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TSI Incorporated PORTACOUNT PRO+ 8038, Operation And Service Manual

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TSI Incorporated PORTACOUNT PRO+ 8038 Operation And Service Manual Download Page 31

 

25

 

Chapter 4 

 
Conducting a Fit Test with the

 

PortaCount Pro 

Respirator Fit Tester 

This chapter describes how to use the PortaCount

®

 Pro fit tester as a 

stand-alone instrument to conduct a quantitative respirator fit test. 
Learn to operate the PortaCount Pro fit tester in this manner even if 
you plan to use the 

™ software. After becoming familiar with 

manual operation, to automate fit testing with a computer and the fit 
test software, refer to the  software online help for 
detailed instructions. 
 

Note 

The PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester has an on-board 
Demo database that lets you perform all available operations, 
including adding data. However, any changes you make to this 
Demo database are lost when the PortaCount Pro fit tester

 I

s 

powered off and must be manually recorded if a permanent 
record is desired.  
To save fit test results or other data when using the PortaCount 
Pro Respirator Fit Tester in Stand-Alone mode (not controlled by 
the  Fit Test Software), a flash drive containing a valid 
database must be attached to one of the USB ports. 

 
The fit test procedure

1

 is broken down into the following steps. 

1. 

Prepare the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester

 for testing by 

filling the Alcohol Cartridge. 

2. 

Attach a flash drive and select a database

 (optional). If a 

database is not selected from the flash drive, the Demo database 
is used by default. 

3. 

Run daily checks

. 

4. 

Conducting fit tests.

 

                                                      

1

 

The procedure assumes that the mask being tested is a negative-pressure 

air-purifying respirator or a positive-pressure mask temporarily converted to 
function like a negative-pressure air-purifying respirator.  
 
For additional details see 

Appendix F 

of this manual and Application Note ITI-

070 

Introduction to Respirator Fit Testing

 located on the TSI Web site 

http://fittest.tsi.com

.

 

Summary of Contents for PORTACOUNT PRO+ 8038

Page 1: ...PORTACOUNT PRO 8030 AND PORTACOUNT PRO 8038 RESPIRATOR FIT TESTERS OPERATION AND SERVICE MANUAL P N 6001868 REVISION P MARCH 2015 ...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...nstrument or product is properly calibrated at the time of its manufacture Instruments returned for calibration are not covered by this warranty f This warranty is VOID if the instrument is opened by anyone other than a factory authorized service center with the one exception where requirements set forth in the manual allow an operator to replace consumables or perform recommended cleaning g This ...

Page 4: ...of Seller C a u t i o n This instrument is a Class I laser device Adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure W A R N I N G This instrument contains 1 non rechargeable Lithium battery which is not user serviceable Return to factory for replacement Disclaimer The measurement provided by the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Teste...

Page 5: ...erting a Test Probe in a Disposable Respirator with the TSI Model 8025 N95 Probe Kit 19 Positive Pressure Respirators 23 Chapter 4 Conducting a Fit Test with the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester 25 Step 1 Prepare the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester for Fit Testing 26 Step 2 Attach Flash Drive and Select Database optional 29 Step 3 Run Daily Checks 30 Step 4 Conducting Fit Tests 32 Step 5 ...

Page 6: ... Appendix B Theory of Operation 81 How the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester Works 81 How the PortaCount Pro Fit Tester Counts Particles 82 Appendix C Calculating Fit Factor 85 Appendix D Calculating Particle Concentration 87 Appendix E Timing in Fit Test Mode 89 Appendix F Using the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester to Fit Test Positive Pressure Respirators 91 Appendix G The Rainbow Passage...

Page 7: ...board Demo Training database that lets you perform all available operations including adding data Any changes you make to this Demo Training database however are lost when you power off the PortaCount Pro fit tester unless you manually save them using the new Advanced Database Tools introduced in firmware version 2 0 To save fit test results or other data when using the PortaCount Pro Respirator F...

Page 8: ...fective Anyone can master the operation of the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester simply by studying this manual but the background knowledge required to proficiently fit test cannot be obtained from here Consider attending a one two or three day seminar on fit testing provided by various consultants Contact TSI for references Respirator Training Respirator training is critical for any respirato...

