Does the PORTACOUNT work with powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs)?
Yes. However, just as with SCBAs, fit testing must be done with the mask in negative-pressure mode. This is most often accomplished by using an identical face piece in a negative-pressure version with Class 100 (HEPA) filters. Most respirator manufacturers offer negative-pressure versions of the same face piece used for their PAPRs. OSHA and ANSI are endorsing this method. Testing may be donewith the air supply on. However, this is performance testing, not fit testing. Many PAPRs have blower motors that generate particles. These particles are interpreted as leakage by the PORTACOUNT. If particles are present in the air supply, they must be removed with a HEPA filter before they reach the mask. Refer to Application Note ITI-024 Using The PORTACOUNT To Fit Test Positive Pressure Respirators on this web site for more information on this subject.
