ABSTRACT
We evaluated a loose-fitting head cover Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) and two full hood PAPRs for communication-intensive workers such as air traffic controllers. We measured sound levels of respirator blowers and analyzed the
frequency spectrum of the blowers. Nine volunteers participated in speech intelligibility and visual performance experiments for three days. Our results showed that wearing a PAPR negatively affected both face-to-face and headset communications, usability, and comfort level significantly. The characteristics of the respirator, especially the sound level and frequency spectrum of the noise, played a significant role.
