RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT TESTINGLABORATORY (RETL)

RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT TESTINGLABORATORY (RETL)
FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR TESTING OF RESPIRATORY PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (RETL)
INTRODUCTION

Most of the chemicals that are used, handled, processed or manufactured in industries are harmful to the workers in varying degrees. These chemicals may be toxic, corrosive or carcinogenic and may cause health hazards through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. Technological measures are practiced in many industries to control toxic contaminants in work environment. However, there are situations when the use of respiratory devices becomes vital and essential.

Most of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are manufactured in the small scale enterprises. These small scale industries do not possess adequate resources and facilities for testing raw materials and the finished PPE as per the Specifications laid down in relevant Standard prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). They do not also have the research and developmental facilities. Technical guidance and advice is also not readily available to them for improving the quality of these equipment.

It has been observed from the Hand Book of Labour Statistics (1992), of Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour, Government of India, Chandigarh/Shimla that every year more number of workers get exposed to the various types of chemicals and contract occupational diseases. Thus, PPE play an important role in safe-guarding the health of the industrial workers from various occupational diseases, provided they meet the requirements of the specified standard of BIS.

OBJECTIVE
The main objectives of Respiratory Equipment Testing Laboratory are :

1. to develop testing facilities to assess the performance and efficiency of the various respiratory PPE as per BIS Specifications.
2. To render Technical advice to the manufacturers on the functional efficiency and the quality improvement and guidance to the user industries on selection, use, care and maintenance of the respiratory PPE.

AMENDMENT IN THE FACTORIES ACT

First Schedule {Section 2 (cb)} of the Factories (Amendment) Act, 1987 provides the list of 29 different industries involving hazardous processes.

Second Schedule (Section 41-F) lists the permissible levels of 117 toxic chemicals causing various occupational diseases by entering into body through the vital respiratory mode. In view of this, it is of foremost importance to use various respiratory PPE as the preventive measures against these toxic chemicals.

Rule 81 of Model Rules under the Factories Act, 1948 (corrected upto 31.3.1987), Government of India, prescribes the use of various PPE.

ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Disposable dust masks
A simple, inexpensive, comfortable and disposable type dust mask was developed by this Laboratory. It was made from low cost man-made fibres by the die-punch moulding technique. Developed masks were subjected to performance tests in accordance with the U.S. Bureau of Mines specifications. Extensive work was carried out on these masks to determine the performance parameters such as filtering efficiency, breathing resistance and mechanical strength. The complete know-how data was transferred to the National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC), New Delhi for its transmission to the industries for its commercial production.
2. Present Testing Facilities :

Now, this Laboratory is equipped with the facilities to undertake the testing of canister, cartridge type respirators and dust respirators as per the Standard specifications laid down by the BIS.

Canister and cartridge type respirators are tested against the following gases and vapour.

1. Chlorine
2. Ammonia
3. Sulphur dioxide
4. Hydrogen sulphide and
5. Organic vapour.

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TYPES OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND RELATED TESTS

Type of PPE BIS Standard and related Tests

Type of PPE BIS Standard and related Tests
CANISTER TYPE (Gas Mask)  IS : 8523 – 1977*
	Performance Tests :
Front or Back Mounted	Breathing Resistance :
Chin Type	Inhalation Resistance and Exhalation Resistance
Escape Type	Life and efficiency of sorbents against the specific gas/vapour: With Equilibration and Without Equilibration Valve leakage test and Face piece fitness test.
CARTRIDGE TYPE IS:8522 – 1977*
Similar tests as mentioned above
DUST RESPIRATOR IS:9473 – 1980*
Reaffirmed in February, 1991	Breathing Resistance : With Equilibration and Without Equilibration. Efficiency of the filter against silica dust Valve leakage test Pressure tightness test and Coal dust tightness test (face piece fitness test)

ASPECTS ON WHICH THE USER INDUSTRIES ARE ADVISED

Type of PPE Quality and performance Workers’ views/suggestions towards the acceptability/suitability of PPE Managements’ views Awareness to proper selection, use, care and maintenance of PPE.

ASPECTS CONSIDERED FORADVISING THE MANUFACTURE

Anthropometric data. Ergonomic design Convenience and comfort during use Quality and reliability and Suitability under tropical conditions

INSTITUTIONAL FEE

Institutional fee is nominal and is basically promotional in nature. The current institutional fee for the service rendered by the Laboratory for testing of various types of respiratory PPE is levied as given below:

                        Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment

Sl. No.	Type of Respirator	Institute Fee (Per Sample)
1	Canister Type	Rs. 725/-
2	Combination of Cartridge and Mechanical Type (Particulate Filter)	Rs. 725/-
3	Cartridge Type	Rs. 725/-
4	Mechanical Type	Rs. 725/-
5.	Breathing Air Cylinder	Rs. 725/-

...

