Positive pressure test apparatus for facepiece respirator

A full facepiece respirator comprising:

• a facepiece having a main mask section, and inner mask section, a head harness, and a visor,
• wherein the main mask section has a front port, which communicates with the inner mask section, in which an exhalation valve is positioned;
• and
• a positive pressure test apparatus comprising a cover portion comprising a central bore having an inwardly directed shoulder at the base of said bore,
• a plunger comprising a stem having a button portion on one end and a flange portion on the opposite end, said button and flange portions having diameters greater than said stem, said flange portion being sized and shaped to cover the effective area of said exhalation valve,
• wherein said stem is situated within said central bore, said button portion extends above the surface of said cover portion in a rest position, and said flange portion extends below said inwardly directed shoulder,
• bias means located in engagement with said button and said shoulder for biasing said plunger from said rest position to a depressed position wherein said button is flush with the surface of said cover portion and said flange portion seals said exhalation valve, and
• mounting means for attaching said positive pressure test apparatus to said main mask section.

A method of fit testing a facepiece respirator having an exhalation valve and a positive pressure test apparatus comprising a cover portion having a central bore, a plunger, having a stem with a button portion on one end and a flange portion on the opposite end, wherein said stem is situated within said central bore, said button portion extends above the surface of said cover portion in a rest position, and bias means for biasing said plunger from said rest position to a depressed position, comprising:

• (a) placing said respirator over a user's head and face and adjusting said respirator until comfortable and securely in position;
• (b) depressing said button portion, thereby biasing said plunger from said rest position to said depressed position wherein said button is flush with the surface of said cover portion and said flange portion seals said exhalation valve;
• (c) exhaling into said respirator, while said plunger is in said depressed position, such that said respirator is distended for a predetermined period of time;
• and
• (d) releasing said button portion, thereby biasing said plunger from said depressed position to said rest position wherein said button portion extends above the surface of said cover portion and said flange portion is removed from said exhalation valve allowing said user to exhale through said exhalation valve.