D9: Real-Time Measurement of Workplace Protection Factor

Greater Columbus Convention Center 

Room: A 220 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

Despite being at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls, personal protection equipment (PPE) is critical for scenarios in which engineering control or administrative action is not easily feasible. The concept of workplace protection factor (WPF) refers to the level of hazards and contaminants that a worker is exposed to when using PPE versus when they are not using it. The efficiency, performance, and integrity of PPE determine the WPF, which should always be above the assigned protection factor. Traditionally, an assigned protection factor is often assessed in a lab or clinic setting, simulating a worker's actual job environment. For workers who must wear N95 respirators for their jobs, a fit-test is required, involving a series of pre-programmed activities. This practical method does not provide nor represent the change of protection levels in real-time (e.g., when the N95 respirator being used starts to develop leakages). Hence the worker can be in danger of being overexposed to certain hazards under a false sense of security. The development of low-cost monitors and modular sensors presents opportunities for real-time measurement systems that can continuously examine exposure levels inside and outside of PPE. These systems can issue warnings if protection levels fall below the acceptable threshold. In this education session, we will present recent developments and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of employing sensors to monitor the WPF of PPE.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Define the impact of workplace protection factors on PPE usage in 3D printing.
• Explain why it is important to monitor workplace protection factors in real-time.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of low-cost monitors and sensors.
• Integrate workplace protection factors into the IH framework. 

Intermediate

Q&A

Corporation/Company

All Industries

Construction

Manufacturing

Available as part of AIHA CONNECT OnDemand

Protective Clothing and Equipment

Respiratory Protection