M677-99 (R2009)

Purpose and Scope

1.1
Mobile equipment such as tractors and self-propelled sprayers are often used in agricultural operations where pesticides are present. Such operations usually require the operator to use personal protective equipment (PPE). The type of cab used to provide respiratory and skin protection is termed ECPAR - an enclosed cab for pesticide application incorporating respiratory protection. These cabs may have a circulating internal air supply which has been purified using a series of filters an d/or air purifying devices. These devices lower the airborne contamination inside the cab by reducing the concentration of particulate matter, aerosols, certain gases and vapours.

1.2
This Standard provides a procedure for testing and demonstrating the capacity and efficiency of the gas and vapour air purifying device under laboratory conditions. This Standard may yield an estimation of the service life under field conditions.

1.3
This Standard addresses the terminology, definitions, test procedures, and operating practices for testing with a test vapour the air purifying device of an enclosed agricultural cab, which meets the provisions of ASAE S525-1. The test procedure provides information on the integrity of the filter design. The performance criteria are based on reducing the levels of pesticides in the air flow passing through the filter into an enclosed cab to at least 1/50 of the level outside the cab. This is the level of reduction specified for full face respirators. The estimated service life of the device is determined by the t est procedures. The scope of the Standard covers pesticides, excluding fumigants.