Development and implementation of testing procedures and criteria of conformity assessment of respiratory protective devices in the context of meeting the requirements of occupational safety and ergonomics

The aim of this task was to develop the methodology and procedures for assessing comfort of use of respiratory protective devices and the influence of using those devices on human psychophysical capabilities. Ergonomic factors were reviewed, taking into consideration the specificity of the devices and the purpose of extending practical performance tests. Tests of energy expenditure and of the microclimate under the facepieces of respiratory protective devices were added. A method of assessing the devices in terms of mental load resulting from their use was also suggested.It was observed that neither physical effort nor the equipment under consideration increased the mental load or, as a consequence, sensomotor capabilities or mental comfort. Simulation in laboratory conditions, according to European standards, does not reflect conditions at a workstation, which was reflected in the measurements of the temperature under the facepiece and of energy expenditure.