English

Presentation of PREMEDIA

A software for estimating the service life of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) cartridge filters

PREMEDIA is a predictive calculation tool for estimating the service life of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) cartridge filters based on conditions encountered and specified by the user.
 
The purpose of this tool is to assist all occupational health and safety operators in determining a cartridge replacement frequency.

This first version is limited to calculating the service life for Type A and Type ABEK cartridges, which are recommended for exposures to gases and organic vapors with boiling points higher than 65 °C.
 
 
Prior to accessing the calculation tool, the user must be in possession of the following data:
  • Identification of the contaminant(s) (3 maximum)
  • Contaminant atmospheric concentrations (measured or estimated)
  • Ambient temperature and relative humidity
  • Estimated workrate(low, average, high)
  • RPE and cartridge characteristics (manufacturer, model)"
The calculation algorithm is based on the Wheeler-Jonas empirical model, complemented by tests conducted at the INRS laboratories. 
The developed method is comprehensively described in INRS documentary memorandum ND 2342 entitled “Outil d'estimation de la durée d'utilisation d'adsorbants” [Estimation tool for adsorbent life]. PREMEDIA calculates exclusively the service life for a new cartridge subject to continuous use.
 
Before resorting to wearing respiratory protective equipment, it is essential (and required by the regulations) to implement other prevention solutions, such as substituting hazardous substances or air treatment techniques (process enclosure, pollutant capture, room ventilation, etc.).
 Usage of RPE is necessary when such measures are technically impossible to apply or are insufficient or require an implementation time. 
The user should refer to Guide ED 6106 entitled “Les appareils de protection respiratoire. Choix et utilisation pour le choix de l'appareil le plus adapté à une situation de travail donnée” [Respiratory protective equipment. Selection and usage of equipment most suited to a given work situation].
 
Manufacturers have designed multiple types of RPE, each adapted to a precise, restricted range of usage situations.
Practical safety datasheet ED 98 entitled “Les appareils de protection respiratoire” [Existing respiratory protective equipment] summarizes possible situations and existing equipment. 
A user may find himself or herself in a very hazardous situation, if the type of equipment selected is unsuitable or if the equipment was used beyond the limits intended by its manufacturer.

PREMEDIA will be directly accessed after acknowledging this warning message.
 

Introduction to PREMEDIA software

Prediction software for RPE cartridge service life.

PREMEDIA is a tool for predicting the service life of respiratory protective equipment cartridge filters. Under no circumstances, may the results provided be extrapolated to other cartridge models or chemical pollutants not covered by the application.

PREMEDIA calculates exclusively the service life for a new cartridge subject to continuous use. Hence, the calculation algorithm excludes the effects of storing the cartridge after initial usage and its re-usage.

Other factors, including unsuitable storage conditions or partially or wrongly characterized exposure, can impact on the real service life of cartridges. 
 
As a result, the recommendations derived from the PREMEDIA tool should be considered with caution. The PREMEDIA user is solely responsible for the ultimate usage of results provided by the calculation.
I accept the conditions of usage and enter the PREMEDIA research module
  INRS website Contact us Learn more About Copyright © INRS 2024