Asbestos fibre sampling through a facepiece visor to measure workplace protection factor

Background: In France, the occupational limit value for asbestos (WHO definition + fine asbestos fibres) was reduced from 100 f/L to 10f/L, as analysed by analytical transmission electron microscopy, on 1st July 2015. This reduction associated with the change in analytical method to evaluate exposure to asbestos fibers in july 2012 required occupational assessment of the efficacy of respiratory protective devices used by operators during asbestos removal. Objective: The preliminary work for this sampling campaign was to develop a CE-certified prototype standard facepiece integrating asbestos fibre sampling in line with standard XP X 43-269 (2012). Methods: numerical simulations and tests with live subjects and dummy heads were performed to verify the performance parameters of modified masks. Results: This article presents the results of the laboratory tests through which this prototype face piece was developed. Conclusion: the prototype masks developed are appropriate for use in occupational settings in the limited framework of the INRS study.