Page 9: ...perate using the microscopic particles in the ambient air It can measure particle concentrations and fit factors when generated aerosols like corn oil salt or DOP are used however these aerosols may cause the PortaCount Pro fit tester to need more frequent cleaning and calibration Fit Testing Near Irritant Smoke Do not conduct fit tests in close proximity to sources of irritant smoke like those us...

Page 10: ...4 Introduction and Overview This page intentionally left blank ...

Page 11: ...Chapter 2 for photos and descriptions of each item Standard Items PortaCount Pro Pro Fit Tester Models 8030 and 8038 Qty Description 1 PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester Model 8030 8038 1 Stylus 1 Alcohol Cartridge 1 Alcohol Fill Capsule 1 Storage Cap 2 Zero Check Filter 2 Spare Alcohol Wicks 1 5 ft 1 5 m Twin Tube Assembly 1 1 8 to 3 16 Tube Adapter 1 1 8 to 1 4 Tube Adapter 1 AC Adapter ...

Page 12: ...Respirator Fit Tester Quick Start Guide 1 Carrying Case 1 FitPro Fit Test Software CD and case 1 USB Cable 1 USB Flash Drive Additional Items PortaCount PRO Fit Tester Model 8038 only Qty Description 1 Probe Assembly Tool 1 Probe Kit 100 pieces 1 Neck Strap 1 Package of 100 Salt Tablets 100 mg 1 Model 8026 Particle Generator Operation and Service Manual ...

Page 13: ...ries of the PortaCount Pro fit tester You need to be familiar with these items when following the instructions in this manual The Touch Screen Display The touch screen display provides the interface to all operations Select items on the touch screen using your finger or the stylus that is provided Do not use a pen pencil or other sharp instrument as this may damage the screen Stylus On Off Button ...

Page 14: ...est The blue tube marked AMBIENT of the Twin Tube Assembly 3 connects here The Ambient Port fitting is blue and marked with the letter A 3 The Twin Tube Assembly consists of a pair of tubes the Sample Tube and the Ambient Tube The Twin Tube Assembly is about 5 5 feet 1 7 meters long The Sample Tube is 7 inches 18 cm longer than the Ambient Tube The Twin Tube must not be lengthened except for the f...

Page 15: ...taCount Pro fit tester and a USB port on the personal computer The USB cable provided with the PortaCount Pro fit tester connects here 5 Two USB Series A receptacles let you connect a USB mouse USB keyboard compatible USB printer or a USB flash drive thumb drive 6 The External Power Connector connects the AC Adapter to the PortaCount Pro fit tester 4 5 6 ...

Page 16: ...10 Chapter 2 7 The AC Adapter plugs into the External Power Connector on the PortaCount Pro fit tester and an AC wall outlet The AC Adapter senses the input voltage automatically 7 ...

Page 17: ...Storage Cap is used to cover either the Cartridge Cavity of the PortaCount Pro fit tester or the Alcohol Fill Capsule whichever does not currently hold the Alcohol Cartridge 11 Two spare Alcohol Wicks are included with the PortaCount Pro fit tester 12 The Alcohol Fill Capsule is used to store and fill the Alcohol Cartridge 13 The PortaCount Pro fit tester is shipped with 16 bottles of reagent grad...

Page 18: ... keep the PortaCount Pro fit tester internal flow path clean by capturing large or fibrous particles 15 Two Tube Adapters are shipped with each PortaCount Pro fit tester The adapters are used to connect the Sample Tube to a respirator sample fitting or probe that is larger than the 1 8 inch ...

Page 19: ...SI fit testing products and fit testing in general There is no printed FitPro software manual in lieu of the online help Visit the TSI Web site http fittest tsi com to download the current version of most TSI manuals The CD is located in a convenient storage case 19 The Carrying Case provides protection and convenience The case is designed to hold the PortaCount Pro fit tester and standard accesso...

Page 20: ...on filtering facepiece disposable respirators 25 Model 8026 Particle Generator If you do not have the minimum ambient particle concentration needed for the PortaCount Pro fit tester to do a fit test this optional particle generator supplements naturally occurring room concentration with non toxic salt NaCl particles in the appropriate size range for the PortaCount Pro fit tester Refer to the Model...

Page 21: ...00 sq ft would provide the best conditions Particle generation will not function as efficiently in an open cubicle area or a very large room Use the Particle Generator and other forms of particle generation sparingly when needed Often they are only needed in the morning hours or at the beginning of fit testing Do not operate any form of particle generation if ambient particle concentrations are ab...