Non – Respiratory Testing laboratory (NRTL)
Facilities available FOR testing of non – respiratory personal protective equipment (NRPPE)

Adequate protection of body is essential in order to ensure the safety of human life at work in every industry though the nature of protection varies from industry to industry and is dependent not only on the type of operation but also on the kind of hazard associated. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are always recommend for use in industry to protect the workmen against physical, chemical, and biological agents which possess hazard potentials of causing harmful health effects to the workers. Various engineering control method and technologies are generally applied to minimise the degree and intensity of such occupational hazards ,but in case of certain industrial hazards ,but in case of certain industrial situations ,there is no choice but to recommend the use of PPE . The magnitude of use of problem of using PPE in industries have increased in the recent years due to the growth of modern technologies and effective safety awareness programme.

It has been well recognized that the degree of protection provided by the PPE to the workers greatly depends upon their selection, use, and the extent of their performance in actual operation. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (ppe) by the employees in the factories under different situations, is a statutory provisions made under Sections 32,35 and 36 of the Factories Act, 1948. The Bureau Of Indian Standards (BIS) has brought out many standards on Personal Protective Equipment for protection of eyes, face, ears, feet, legs ,hand, head, etc. in addition to guidelines for selection and use of such equipment. However, the testing facilities available in the few institutes in the country is not sufficient to ensure the quality of products as per the Bureau Of Indian Standards.

Therefore ,the Central Labour Institute , Mumbai has set up to a Non-Respiratory Equipment Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to carry out Performance test for different types of PPE’s as per the standards laid down by the BIS .The laboratory is equipped with all the sophisticated equipment that are needed for testing of PPE. At present the laboratory undertakes testing of samples of PPE and issues performance test reports in regard to the quality of protective appliances.

The various tests that could be undertaken by the laboratory as per the standards of the BIS are given in details.

Types of Personal Protective Equipment and Various Tests
Name of PPE	Tests that are carried out
Safety Helmet	IS:2925-1984 Clearance above the head and the wearing height Shock absorption resistance Penetration resistance Flammability Resistance Water Absorption Heat Resistance Sterilization Corrosion Resistance of metal parts
Eye Protectors Safety Goggles Safety Spectacle	IS:5983-1980IS:7524(Part-I)-1979 Non-Optical tests Stability at elevated temperature Test for Robustness Resistance to corrosion of metal parts Suitability for Disinfection Proof against chemical splashes IS:7524(Part-II)-1979 Optical Tests Spherical, cylindrical and Prismatic powers Determination of transmittance (UV/VIS/IR) Quality of material & Surface
Welding Helmets Welding Hand Shield	IS: 1179 -1967 Corrosion Resistance of metal parts Disinfection Flammability
Filter :-- Welding Filter ,Ultra Violet Filter, Infra Red Filter	IS:1179-1967/IS:5983-1980 Stability at elevated temperature Optical-Power Spherical , Daylight Filter Cylindrical , Prismatic Robustness Transmittance
Filter Cover	IS:1179-1967/IS:5983-1980 Stability at elevated temperature Optical-Power Spherical , Daylight Filter Cylindrical , Prismatic Robustness Transmittance
Visor	IS:9973-1981 Impact Resistance Penetration Resistance FlammabilityPower Spherical & Cylindrical Prismatic Transmittance
Face Shield with Plastic Visor	IS:8521(Part-I)-1977 IS:8521(Part-I)-1994 Visual and Dimensional Examination Impact Resistance Visible Transmittance Flammability Disinfection
Safety Shoes (a)Leather Safety Shoes	IS:5852-1996 / IS:11226 –1993 Impact test for protective  steel toe caps IS:5914-1970 Leather Sole Apparent density Water Absorption Total Ash pH of water soluble IS:11226-1993/IS:13469-1992 Rubber/ PVC Sole and heels Flex Resistance testing (Ross Flexing) IS:3400(Part-XVI-)/12240(Part-7) Relative DensityIS:3400-1978 (Part-IX)/12240(Part-3) HardnessIS3400(Part-II)/ 12240(Part-6)-1988 Electrical resistivity(Antistatic) IS:3400(Part-XV)-1971 Oil ResistanceIS:11226/13469-1992 Chemical Resistance IS:11226-1993/IS:13469-1992 Tensile Strength Elongation at breakIS:11226-1993/IS:13469-1992 IS:2961-1973 IS:5677-1986 Chrome upper leather Tensile Strength Elongation at Break Water absorption Stitch tear strength Tongue tear resistance Heat Resistance Chromium content as Cr2O3 Rubber PVC Sole and heels Flex Resistance testing (Ross Flexing) IS:3400(Part-XVI-)/12240(Part-7 Relative DensityIS:3400-1978 (Part-IX)/12240(Part-3) HardnessIS3400(Part-II)/12240(Part-6)-1988 Electrical resistivity (Antistatic) IS:3400(Part-XV)-1971 Oil ResistanceIS:11226/13469-1992 Chemical Resistance IS:11226-1993/IS:13469-1992 Tensile Strength Elongation at break IS:11226-1993/IS:13469-1992
(b) Rubber /PVC Knee Boots ( Gum Boots )	IS:12254-1993 IS-13695-1993 Rubber/PVC Sole and heels Impact test (IS:12254) Thickness Flex resistance testing (Ross Flexing) IS:3400(Part-XVI-)/12240(Part-7)-1988. HardnessIS3400(Part-II)/12240(Part-6)-1988 Lead Content IS:12254-1993 Volatility IS:12254-1993 Relative Density IS:3400(Part-IX)-1978/IS:12254-1993 Tensile Strength and elongation at break IS: 12240 (Part-6)-1988 IS:13695-1993/IS:12254-1993 Rubber –upper testing – Thickness Relative density Hardness Aging tests-heat treatment IS-3400(Part-IV) Adhesion test –fabric and rubber IS-3400(Part-V) Oil Resistance test Air leakage Resistance
Hand protectors Safety Gloves(Natural Rubber Synthetic Rubber etc.)	IS:4770-1991 Thickness Tensile Strength Elongation at break Tear strength Tension set Tensile Stress at 200% elongation Moisture Absorption After ageing Tensile Strength Elongation at break Test Potential and Leakage current Breakdown voltage
Safety Clothing /SafetyGloves ( Leather )	IS:2573-1986 Size and Dimension Tensile Strength Elongation at break Crackiness of grain Chromium Content pH value
Hand protectors Safety Clothing (PVC Coated fabrics Double textured rubberized Water proof ness fabrics)	IS:6110-1983 IS:3322(Part-I)-1987 Water proofness test Breaking Strength Longitudinal direction Transverse direction Accelerated Ageing Resistance to cold Resistance to acid & alkali.

