Protective Clothing Permeation Testing: Calculations and Presentation of Data
SourceData from protective clothing permeation testing are used to determine which specific protective clothing material will protect a worker better than other similar clothing materials. Currently, data are presented in a graphical form, showing the concentration of challenge chemical in a collection medium versus the elapsed time of chemical contact. The results obtained when using a closed or recirculated collection medium cannot be compared directly with the results when using an open or dynamic collection medium. The relationship between these results and methods for converting to a uniform system of permeation rate versus chemical contact time are presented.
Once in a uniform system, the permeation data are entered into a computer data base with graphical output, thus providing the health professional rapid access to this information.