Page 22: ...16 Chapter 2 This page intentionally left blank ...

Page 23: ...ed by an instrument like the PortaCount Pro fit tester The probed respirator is only used for fit testing and cannot legally be used in a hazardous environment You will need at least one respirator of each make model and size your company issues After the fit test issue the individual a respirator with the identical facepiece only without the probe Most probed respirators are obtained from the res...

Page 24: ...mpling Adapters for most major brands of respirator are available A complete list of fit test adapters available from TSI and from respirator manufacturers is posted on the TSI Web site http fittest tsi com Homemade Adapters A sampling adapter can be made by modifying a respirator cartridge This usually involves running a tube through the cartridge and into the respirator TSI recommends that this ...

Page 25: ...5 Probe Kit To perform a quantitative fit test the PortaCount Pro fit tester must draw an air sample from inside the respirator while it is being worn by the person being fit tested The tools sampling probes and push nuts contained in the probe kit lets you install a sampling port onto any disposable filtering facepiece respirator W A R N I N G Once a sampling probe has been installed the respirat...

Page 26: ...n s chin For respirators with center mounted exhalation valves install the probe to the left or right of the valve Do not install the probe above or below the valve because this risks having the probe blocked by the person s nose or chin Wrong probe location below or above valve Correct probe location to left or right of valve Bottom panel shown ...

Page 27: ...ide the sampling probe onto the piercing tool As the pointed end of the piercing tool is very sharp be extremely careful when handling it 3 Choose a location on the mask that is in front of the person s nose mouth region Avoid seams and folds in the mask 4 Pierce the mask at the selected location using the piercing tool with the loaded sampling probe Be sure to pierce the mask from the inside Samp...

Page 28: ...m falling off 7 Position the anvil tool with the loaded push nut over the protruding point The mask should now be pinched between the two tools 8 Press the two tools firmly together to force the push nut as far as possible onto the probe The mask material should be tightly pinched and the mask sampling probe and push nut should be joined together as illustrated Push the Tools Together to Fasten th...

Page 29: ...sk material more tightly Note Once a sampling probe is installed into a disposable mask the mask cannot be used for respiratory protection Probed masks are to be used for quantitative fit testing only Discard each probed disposable mask after a fit test is completed Positive Pressure Respirators Refer to Appendix F for a discussion on Fit Testing positive pressure respirators with the PortaCount P...

Page 30: ...24 Chapter 3 This page intentionally left blank ...

Page 31: ... permanent record is desired To save fit test results or other data when using the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester in Stand Alone mode not controlled by the FitPro Fit Test Software a flash drive containing a valid database must be attached to one of the USB ports The fit test procedure1 is broken down into the following steps 1 Prepare the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester for testing by ...

Page 32: ... of moisture and the escape of alcohol vapors Dispose of any alcohol with visible contamination Because the Alcohol Cartridge is inserted into the Cartridge Cavity of the instrument it is critically important to keep it clean Any dirt or debris that gets into the PortaCount Pro fit tester can plug the small internal nozzle and prevent operation Do not allow the black part of the Alcohol Cartridge ...

Page 33: ...tion 5 Open a bottle of alcohol Invert the bottle and insert the nozzle end into the Alcohol Fill Capsule as far as possible to make certain alcohol is not inadvertently sprayed anywhere except into the Capsule 6 Squeeze alcohol into the Alcohol Fill Capsule until it is even with or slightly above the fill line 7 Recap the alcohol bottle immediately Fill Line ...

Page 34: ... inside the Alcohol Cartridge soaks up alcohol 10 Remove the Alcohol Cartridge from the Capsule and gently shake it to allow excess alcohol to drip back into the Alcohol Fill Capsule Stop when excess alcohol is no longer dripping it is not necessary to wait until the outside surface of the Alcohol Cartridge is dry 11 Insert the Alcohol Cartridge into the Cartridge Cavity of the PortaCount Pro Resp...

Page 35: ...ill Capsule is designed to be a safe transportation and storage container for alcohol The Alcohol Cartridge can be left soaking in alcohol indefinitely Install the Storage Cap into the Cartridge Cavity to prevent dirt or lint from getting inside the PortaCount Pro fit tester Step 2 Attach Flash Drive and Select Database optional To save fit test results or other data when using the PortaCount Pro ...