INSTITUTIONAL FEE

The present charges for the services rendered by the laboratory for testing of different types of Non-Personal Protective Equipment are given below:

            Non- Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment  

Type of Respirator	Institute Fee (Per Sample)
Safety Goggles, Safety Helmet, Face Shield, Safety Hand-gloves, Safety Ear Muff and Ear Plug, Chemical Apron / Suit	Rs. 725/-
Steel toe cap and Upper Leather and Sole of Safety shoe	Rs. 2175/-
Safety Belt & Full Body Harness	Rs. 2425/-

* The samples along with institute fee (Demand Draft in favour of Central Labour
   Institute, Mumbai) should be submitted 15 days in advance for reports.



 Flame Proof Equipment Approval

Flameproof Enclosures Approval

DGFASLI is the approving authority for granting approvals to the flameproof enclosures being used in manufacturing process covered by the Factories Act, 1948, as per IS: 2148-1981. DGFASLI is also granting approvals to other equipment like increase safety, intrinsically safe equipment, subject to the fulfillment of the requirements of the Code of Practice IS 13408 (Part I)-1992.

(A) The process of certification:

1. Equipment has to be tested by approved testing authority.
2. Carbon copy of test report of the equipment and attested copy/copies of drawing(s) certified by the testing authority must be submitted for approval
3. Chemical composition analysis of light material used such as LM4, LM6 must be carried out in a Government recognized testing laboratory and a copy of the report shall be submitted along with the proposal. The chemical analysis report shall be of the material used for the prototype.
4. For gas Group II C enclosures in addition to the requirements at 1, 2 & 3 above, the details of the client to whom the equipment is being supplied shall be furnished.
5. The approval for gas Group II A and II B pro-type is valid for a period of five years after which it shall be revalidated.

2. PROCEDURE FOR REVALIDATION OF APPROVAL

1. The party/manufacturer shall submit the proposal for revalidation to DGFASLI at least three months in advance along with application for revalidation of approvals and following documents :–

1. the mailing list of customers, along with their contact numbers, to whom the equipment has been supplied;
2. a certificate on the letter head of the company/firm that such equipment for revalidation has/have not undergone any change in design during the period and that the equipment has/have been manufactured strictly in accordance with the drawing specifications certified by the testing authority and is/are identical with the one tested and certified by the testing authority.
3. a copy of the valid BIS licence duly attested by the company/firm;
4. a copy of approval(s) including permissible variations, issued by DGFASLI, duly attested.

For further validation of approval of such equipment after five years (i.e. 10 years from the first approval), further approval shall be issued after re-testing of the said equipment by approved testing authority. The procedure for approval shall be as per instruction given in (A) above.