ASTM F2588-12(2020)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2588 − 12 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Man-In-Simulant Test (MIST) for Protective Ensembles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2588; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F1359/F1359MTest Method for Liquid Penetration Resis-
tance of Protective Clothing or Protective Ensembles
1.1 This test method specifies the test equipment and
Under a Shower Spray While on a Manikin
procedures for conducting tests to estimate the entry of
F1494Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
chemical agent vapor simulant through protective ensembles
F1731Practice for Body Measurements and Sizing of Fire
while worn by test subjects.
andRescueServicesUniformsandOtherThermalHazard
1.2 This test method permits the evaluation of protective
Protective Clothing
ensembles consisting of protective garments or suits, gloves,
2.2 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Stan-
footwear, respirators, and interface devices.
dards:
1.3 The results of this test method yield local physiological
NFPA1971StandardonProtectiveEnsemblesforStructural
protective dosage factors at individual locations of the human
and Proximity Fire Fighting
body as well as a systemic physiological protective dosage
NFPA 1994Standard on Protective Ensembles for CBRN
factor for the entire ensemble.
Terrorism Incidents
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4
2.3 U.S. Military Publication:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Test Operations Procedure (TOP 10-2-022)Man-In-Simu-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
lant Test (MIST)—Chemical Vapor Testing of Chemical/
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Biological Protective Suits, September 2001
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1 Definitions:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.1 chemicalagentvaporsimulant,n—asubstanceusedto
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
replicate vapor characteristics of a chemical agent which is a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
more toxic substance.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—In this test method, methyl salicylate is
used as a chemical agent vapor simulant for the blister agent,
2. Referenced Documents
distilled mustard.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.2 chemical terrorism agent, n—a liquid, solid, gaseous,
E171/E171MPractice for Conditioning andTesting Flexible
or vapor chemical warfare agent or a toxic industrial chemical
Barrier Packaging
usedtoinflictlethalorincapacitatingcasualties,generallyona
F1052Test Method for Pressure Testing Vapor Protective
civilian population as a result of a terrorist attack.
Suits
F1154Practices for Evaluating the Comfort, Fit, Function,
3.1.3 interface area, n—alocationonthebodywheretwoor
and Durability of Protective Ensembles, Ensemble
more protective clothing items (for example, suits, garments,
Elements, and Other Components
hoods, gloves, footwear, respirators, or other items) come into
contact.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Interfaces are potential breaches that
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF23onPersonal
could allow entry of chemicals into the interior of the protec-
ProtectiveClothingandEquipmentandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommittee
tive ensemble.
F23.30 on Chemicals.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2020. Published January 2020. Originally
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F2588–12. DOI:
10.1520/F2588-12R20.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on U.S. Army Developmental Test Command (DTC), ATTN: CSTE-DTC-TT-S,
the ASTM website. Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5055.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2588 − 12 (2020)
3.1.4 interface device, n—an item of the ensemble that is 5. Significance and Use
intended to provide protection to the interface area.
5.1 This test method is intended to evaluate the penetration
3.1.5 local physiological protective dosage factor (PPDF ), and permeation resistance for complete ensembles to vapors
I
from chemical warfare agents and other chemical substances.
n—a physiological protective dosage factor at a specific
5.1.1 This test method differs from Test Method F1052 by
location on the body.
providing an evaluation of ensembles worn on human test
3.1.5.1 Discussion—In this test method, local physiological
subjectsandmeasuringtheinwardleakageofachemicalagent
protectivedosagefactorsaremeasuredat30differentlocations
vapor simulant as it would be absorbed by the wearer’s skin.
on the body.
Test Method F1052 is not applicable to the range of protective
3.1.6 onset of symptoms exposure dosage (OSED), n—the
ensembles that are evaluated by this test method.
dosage that causes threshold effects to the average human.
