Workers involved in the production, use, and transportation of liquid and gaseous chemicals can be exposed to numerous compounds capable of causing harm upon contact with the human body. The deleterious effects of these chemicals can range from acute trauma such as skin irritation and burn to chronic degenerative disease such as cancer. Since engineering controls may not eliminate all possible exposures, attention is often placed on reducing the potential for direct skin contact through the use of protective clothing that resists permeation, penetration, and degradation.

This test method is only appropriate for evaluating the integrity of totally encapsulating protective suits, that are designed and manufactured to prevent the inward leakage of gases and vapors. The vapor protection should be tested in accordance with Test Method F 2588. Garments designed to protect from liquid chemicals should be tested in accordance with Test Method F 1359.

This non-destructive test method is useful as a quality control tool for manufactures and as a field method for end users to determine changes in garment integrity following use.

This test method is useful to end users for determining the integrity of vapor protective suits upon receipt from the manufacturer, prior to use, following use and decontamination, following repairs, and as a periodic maintenance test.

1.1 This test method measures the ability of a vapor protective suits, including seams, and closures to maintain a fixed, positive pressure.

1.2 This test method does not measure vapor protection of suits. This test method measures the integrity of the suit, glove, foot protection, and visor materials, as well as the seams, and closures of a vapor protective suit. Exhaust valves fitted in the vapor protective suit must be sealed or blocked for this test and therefore are not functionally tested.

1.3 The values as stated in in.-H₂O (mm-H₂O) units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.