Definition - What does Assigned Protection Factor mean?
Assigned Protection Factor is the numerical indicator of the degree to which a respirator can realistically protect the wearer when it is worn as instructed and it is operating correctly. The measure is indicative of the amount of poison or pollution inhaled by the wearer of the respirator when in hazardous conditions, such as being exposed to vapors and fumes.
SureHire explains Assigned Protection Factor
Employers have a responsibility for maintaining safety in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration prescribes the required standard for Assigned Protection Factors of various types of respirators in order to protect the health and safety of the employee. Assigned Protection Factor is determined through the performance of simulation tests where the effectiveness of the respirator is tested in a variety of hazardous conditions. This is then used to select the correct respirator for the provision of adequate protection to the wearer, given specific workplace conditions.
