Task Duration and Frequency
Frequency and duration of the work process is an important consideration as it can impact many aspects of suitable Respiratory Protective Device (RPD) selection. It can/will have different impacts with different types of RPD as highlighted below (but not limited to):
- Time is critical for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)/ Class S because of the finite capacity of breathable air/gas. Is there enough air/breathable gas for the task duration?
- Duration of use is an important consideration as worker acceptance and comfort are essential to ensure proper use of the RPD. Maximum possible wear time and frequency of use may be limited by wearer comfort and physical burden.
- Filtering RPD filter service life and the filter change schedule is dependent on the duration of use as well as contaminant concentrations.
- Battery life for assisted filtering breathing RPD such as PAPRs that use batteries to power the RPD. Will the RPD function for the length of task or shift? Are spare batteries required?
- Does the task duration include any preparation, entry, exit and decontamination time (if required)?
- Extreme climatic conditions (hot or cold). These elements might have an impact on the core body temperature of the wearer, which may reduce the amount of time the RPD wearer can work
Reference/s for further information and detail:
- AS/NZS 1715:2009 – Selection, use and maintenance – Section 4.3.3
- SA/SNZ TS ISO 16975.1:2023 – Selection, use and maintenance – Section 7.3.3.2 e & f, 7.3.3.9 and Annex D D.3.5