Page 36: ...med once each day before the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester is used and whenever a problem is encountered These daily checks are Particle Check Classifier Check only for the PortaCount Pro 8038 with N95 enabled Zero Check Max Fit Factor Check Completed daily checks provide confidence that the PortaCount Pro fit tester is working properly Failure of any of the daily checks requires immediate ...

Page 37: ...wn in the Test Status box on the screen For the Model 8030 the Particle Check passes if the particle concentration is 1000 or above and fails if the particle concentration is below 1000 For the Model 8038 the Particle Check passes if the particle concentration is 30 or above and fails if the particle concentration is below 30 If the test fails refer to the Troubleshooting chapter 7 If the N95 enab...

Page 38: ...o one particle during the mask sample time When the PortaCount Pro fit tester actually measures zero particles during the mask sample one particle is artificially added to prevent division by zero when calculating the fit factor Performing this test is futile if there are leaks in the system If this test fails refer to the Troubleshooting chapter 10 Press EXIT when the tests are complete If the Po...

Page 39: ...ap around his or her neck adjusting it to a comfortable position Position the tubing support neck strap so that the tubing does not pull the mask off the person s face Have the person tilt his or her head up and down turn side to side and bend over to see if the tubing pulls the mask away from their face If it does readjust the neck strap or the tubing and repeat check the fit again ...

Page 40: ...Table click on the name of the person you want verify the correct name is displayed then press Next to select the respirator for the fit test Note If the person you want to fit test is not in the database press New and create a new record by typing in the information required To add information press the field you want to enter and an on screen keyboard appears Use the stylus to type the informati...

Page 41: ... be filled in before you can continue 7 Make certain the exercise protocol shown in the Current Protocol field is the one you want to use To select a different protocol click the arrow on the Current Protocol field to display a list of all the Protocols in the database Use the stylus to select the protocol you want to use Note A protocol cannot be added to the database here If the protocol you wan...

Page 42: ...ube Each exercise includes an ambient sample a mask sample and then another ambient sample Refer to Chapter 5 for more information on creating a new protocol with altered sampling times Refer to the Appendixes for technical details on exercise sample timing calculating exercise fit factors and calculating overall fit factors 15 PortaCount Pro fit tester beeps to alert the person being tested that ...

Page 43: ...sealing is proven by achieving a passing fit factor on the next exercise Notes The OSHA protocol includes special provisions for the grimace exercise It is allowed to be 15 seconds long and the resulting fit factor may be discarded excluded before calculating the overall fit factor This is allowed because the grimace exercise is done to intentionally break the face seal in order to make sure the m...

Page 44: ...reason and repeat the test Some common reasons for failure are described below If you are fit testing with a disposable respirator discard it when the fit test is complete Probed respirators are intended for fit testing only and are never to be reused You may be able to sanitize and reuse other types of respirators Contact the respirator manufacturer for specific information If the fit test is ter...

Page 45: ...se 2 Fit factor exercise 3 Fit factor exercise 4 Fit factor exercise 5 Fit factor exercise X Overall fit factor Pass or Fail The overall fit factor is the most important data item It is the overall result of the fit test and usually the only fit factor value that must be retained as part of your record keeping The fit factors for the individual exercises are not as important It is possible to have...

Page 46: ...Alcohol cartridge is not tightly inserted or an O ring is missing Make sure the alcohol cartridge is installed properly and all O rings are in position Starting fit test too soon after mask is donned When the mask is first donned ambient air particles are trapped inside These particles clear out as the person breathes According to all fit testing protocols a fit test subject must wait 5 minutes af...

Page 47: ...me calculated fit factor drops in value as expected the reported high fit factors are valid If the Real time calculated fit factor does not drop in value when the seal is broken there may be a block or kink in the Mask Sample tubing usually as it enters the mask Step 6 Using a Printer with the PortaCount Pro Fit Tester Version 2 0 and greater PortaCount firmware adds the ability to connect a compa...

Page 48: ...d in Chapter 5 Operating Modes and User Interface It is also possible to configure the system to print out fit test reports automatically at the end of each fit test Refer to Chapter 5 for more information on adjusting these options in the Global Settings menu Printing Fit Test Reports There are two places in the PortaCount Pro fit tester workflow where Fit Test Reports can be printed 1 At Fit Tes...

