This workshop occurred on November 6, 2008.

This workshop focused on the nature and process of product innovation and development in negative pressure half-facepiece respirators to gauge the current "state of the art" and to stimulate new designs or approaches for improved respirator fit. The results of this workshop will lead to a better understanding of how future NIOSH research can encourage on-going development of better fitting respirators without compromising long-term protection.

Below are links to PDF versions of the PowerPoint presentations from the workshop.

Final Report

Overview

"No Fit Test" Respirator Research Workshop Goals
Ron Shaffer, NIOSH

Innovations in Respirator Design and Fit Testing
Lisa Brosseau, U of MN

Describing the Problem

Experiences from Respiratory Protection Program Managers
Natalie Gaydos, PPG

Experiences from Users:

• Describing the Problem: Experiences from Users
  Mark Catlin, SEIU
• Respirator Fit: Experiences And Perspectives Of The AFL-CIO
  Bill Kojola, AFL-CIO
• Construction Respirator Use
  Jim Platner, CPWR

Experiences from Fit Testers:
Respiratory Protection Preparedness at North Carolina Carolina's Health's Departments
Edie Alfano-Sobsey, Wake Human Services, NC

Experiences from Respirator Designers:
Experiences of Small Business Respirator Innovation
Peter Nelson, Breathe Safely

Current Progress Toward Better Fitting Respirators

Overview of NIOSH Research for Improving and Understanding Respirator Fit: Past, Present, and Future
Ron Shaffer, NIOSH

Military Research:
Investigation of Novel Respirator Seal Concepts
Karen Coyne, Aberdeen Proving Ground (this presentation is not available)

Manufacturer Research
Craig Colton, 3M (this presentation is not available)

Large Respirator User Research:
Respirator Projects: Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Lew Radonovich, Veterans Administration

What is Coming in the Future?

No Fit-Test Respirator: Thoughts on Future Research in the Materials and Structures Areas
Sundaresen Jayaraman, Georgia Institute of Technology

Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session I:
New Materials and Designs to Improve Respirator Fit
Facilitator: Sundaresan Jayaraman, Georgia Institute of Technology

Breakout Session II:
New Fit Test Methods to Ensure Long-term Fit
Facilitator: Jim Platner, CPWR

Breakout Session III:
Knowledge Gaps About Fit
Facilitator: Kent Oestenstad, UAB