THE DESIGN OF IMPROVED RESPIRATORS OF PAINTERS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

摘要

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 face piece. 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. The model prototype was tested on the auto painters and the validation showed favorable results for the company.