Page 49: ...formation on adjusting these options in the Global Settings menu Step 7 Stand Alone Fit Testing Data Handling Best Practices TSI s PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester is designed to provide a robust solution for stand alone fit testing As with any computing application care must be taken by users to ensure that precious data is not lost due to mishap or mishandling This section recommends some ba...

Page 50: ... end of a Daily Check or Fit Test or anytime you see this message on the PortaCount screen Backup the file s on the flash drive to a host computer as often as practical Step 8 Advanced Database Tools The Advanced Database Tools introduced in firmware version 2 0 are intended for use by advanced users or as instructed by TSI technical support personnel during a phone support session The Advanced Da...

Page 51: ... of an existing database file One typical use might be to create a master database using FitPro software that contains commonly used respirator and protocol information then using Copy to make working copies that you can customize by adding people additional protocols or respirators using the PortaCount Fit Tester user interface as needed Save This command writes the database that is active in mem...

Page 52: ...taCount Fit Tester or remove the flash drive from the PortaCount Fit Tester 2 Use Select Database from the Database page to load the Demo Training database into memory 3 Replace the flash drive if you had previously removed it and use the Save As tool in the Advanced Database Tools to save the database from memory to flash drive 4 Use Select Database from the Database page to load the new database...

Page 53: ...eck may prevent the active record from being saved External Control Mode The PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester is operating in External Control Mode when it is being controlled by FitPro software running on your computer To start External control mode place the PortaCount fit tester touch screen on the main Activities menu Connect the PortaCount fit tester to the computer and initiate control f...

Page 54: ...or Fit Testing and other stand alone operations If you attempt to perform an operation from the PortaCount Pro fit tester touch screen while it is in External Control Mode a message may appear on the PortaCount fit tester asking if you want to unlock the instrument If you choose to unlock the PortaCount Pro fit tester it begins to operate in stand alone mode User Interface The touch screen provide...

Page 55: ...mmediately before a fit test Using the feature to help the test subject don the respirator immediately before the official fit test defeats one of the main purposes of fit testing to prove that the test subject knows how to don the mask properly without help Use the Real time Fit Factor feature for training and practice only You can use the real time fit factor display prior to a fit test as long ...

Page 56: ...est subject observe the Fit Factor reading as it fluctuates in near real time There is a delay of a few seconds between when a change in fit occurs and when the graph displays the change in fit factor The graph pauses every 5 minutes while the PortaCount Pro fit tester takes a fresh ambient air measurement Press Restart to force a new ambient reading sooner The Real time Data Display page also has...

Page 57: ...his mode the PortaCount Pro fit tester continuously measures the particle concentration through the ambient inlet port allowing the user to easily check ambient concentration in preparation for testing Press Exit to close the Real Time display ...

Page 58: ...ive attached to the PortaCount Pro fit tester a warning message appears If you do not want to use a database from a flash drive press Exit otherwise insert a flash drive with a valid database or databases in the root directory and press Refresh Note Unless a flash drive with valid database files is inserted in one of the USB ports you cannot use a real database The database stored in the PortaCoun...

Page 59: ... of the People List Select a record by pressing the name in the dropdown box 2 To add a new record press New and fill in the required fields using the on screen keyboard then press Save If necessary refer to the FitPro Fit Test Software User s Manual for a description of these fields 3 Press Exit to close the People list Respirators Select Respirators to view the records of the respirators in the ...

Page 60: ...can be entered The following table describes the fields Button or Field Name Description Ambient Purge Time Use the up down arrows to set the time in seconds the ambient air is purged before an ambient sample measurement is made Ambient Sample Time Use the up down arrows to set the time in seconds the ambient air is sampled before the Mask purge time begins Cancel Closes the dialog without saving ...

Page 61: ...asks with 99 filter efficiencies such as N95 P2 and P1 respirators check this box Protocol Name Enter the name for the exercise protocol you are creating using the on screen keyboard Mask Sample Time Use the up down arrows to set the Mask Sample Time for the exercise Save Saves the current protocol information and adds the record to the database Stop Fit Test immediately when any exercise fails If...

Page 62: ... Select the Date Format from the Date Format box Note When you set the date format here it does not change the date format that FitPro software uses When data is exchanged with FitPro software it is exchanged in a universal date format 4 Press OK to close this dialog and save your settings or Cancel to close the dialog without changing it Device Info Press Device Info to view the model number seri...

