These practices establish standard procedures designed for qualitatively evaluating the performance characteristics of chemical-protective suit ensembles in terms of comfort, fit, function, and durability.

These practices are suitable for both end users and manufacturers to evaluate performance characteristics of ensembles and ensemble components.

End users may use these practices to qualitatively determine how well ensembles and ensemble components (gloves, boots, breathing apparatus, communications systems, and cooling devices) meet their particular application.

Manufacturers of ensembles and ensemble components may use these practices to determine the qualitative performance characteristics in existing or proposed designs.

Procedure A permits a qualitative evaluation of chemical-protective suit integrity (materials, seams, and components) by subjecting the protective ensemble to a manned exercise routine. Option B permits a qualitative evaluation of ensemble and component function. Each procedure can be used to assess ensemble comfort and fit by relating test subject responses and by comparing the dimensions and weights of both the test subject and suit.

Note 1—The accumulation of suit and human subject dimension data may eventually be used by manufacturers or end users in standards to improve the sizing of chemical-protective suits and the integration of ensemble components in protective ensembles.

The use of these practices is for qualitative purposes only. In general, results from use of these practices on one type ensemble may not be comparable to other test results on a different ensemble due to the subjective nature of test results.

These practices are not intended to assess heat stress resulting from wearing a chemical-protective ensemble, although thermal comfort of the suit ensemble may be subjectively evaluated.

End users and manufacturers of chemical-protective ensembles and ensemble components should consider these practices to be minimum procedures for evaluating ensemble and component performance characteristics. Users of these practices may wish to consider additional tests and procedure that relate directly to their particular application. Each facility performing these practices should establish its own criteria for assessing acceptable ensemble performance.

1.1 These practices are intended for evaluating chemical-protective ensembles and ensemble components to determine the suitability of the ensemble or ensemble components in a work environment on the basis of its comfort, fit, function, and durability.

1.1.1 Option A

is a manned exercise scenario intended to test the strength and durability of the ensemble components.

1.1.2 Option B

is a manned work task scenario intended to determine human factor characteristics and the ability of the suited test subject to perform tasks that may be encountered on a routine basis in a typical work environment.

1.2 These practices apply to most chemical-protective ensembles and ensemble components.

1.3 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.

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. Specific safety precautions are given in Section 7.