plus or minus 10 percent for each airflow rate

value and for the minimum and maximum lengths of breathing air hose.