Using a Grain Dust Simulator with a Manikin System to Evaluate Performances of Commonly Used Respirators

Highlights This research incorporated and validated a manikin-based testing system with a grain dust simulator to simulate respirators’ performance in a laboratory setting. Four commonly used respirators were quantified to estimate their SWPFs in a simulated grain-dust environment and compared to real-time dust measurements collected in on-farm grain bins. A successful simulator can advance agricultural health research where variables can be manipulated based on real-time factors to make respirator recommendations for farm use. Abstract. Grain dust is a major health risk for farmers working at on-farm grain storage facilities. To reduce exposure, farmers are advised to wear filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). A Grain Dust Simulator (GDS) was verified to simulate dusty grain storage environments in a laboratory setting. This study combined the GDS with a manikin system to evaluate the protection performance of four common respiratory protection devices (RPDs), where tests were conducted under four respirable dust concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg m -3 ) and two inhalation flow rates (30 and 85 Lmin -1 ). Results showed that the manikin–GDS platform was validated for Simulated Workplace Protection Factors (SWPF) under simulated grain bin conditions, with good repeatability. The quantified and compared SWPFs of four respirator types in a simulated grain-dust environment showed clear performance differences, including validation that the nuisance dust mask is not recommended for the grain bin environment. With a specific focus on grain dust hazards, this research supports agricultural safety and health professionals’ recommendations for farmers to better understand on-farm respiratory hazards and selection of appropriate protective equipment.