ISO 16976-6-2023 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 16976-6:2023 — Respiratory protective devices — Human factors — Part 6: Psycho-physiological effects. Provides guidance and background information on the psycho‑physiological effects associated with wearing respiratory protective devices (RPD) to inform the preparation of standards for selection and use of RPD.

Abstract

This part of ISO 16976 gives information on psycho‑physiological interactions between RPD and the wearer, including physiological and psychological perception, factors that influence wearer acceptance, and the role of training in improving acceptance. It is intended for standards writers and does not set hazard‑specific performance requirements.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 7 February 2023 (February 2023).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.340.30 (Respiratory protective devices).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2023).
• Number of pages: 14 pages (official ISO PDF listing).

Scope

ISO 16976-6:2023 provides principles and information for writers of RPD standards about psycho‑physiological effects arising from wearing RPD. It covers interactions between RPD and human physiological/psychological perception, wearer acceptance, and the need for training to improve acceptance. The document explicitly excludes requirements related to the specific hazard for which an RPD is designed.

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of psycho‑physiological effects of RPD on users (comfort, breathing sensation, perceived exertion, anxiety and stress responses).
• Principles for assessing human perception and acceptance of RPD (psychological factors influencing use and compliance).
• Guidance on the interaction between RPD and physiological systems (perception of breathing resistance, thermal and moisture cues as they affect comfort and tolerance).
• Recommendations on training and information to improve wearer acceptance and correct use of RPD.
• Notes for standards writers on which aspects should be addressed in hazard‑specific performance standards and which remain informational.

Typical use and users

Intended primarily for standards developers and technical committees preparing RPD performance and selection standards. Secondary users include RPD manufacturers, product designers, occupational health and safety professionals, trainers, and regulatory bodies seeking human‑factors guidance when specifying or approving RPD.

Related standards

ISO 16976-6 is part of the ISO 16976 series on human factors for respiratory protective devices. Key related parts include: ISO 16976-1:2022 (metabolic and respiratory flow rates), ISO 16976-2:2022 (anthropometrics), ISO 16976-3:2022 (oxygen/CO2 physiological limits), ISO 16976-4:2023 (work of breathing), ISO 16976-5:2023 (thermal effects), ISO 16976-7:2023 (hearing and speech), and ISO 16976-8:2023 (ergonomic factors). These parts together inform design, testing and selection of RPD.

Keywords

respiratory protective devices; RPD; human factors; psycho‑physiological effects; wearer acceptance; training; comfort; breathing resistance; ISO 16976; ergonomics.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16976-6:2023 is an informational part of the ISO 16976 series that explains psycho‑physiological effects related to wearing respiratory protective devices and provides guidance for those preparing RPD standards.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers principles linking RPD use to human physiological and psychological perception, issues affecting wearer acceptance, and the role of training — but does not set hazard‑specific performance requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Standards developers and committees, RPD manufacturers and designers, occupational health and safety professionals, trainers, and regulators who need human‑factors context for RPD selection and specification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 16976-6:2023 is the current published version (Edition 1, February 2023). It replaces/updates the earlier technical specification ISO/TS 16976-6:2014.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the ISO 16976 series on human factors for respiratory protective devices; other parts cover anthropometrics, metabolic and flow rates, breathing gas limits, thermal effects, hearing and speech, ergonomics, and related topics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Respiratory protective devices, RPD, human factors, psycho‑physiological effects, wearer acceptance, comfort, training, ISO 16976.