The design of improved respirators of painters in the automotive industry

• Main Authors: Galang, Melissa Deza, Lu, Michelle Chua, Ty, Diana Rose So
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Spray painting; Painters > Health and hygiene; Respirators; Breathing apparatus; Industrial hygiene; Respiratory organs > Diseases; Respiratory organs > Diseases > Prevention; Hazardous substances > Safety measures; Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/8964
• Institution: De La Salle University

In industries such as in spray painting, wherein workers are exposed to hazardous vapors, respiratory masks are used to provide appropriate respiratory protection of workers. However, respirators that are available in the local market do not provide adequate comfort and effective seal that limits the inhalation of airborne toxic substances of workers. The purpose of this ergonomic study is to investigate the respirators of auto painters in YY Industrial Products Corporation (YYIPC), with an aim to determine the aspects of the respirator that needs improvement. Need analysis was conducted through a series of surveys that identified the feature of the respirator that needs improvement which includes filtration of odor from substances, strap adjustments and the contour of the facepiece. This was further proven by the gap analysis and fit testing, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), of the current respirator being used by the company along with three other respirators that are sold in the market. With these needs identified, a string of iteration designs were formulated which includes different features of respirators taken from literature and some constructive ideas by the group. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) were conducted to end up with the final design for the model prototype. The final design prototype was then manufactured. The model prototype was tested on the auto painters and the validation showed favorable results for the company.