Assessment of the NIOSH Head-and-Face Anthropometric Survey of U.S. Respirator Users (2007)
Chapter: Appendix A Data Sources and Methods
A
Data Sources and Methods
The Committee on the Assessment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH’s) Head-and-Face Anthropometric Survey of U.S. Respirator Users conducted four in-person meetings, heard from subject matter experts, and reviewed a wide body of technical literature prior to making its final findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
In accordance with National Academies’ procedures, a list of the committee members was posted for public comment for 20 days prior to the first committee meeting, and members of the public were given the opportunity to provide comment on the committee’s work throughout the course of the study.
The committee was provided a copy of NIOSH’s 2004 report A Head-and-Face Anthropometric Survey of U.S. Respirator Users in addition to copies of other relevant articles: Analysis of 3D Data for the Improvement of Respirator Seals—Final Report (2004), Study Protocol— Anthropometric Survey of Respirator Users (2001), Supporting Statement—Anthropometric Survey of Respiratory Users (2002),Program to Establish Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing at NIOSH TCB (1977), Respirator Studies for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (1976), Selection of Respirator Test Panels Representative of U.S. Adult Facial Sizes (1976), Final Report—Anthropometry for Respirator Sizing (1972), Appendix A—References and Background Bibliography on Anthropometry (1944-1970) and Respiratory Protective Devices (1919-1962) (1970), and Appendix B—General Qualifications, Experience and Facilities—Personnel Resumes (1970) provided by the sponsor. Additionally, the committee reviewed a wide body of other technical literature written by industrial hygienists, dentists, plastic surgeons, anthropolo-
gists, and other experts concerned with and experienced in measuring the head and facial features of persons.
MEETINGS
The committee’s first meeting was held on November 3-4, 2005. During the course of that meeting, the committee became acquainted with each other and with their charge. They also heard from the sponsor regarding their view on the study.
A second meeting of the committee was held on December 8-9, 2005. The committee used this meeting to gain a deeper understanding of the sponsor’s perspectives on the study of the potential impact the revised panel will have on outside parties.
Following that second meeting, the work of that committee was put on hold, so that several members of that committee and the Academies staff could answer an urgent request from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the potential reusability of respirators (see the IOM report Reusability of Facemasks During an Influenza Pandemic: Facing the Flu, 2006). During this interim period, the committee continued to communicate via e-mail and discuss questions central to their statement of task.
The committee’s work resumed on July 10-11, 2006, with a meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this meeting the committee heard from respirator manufacturers and the sponsor. Additionally, the committee was given the opportunity to tour the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratories (NPPTL).
The committee’s final meeting was held in Irvine, California, on August 23-24, 2006. This served as a writing meeting for the committee wherein they came to consensus on their conclusions and recommendations and the structure of the report.
Agendas for the open meetings are provided in Boxes A-1 through A-3.
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BOX A-2 Agenda: Committee Meeting Thursday, December 8, 2005 Washington, D.C. Keck Center, Room 206 OPEN SESSION
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BOX A-3 Agenda: Committee Meeting Number 3 Monday, July 10, 2006 Pittsburgh, PA National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Bldg. 140 (Conference Room) OPEN SESSION
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