IOSH 2013: A new dimension in Respirator Integrity Testing allows for the Detection of Leaks

The MITA 8120, an accessory for the PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester is designed to test the integrity of full-face respirators, SCBA’s, APR´s and CBRN masks.

London / Shoreview/Minnesota, February 14th, 2013 – Any user of a respirator requires the highest level of protection. For mask service centres, manufacturers, or such organizations as military, rescue squads in production facilities, or workers in dangerous environments, it is essential to test the devices for their compliance to the highest standards. With the PortaCount, TSI Incorporated (www.tsi.com - IOSH booth no. D 131) already offers a comprehensive tool to quantitatively fit test respirators. Now with MITA, an accessory for the PortaCount, TSI completes the safety solution for fit and mask integrity testing. The Mask Integrity Test Accessory (MITA) 8120 works in tandem with the PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester to test full-face masks for mechanical integrity and leaks and ensure they are functioning as designed. The newly designed and released equipment will be showcased at IOSH 2013 in London.

Now using an aerosol leak test, the overall mask integrity test can be performed. Under extreme conditions of negative pressure and constant flow, the mask is tested on a full head form with a bladder seal system to provide a tight seal for CBRN, APR and SCBA masks and full-face respirator’s of various makes, models and sizes. This setup tests the integrity of the mask or respirator to ensure that high protection factors can be tested for. If the instrument detects a leak in a mask or respirator, the integrated aerosol wand and aerosol generator are used to pinpoint invisible leaks for quick evaluation to determine if repairs are necessary or that the mask or respirator should be taken out of service. More than just a “pass or fail”-result, MITA identifies what needs to be fixed or repaired with the mask or respirator being tested. For that purpose the operator uses the aerosol wand to direct a stream of concentrated particles at specific locations around the mask to pin point the leak. A sudden elevation particle concentration is measured, the operator is alerted by the instrument, repair of the mask can be done on-the-spot.

Other potential weak elements of some masks are the sealing surface of the mask or respirator, the exhalation valve and the drink tube (for CBRN masks). The MITA is capable of testing the integrity of all these elements. MITA can be used with the PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester Models 8020, 8020M, 8030 or 8038; mask adapter kits are available for respirators by all main manufacturers such as Avon, Draeger, Scott, 3M and MSA. Up to 4,000 mask tests can be stored in the internal memory of the instrument, later download to a PC is possible. The MITA in combination with PortaCount allows for easy handling including the easy-to-read display which provides an intuitive step-by-step test sequence. The operator requires minimal training to conduct mask integrity testing, and the menu structure of the MITA eliminates the risk of use error or redundant button pushing. In terms of efficiency, this instrument sets benchmark: Up to 12 - 20 masks per hour can be tested in a quality assurance manner.

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Further information: TSI Instruments Ltd., Stirling Road, Cressex Business Park
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP12 3ST, United Kingdom, Telephone: +44 (0) 149 4 459200, Fax: +44 (0) 149 4 459700

TSI Incorporated (www.tsi.com) serves a global market by investigating, identifying and solving measurement problems. As an industry leader in the design and production of precision instruments, TSI partners with research institutions and customers around the world to set the standard for measurements relating to aerosol science, air flow, health and safety, indoor air quality, fluid dynamics and biohazard detection. With headquarters based in the U.S. and field offices throughout Europe and Asia, TSI has established a worldwide presence. Every day, TSI´s dedicated employees turn research into reality.

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E Mail: team@euromarcom.de, www.euromarcom.de

This release was published on openPR.