Page 63: ...tible with the HP PCL3 PCL5e PCL3GUI printer languages including many DeskJet LaserJet and DesignJet models When setting up printing for the first time it is important to configure the printer setup correctly Select the printer type as specified by the printer manufacturer The fit test report is designed to print best on letter sized paper or card form paper that includes a punch out fit test card...

Page 64: ... the print out is garbled check that the correct Printer Type is selected or try the other Printer Type selections If you have tried all of the suggestions above and the test page will not print it is possible that the printer is not compatible with PortaCount Pro fit tester Press Save to commit the configuration changes to the PortaCount persistent storage Press Exit to close the Printer Setup sc...

Page 65: ...ncies These default values can be varied from the Global Settings screen to accommodate environments where particle concentration is necessarily elevated To troubleshoot this warning refer to Chapter 6 Service and Maintenance Save fit tests to database By default fit test result will only be saved to the flash drive database if the fit test passes Use this option to allow saving of all fit test re...

Page 66: ...instrument will calculate the best case overall fit factor at the end of each exercise and if a passing overall fit factor value is not achievable the test will terminate early Save Press Save to commit the configuration changes to the PortaCount fit tester persistent storage Exit Press Exit to close the Global Settings screen ...

Page 67: ... at www tsi com or send e mail to PortaCount tsi com Status Messages Two status messages can be displayed by the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester Low Particle Message The PortaCount Pro fit tester is factory programmed not to allow fit testing when the ambient particle concentration is below 1000 particles cm3 for the Model 8030 or 8038 when testing masks with 99 efficiencies or greater and 30...

Page 68: ...fit tester may be low on alcohol This message does not necessarily mean that the PortaCount Pro fit tester will stop working soon Fit test results are accurate even when this message is on Refer to the Troubleshooting chapter for other possible causes and solutions for this message Reordering Supplies TSI part numbers for consumable supplies and miscellaneous replacement parts are Model Part No De...

Page 69: ...th the Storage Cap Installing the Storage Cap into the Cartridge Cavity prevents dirt or lint from getting inside the PortaCount Pro fit tester NEVER ship the PortaCount Pro Fit Tester back to TSI with any alcohol bottles Changing the Alcohol Wick The wick inside the Alcohol Cartridge may be changed in the field Two spare wicks are included with the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester Normally th...

Page 70: ... the Wick Retainer Cap in the other twist and pull apart the assembly The cartridge should snap apart exposing the end of the white Alcohol Wick 2 After separating the two halves push the Alcohol Wick out of the Wick Retainer Cap from the opposite end with the Wick Removal Tool wood dowel provided with each new alcohol wick Do not use a pencil point because bits of lead could break off 3 Examine t...

Page 71: ...ck Retainer Cap first Otherwise simply insert the wick and push firmly until the wick hits bottom 8 Blow everything off again 9 Align the two halves of the Alcohol Cartridge and press firmly until they snap together Operation in High Humidity When using a Model 8030 8038 in a high humidity environment the wick assembly will retain water moisture more rapidly than normal and will require more frequ...

Page 72: ... The symptom of a clogged nozzle is a low perhaps zero ambient particle count This usually but not always causes the Particle Check and or Max Fit Factor Check to fail There are two procedures Perform Procedure A first then Procedure B if necessary Procedure A Obtain a source of clean compressed gas such as Chemtronics or equivalent It must have a long nozzle straw in order to reach deep into the ...

Page 73: ...artridge Turn and hold the PortaCount Pro fit tester up on end so that you can look down into the cartridge cavity Take a bottle of the alcohol used to operate the PortaCount Pro fit tester and drip 3 to 4 drops down into the cartridge cavity Try to keep the drops centered so they hit the bottom without touching the sides Do not use too much One drop is enough if it all reaches the nozzle Keep the...

Page 74: ...68 Chapter 6 Put the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester down in normal operating position and perform Procedure A ...

Page 75: ...ts even though there is plenty of alcohol and plenty of particles in the room and also having to frequently replenish the alcohol supply such as every hour or less Changing the Alcohol Wick is the best way to solve the problem The wick can also be dried by leaving the Alcohol Cartridge in the PortaCount Pro and then running it overnight or by removing the wick from the cartridge and letting it dry...

Page 76: ...generator such as the 8026 Particle Generator or an ultrasonic humidifier Moisture build up inside PortaCount Pro fit tester Change Alcohol Wick inside the Alcohol Cartridge Dump old alcohol from the Alcohol Fill Capsule and add fresh alcohol Run 2 hours to dry optics remove the alcohol cartridge and install storage cap Inferior or contaminated alcohol Change Alcohol Wick inside the Alcohol Cartri...

