Workers involved in the production, use, and transportation of liquid and gaseous chemicals can be exposed to numerous compounds capable of causing harm upon contact with the human body. The deleterious effects of these chemicals can range from acute trauma such as skin irritation and burn to chronic degenerative disease such as cancer. Since engineering controls may not eliminate all possible exposures, attention is often placed on reducing the potential for direct skin contact through the use of protective clothing that resists permeation, penetration, and degradation.

This test method is only appropriate for chemical protective ensembles, such as totally encapsulating protective suits, that are designed and manufactured to prevent the inward leakage of solids, liquids, gases, and vapors. Garments designed to prevent the penetration of solid and liquid chemicals should be tested according to Test Method F 1359.

This non-destructive test method is useful as a quality control tool for manufactures and as a field method for end users to determine changes in garment integrity following use.

This test method is useful to end users for determining the integrity of vapor protective suits upon receipt from the manufacturer, prior to use, following use and decontamination, following repairs, and as a periodic maintenance test.

1.1 This test method measures the ability of a vapor protective ensemble (VPE), including seams, and closures to maintain a fixed, positive pressure.

1.2 This test method measures the integrity of the suit, glove, boot/bootie, and visor materials, as well as the seams, and closures of a VPE. Exhaust valves fitted in the VPE must be sealed or blocked for this test and therefore are not functionally tested.

1.3 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.