Evaluation of Full-Facepiece Respirator Fit on Fire Fighters in the Municipality of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of personal variables on the fit of the respirators used by firefighters and workers in highly polluted environments. However, resistance from many plants managers was met to conduct the study on their workers. Therefore, we were forced to limit the study on firefighters who were found very cooperative. Forty volunteer firefighters from different departments participated in the study. They were subjected to a daily leak rate measurement using a Control Negative Pressure (CNP) fit tester for five consecutive days. Two types of respirators were used for each volunteer: the Drager type and the MSA. At the end of the study, the association between face shape and presence of beard with the respirator leak rates was investigated. A significant difference in the leak rate was detected between the two types of respirators used, with the Drager respirator having higher leak rates. The presence of a beard increased dramatically the leak rate whatever the face shape was. The oval shape was the best fitting to the respirators, followed by the rounded and finally the rectangular face. The study recommends that personal variables like face shape must be taken into consideration and fit testing must be carried out periodically, to specify the respirator that best fits each firefighter. Having beard must be absolutely prohibited, since it can be life threatening in environmental dangerous conditions such those encountered during extinguishing fires and overhaul situations.

Qualitative fitting characteristics of filtering face-piece respirators on Iranian people

“…Zhuang et al pointed to the fact that the face length and face width would be as key facial dimensions for selecting the best respirator fitted into wearers' face, besides, face size categories matched respirator sizing remarkably well [36]. Balkhyour et al discussed that face shape played an important role in providing the optimal respirator fitted into the firefighters' facial dimensions [45]. Oestenstad et al reinforced that fit assessment of the different brands of respirators on the same subject resulted in significant differences in respirator fit [17].…”

The effect of mask fit test on the association between the concentration of metals in biological samples and the results of time-weighted average personal exposure: A study on Japanese male welders

“…Numerous studies have already shown that the causes of lack of fitness between respirators and the wearer's face are the face shape and the presence or absence of a beard. 24 , 25 , 26 In this study, we did not collect face shape data; however, we checked whether they had beards and used towels around the mouth and facial knits cover during the mask fit test. The reason for investigating the use of towels and facial knits covers is that, as with beards, they are the reason for creating a gap between the respirator and face, and they are related to increased air leaks.…”

Last-resort strategies during mask shortages: optimal design features of cloth masks and decontamination of disposable masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…56 A beard usually precludes a good fit and proper seal. [60][61][62] As the fit is one of the most important factors for effectiveness, more research needs to be done on improving the fit of respirators and masks.…”