Analyzing the result of half-mask respirator fit testing in workers exposed to organic solvents and its influencing factors
Objective To analyze the results of fit testing and its influencing factors on half-mask respirator among workers exposed to organic solvents.Methods A total of 84 workers exposed to organic solvents were selected as the research subjects using a convenience sampling method.The qualitative fit test apparatus of respiratory protection was tested after the workers had put on the half-mask respirats,and 11 facial indicators of the subjects were measured.Results The overall pass rate of the respirator fit testing was 71.4%(60/84).The lowest pass rate was 63.1%(53/84),which occurred during bending movements of workers.The head width,minimum forehead width,face length,nose length,nose depth,head circumference and head length were higher in workers who passed respirator fit testing,compared with those in the failing group(all P<0.05).The result of binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender and face width were influencing factors of the respirator fit testing(both P<0.05).Female workers had a lower pass rate of the fit testing than male workers,and workers with larger face width had a lower pass rate in the fit testing.Conclusion.Drastic movement may lead to a decrease in the seal of half-mask respirator of workers exposed to organic solvents.When providing half-mask respirator to workers exposed to organic solvents,employers need to pay attention to the fit of respirators of female works and those with larger face width to ensure the effectiveness of respiratory protection for workers.