Document peBLORk8Rd0ZE5GyOZKnbJ6Qd
FILE NAME: Mine Safety Appliances (MSA)
DATE: 1972 Apr 17
DOC#: MSA004
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo RE Respirators: Welsh 7165 Disposable vs. Dustfoe 77 Permanent Type
HAROLD NIX & ASSOC..
ID: 1-903-645-5228
JUN 0 3 '98 15:59 N o .002 P.03
l'isaarcr. * nginorin Cintsr April 12. 19 72
MEMO RAN C'JM;
C- L. Sheck1er 3 . Spell O'. D- Torrance
APR 1 7 1^72
RESPIRATORS: WELSH 7165 DISPOSABLE VS DOSTFOE 77 PERMANENT TYPE
C. Sheckler, S. Speil and G. A. Wail discussed respirators on 4/7/72. The purpose or the meeting was to review .existing data and explore possible approaches to prove that the Welsh 7165 is more efficient and comfortable than older, heavier respirators, as typified by the Dustfoe 77, so as to find justification to reduce point assignments made under Factor "Surroundings" in Job Evaluation, as well as 10% Respirator Allowance in Wage Incentive Standards, when respirators are required to be worn.
I. The respirator testing program, sponsored by J-M at
McGill University, proves that the Welsh 7185 is
both more efficient and less uncomfortab le than the
Dustfoe 77.
Cond. I (1-25 Fibers)
Welsh 7165 Dustfoe 77
Efficiency - Gravametrie
"ST.'S"
85.3
- Fiber count
90.2
ai.5
Resistance to Breathina (Pressure drop across filter)
.34-. 90 *
.22-,40
Overall Evaluation Level of aust concentration Efficiency Ease of breathing Tightness eft. (no leaks)
1 3 . 5o 90.2%
99.94 96.3
24.28
31.5%. 99.82 94.3
' Finding is inconsistent with other tests. run a verification test.
McGill should
C. Sheckler and S. Speil stated that they could build a convincing story, using tr.e McGill rest data, as to the benefits or using the Welsh 716 5 .
II. There is need for a "people comfort" test to back up the McGill test results, All present: agreed fr.at a test, conducted by J-M engineers, using salaried employees, w c sa suspect, and that a .similar program using hourly errl: in J-M plants was unde3 i r a b l e .
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Y/**
c? V - /# v<P
06/03/98 18:08
TX/RX NO.2241
P.003
HAROLD NIX a ASSOC..
ID :1-903-645-5228
JUN 0 3 '99 15-59 N o .002 P . 04
MEMORANDUMS
RESPIRATONS
-2 -
`
A p r il 12, 1972
0- 'heckler suggested t h c c 3.- Stapleton might be asked to conduct a test, using non-union Labor in contract units. A
test program would be developed and a questionnaire set up, so that groups of craftsmen would wear each type of mask and respond as to their findings. Such a program would involve construction workers, rather than industrial workers
J-M also might contract, with an outside institution, such as the Industrial Health Foundation, to conduct an impartial outside study following critera established by J-M as to test program, time limits, number of people involved, ques tionnaire resoonses, etc. Such a program might cost $5,000 $ 1 0 ,0 0 0 .
III.
It was agreed that J-M has many sales points which wouia be
helpful in discussing allowances for respirator usage with J-M unions:
A. The Welsh mask is more expensive. It costs $1.75 for
1-day use vs $7.50 for a permanent mask plus $.35 for
a replaceable filter.
-
B. Each man gets a new, personal mask each day. It is clean and sterile.
C. The Welsh respirator is more efficient in protecting the health of the wearer.
D. It is also lighter in weight, less uncomfortable to wear, easier to breathe through, and generates less condensa tion. The Wearer's field of vision is increased, particularly when glasses are also worn.
IV. It was agreed that:
A. with new Bureau of Labor regulations expected on June 6, prompt decision as to program required and action on the program is needed.
B. Labor Relations advice should be secured as to salability of reduced allowances to unions (especially at M a n v i H e plant) if right information is made available.
vi.
C. If a "people comfort" study is undertaken, all concerned should cooperate in establishing the test criterion, program and questionnaire.
D. Torrance expects to review this matter with J. . Hesse and A. 3. Marchant in Denver on April 11.
i
* . wall orporate Industrial Engineering
Oo
06/03/98 18:08
TX/RX NO.2241
P.004