Teleconference between OSHA, SOL, and TSI Incorporated personnel  -  April 20, 2018

The following individuals participated in the teleconference:
U.S. Department of Labor Participants:
From OSHA - Thomas Nerad, Natalia Stakhiv, Thomas Mockler, Sutton Puglia.
From SOL -  Jennifer Levin 
TSI participants - Derrick Niccum, Greg Olsen, Daniel Happe, Troy Tillman

The purpose of the teleconference was for OSHA to learn how the new PortaCount(R) 8040/8048 models differ from the 8030/8038 models.  This was of interest to OSHA because only the 8030/8038 models were employed in the published studies that TSI conducted to demonstrate their new, abbreviated quantitative fit-testing protocols.  OSHA's concern was whether the new 8040/8048 models calculate fit factor in the same manner as the older 8030/8038 models.  If this were not the case, then the results of the published studies would not be applicable to the newer 8040/8048 models.  OSHA also wanted to determine if the 8030/8038 models could be upgraded with software that would allow them to do equivalent testing as the new 8040/8048 models.  If this were not the case it could have significantly affected the FEA calculations.  
TSI stated that the new 8040/8048 models calculate fit factor in the same way as the 8030/8038 models, utilizing the same measurement engine and flow rates.  The 8040/8048 models differ from the 8030/8038 models only in ways that do not affect fit factor calculations, such as offering a new user interface, new packaging, and training.  Therefore, the results of the published studies are applicable to the new 8040/8048 models.  TSI confirmed that it is still selling, supporting, and calibrating the older 8030/8038 models at this time.  TSI stated that it makes available software upgrades at no cost to owners of 8030/8038 models.  Therefore, the same testing may be conducted using both the 8030/8038 models and the new 8040/8048 models, including the faster QNFT fit test protocols. 