Page 77: ...the worn ends on the Twin Tube Assembly Twin Tube Assembly is disconnected Connect the Twin Tube Assembly to the PortaCount Pro fit tester Slightly flooded with alcohol Remove Alcohol Cartridge and run for 15 minutes then try again Switching valve is not functioning Return to TSI for service O ring on alcohol cartridge is not sealing Replace O ring Smear a very small amount of grease such as petro...

Page 78: ...ssembly is disconnected Connect the Twin Tube Assembly to the PortaCount Pro fit tester Twin Tube Assembly is not connected to respirator sampling port Connect the Twin Tube Assembly to the respirator sampling port clear tube Twin Tube Assembly Leaks Repair or replace the Twin Tube Assembly Sample Tube too Long Use standard 5 foot Twin Tube Assembly PortaCount Pro fit tester is flooded with alcoho...

Page 79: ...rd 5 foot Twin Tube Assembly Alcohol Cartridge is loose Tightly close the Alcohol Cartridge Respirator is not equipped with HEPA filters Install HEPA filters for fit tests Twin Tube Assembly is kinked pinched or blocked Straighten out the Twin Tube Assembly or remove the obstruction Leaking respirator probe Tighten or seal probe Tubing in fit test adapter is kinked or pinched Straighten out tubing...

Page 80: ...cohol PortaCount Pro fit tester is flooded with alcohol Run 2 hours to dry optics remove Alcohol Cartridge and install Storage Cap Filter cover leaking Replace cover and O ring Plugged nozzle See Nozzle Cleaning in Service and Maintenance chapter Requires frequent refill of alcohol every hour or less Moisture build up inside Alcohol Wick Change Alcohol Wick inside cartridge Run 2 hours to dry opti...

Page 81: ...r during fit testing The room ventilation system is reduced or turned off Increase room ventilation Ambient concentration is naturally elevated In situations where the ambient concentration is elevated through pollution construction or other means where it cannot be controlled the trigger threshold for the warning may be raised as described in Chapter 5 Operating Modes and User Interface Note that...

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Page 83: ...ter than 1 micrometer Typical Fit Factor Accuracy 10 of reading up to fit factors of 10 000 Temperature Range Operation 32 to 100 F 0 to 35 C Storage 40 to 160 F 40 to 70 C Flow Rate Sample 350 cm3 min Total 1000 cm3 min nominal Power Requirements 100 to 250 VAC 50 to 60 Hz Alcohol Hours per charge 6 hours at 70 F 21 C Alcohol type Reagent grade isopropyl 99 5 or better Carrying Case Size 19 5 x 1...

Page 84: ...38 PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester Size 9 5 x 8 5 x 6 75 in 24 x 22 x 17 cm Weight Unit only 6 8 lb 3 1 kg With standard accessories and case 18 lb 8 2 kg Fit Factor Range 1 to greater than 10 000 1 to 200 for 99 efficiency masks Concentration Range 0 01 to 2 5 x 105 particles cm3 Particle Size Range 0 02 to greater than 1 micrometer Typical Fit Factor Accuracy 10 of reading up to fit factors...

Page 85: ...ctory Recalibration Interval 1 year Warranty Two years on workmanship and materials Respirator Facepieces that can be Fit Tested Full face elastomeric Half face elastomeric NIOSH series 100 filtering facepiece NIOSH series 99 filtering facepiece NIOSH series 95 filtering facepiece Fit Factor Measurement Direct measurement of fit factor Cout Cin Mask leakage is measured simultaneously while test su...

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Page 87: ... the air inside the respirator is 100 times as clean as the air outside ion Concentrat Inside ion Concentrat Outside Factor Fit Since the microscopic particles in the air cannot pass through the class 100 or class 99 filters used on the respirator any particles that get into the respirator must have come in through a leak The PortaCount Pro fit tester has two sample tubes one samples ambient air a...

Page 88: ...nchard New Methods For Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing With Aerosols American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal Feb 1981 The PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester grows submicron particles to supermicron alcohol droplets and then measures the concentration of the alcohol droplets This makes the PortaCount Pro Fit Tester sensitive to particles with diameters as small as 0 015 microns but in...

