Re: Effects of Respirators on Worker Efficiency

[Peter.Darnell%EM@em.doe.gov]

Message authorized by:
    : Thomas_E_Tom_Bratvold@RL.gov_at_INTERNET at X400PO
     
     I know that we're not a "10 CFR 20" site, but we are worried about 
     worker productivity losses from wearing PPE too!  Starting sometime in 
     July, the site contractor will be conducting field measurements and 
     observations of workers working in PPE.  The study goal is to look for 
     ways to reduce the overall risk to the worker.  We (the local DOE and 
     the site contractor) expect to find correlation between risk threshold 
     and amount of PPE, Heat, etc.  From the data, we hope to be able to 
     draw conclusions regarding worker productivity.  If you're interested, 
     I'll keep you posted regarding the study.  Right now, we're developing 
     the test plan.
     
     Otherwise, if you're trying to assign a productivity factor based on 
     PPE - FORGET IT!  It's all guesswork.  We've been looking around (for 
     a year) trying to find some type of defensible guidance and it's just 
     not there.  The controlled atmosphere testing doesn't really fit with 
     the reality of field work.  If you honestly research it, you'll find 
     that the 20 - 25% number thrown around industry is not defensible.  I 
     think the book covering the worker efficiency topic is at the end of 
     the rainbow.
     
     As always, these are solely my opinions and do not necessarily reflect 
     the opinions of my employer.
     
     Pete Darnell
     Health Physicist
     US DOE - Fernald
     513-648-3182
     peter.darnell@fernald.gov


______________________________ Reply Separator 
_________________________________
Subject: Effects of Respirators on Worker Efficiency
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu_at_INTERNET at X400PO
Date:    5/15/97 3:40 PM


Errors-To: melissa@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu 
Originator: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu 
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X-Comment:  Radiation Safety Distribution List
     
     Greetings,
     
     In light of the 1995 EPRI study regarding respiratory protection and 
     worker efficiency (EPRI TR-105350, Project 3099), have any of the 
     10CFR20 folks reevaluated the use of default efficiency loss factors 
     in the 20-25% range?  If you have established a new default efficiency 
     loss factor, what are you using?
     
     In general, I am interested in any feedback regarding the use and 
     magnitude of general efficiency loss factors.
     
     If possible, I prefer to avoid discussing the strengths and weaknesses 
     of the EPRI study and focus on whether or not this information has 
     changed the way that you are doing business.
     
     Thank you for your time,
     
     Thomas Bratvold
     Hanford Site
     thomas_e_tom_bratvold@rl.gov
     (509) 376-9698