Page 89: ...nozzle and into the sensing volume as depicted in the schematic diagram below The focusing optics in the sensor consists of a laser diode and a series of lenses that focus the laser light into a sensing volume just above the nozzle Each particle passing through the sensing volume scatters light The light is collected by the receiving optics and focused onto a photodetector The photodetector genera...

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Page 91: ... sample before the first fit factor can be calculated Both the ambient and respirator concentrations are determined by integration The integrated concentrations are determined by the total number of particles counted during the sample periods Fit factor is actually calculated by R A B C C C FF 2 where FF fit factor CB particle concentration in the ambient sample before the respirator sample CA par...

Page 92: ... where FFx fit factor for test cycle n number of test cycles exercises Disclaimer The measurement provided by the PortaCount Pro Respirator Fit Tester is an assessment of respirator fit during a fit test only Respirator fit at other times will vary The fit factor value is not intended for use in calculating an individual s actual exposure to hazardous substances ...

Page 93: ... sec The reason that we use 5 83 cm3 sec in the calculations above is because the flow path inside the PortaCount PRO is divided into two branches the sensor flow and the bypass flow The sensor flow is set at precisely 5 83 cm3 sec and the bypass flow is approximately 10 8 cm3 sec Using the equation above you can see that the minimum measurable concentration is 0 17 particles per cm3 in 1 Second C...

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Page 95: ...ample taken before and after each exercise to compute the fit factor The two ambient particle concentrations are averaged together and then divided by the mask particle concentration to yield the fit factor for that exercise Averaging the before and after ambient particle concentrations is done to offset any ambient particle concentration drift that may have occurred during the mask sample C a u t...

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Page 97: ...r own copy see TSI Application Note ITI 056 Respirator Fit Testing Highlights for OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29CFR1910 134 on our website http fittest tsi com Self Contained Breathing Apparatus SCBA are respirators that supply breathing air from a backpack mounted tank The most common application for SCBA is firefighting There are other types of positive pressure respirators also includi...

Page 98: ...omplished through the use of special fit test adapters that temporarily attach to the mask and allow the use of filter cartridges Added benefits of this method are that an integrity test of the mask is performed simultaneously with the fit test and also the hygienic concerns associated with sharing a test mask are greatly reduced Fit Test Adapters are available from the respective respirator manuf...

Page 99: ... The only way to overcome this problem is to pass the air through a HEPA filter just before it reaches the facepiece There is no OSHA requirement to do this type of performance testing Related information located on the TSI Web site http fittest tsi com TSI Application Note ITI 070 Introduction to Respirator Fit Testing TSI Application Note ITI 029 What You Need to Quantitatively Fit Test Various ...

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Page 101: ...95 Appendix G The Rainbow Passage ...

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Page 103: ...rtridge cavity 11 changing alcohol wick 63 clean copy 45 clear tube 8 common problems 40 conduct a fit test 25 conduct fit test 36 conducting fit test 32 connections electrical 9 copy 45 current protocol 35 D daily check 48 daily checks 30 31 data handling 43 database tab 52 date and time 56 deep breathing 36 delete 46 demo database 1 device info 56 dialog box select a respirator 35 disclaimer ii ...

Page 104: ...exercise name 55 next test due in __ months 55 normal breathing 36 37 nozzle cleaning 66 O OK 54 operating modes 47 operation in high humidity 65 OSHA requirements 38 91 overall fit factor 39 equation 86 overview 1 P packing list 5 particle check 31 particle concentration calculating 87 particle count is zero or near zero message 74 particle generator 14 70 important considerations 15 parts identi...

Page 105: ...tup tab 56 shipping 63 sizing 2 smokers 3 software technical reference CD 13 stand alone fit testing 43 stand alone mode 47 48 statistics 45 status messages 61 stop fit test immediately when any exercise fails 55 storage 63 storage cap 5 11 stylus 5 supplies reordering 62 suspicious readings 73 suspiciously high fit factors 41 73 T talking out loud 37 terminate fit test early 60 test sequence 89 t...

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Page 107: ... more information USA Tel 1 800 874 2811 UK Tel 44 149 4 459200 France Tel 33 1 41 19 21 99 Germany Tel 49 241 523030 India Tel 91 80 67877200 China Tel 86 10 8219 7688 Singapore Tel 65 6595 6388 P N 6001868 Rev P 2015 TSI Incorporated Printed in U S A ...

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