5.1.2 This test method differs from Test Method F1359/
F1359M by using a chemical agent vapor simulant as com-
3.1.7 passive adsorbent dosimeters (PADs), n—two-sided
pared to a liquid challenge and in the use of human test
packets with one side made from a permeable film and the
subjects. This test method further provides a quantitative
second side made from a chemically impermeable film, which
assessment of inward leakage for the chemical agent vapor
arefilledwithabsorbentmaterial,andareplacedontheskinat
simulant.
specific locations of the body to collect any chemical vapor
5.1.3 The use of this test method to determine the inward
challenge that has infiltrated the protective ensemble.
leakage of other chemical vapor threats must be evaluated on
3.1.8 physiologicalprotectivedosagefactor(PPDF),n—the
a case-by-case basis.
factor by which protection is improved against effects from
5.2 This test method is applied to complete ensembles
vapor exposure for the protected individual compared with
consisting of a suit or garment in combination with gloves,
whole-body exposure of the unprotected individual.
footwear, respirators, and interface devices.
3.1.9 protective ensemble, n—the combination of protective
5.2.1 This test method permits any combination or configu-
clothingwithrespiratoryprotectiveequipment,hoods,helmets,
ration of ensemble elements and components, including en-
gloves, boots, communication systems, cooling devices, and
sembles where the respirator covers the face or head.
other accessories intended to protect the wearer from a
5.2.2 This test method accommodates protective ensembles
potential hazard when worn together.
orprotectiveclothinghavinganycombinationofthefollowing
3.1.9.1 Discussion—For evaluating the vapor penetration
characteristics:
and permeation resistance of protective ensembles against
(1)The protective ensemble or clothing is constructed of
chemical agent vapor simulant, the protective ensemble in-
air-permeable, semipermeable, or impermeable fabrics,
cludes all those clothing items or accessories, which are
(2)The protective ensemble or clothing is of a single or
necessary to provide resistance to inward leakage by chemical
multi-layered design, or
vapors.
(3)The protective ensemble or clothing is constructed of
inert or sorptive fabrics.
3.1.10 systemic physiological protective dosage factor
(PPDF ), n—a physiological protective dosage factor deter-
sys 5.3 MeS has been used as a simulant for chemical warfare
mined for the entire ensemble.
agents. MeS is primarily a simulant for distilled mustard (HD)
withasimilarvaporpressure,density,andwatersolubility.The
3.2 For definitions of other terms related to protective
use of MeS in vapor form does not simulate all agents or
clothing used in this test method, refer to Terminology F1494.
hazardous substances to which ensemble wearers are poten-
tially exposed.
4. Summary of Test Method
5.4 The principal results of this test are physiological
4.1 This test method establishes procedures for testing
protectivedosagefactorsthatindicatetherelativeeffectiveness
complete protective ensembles worn by test subjects when
of the ensemble in preventing the inward leakage of the
exposed to chemical agent vapor simulant. Methyl salicylate
chemicalagentvaporsimulantanditsconsequentdosagetothe
(MeS) is used to simulate chemical agent vapor penetration
wearer’s skin as determined by the use and placement of
through ensemble interfaces and openings.
personal adsorbent devices (PAD) on human test subjects.
4.2 This test method tests the vapor penetration and perme- 5.4.1 Specific information on inward leakage of chemical
ation resistance of a protective ensemble by the placement of agent vapor simulant is provided by local physiological pro-
passive adsorbent dosimeters (PADs) containing sorbent ma- tective dosage factors for individual PAD locations to assist in
terial onto the test subjects at specific locations on the body. determining possible points of entry of the chemical agent
vapor simulant into the ensemble.
4.3 Aftertestsubjectswearingtheensembletobeevaluated
5.4.2 The determination of the local physiological protec-
finish a series of activities inside the test chamber, these PADs
tive dosage factors is based on ratio of the outside exposure
are removed from the test subject and analyzed for MeS.
dosage to the inside exposure dosage on the wearer’s skin at
4.4 Data obtained from the individual PADs are used to specific locations of the body and accounts for the specific
assess the vapor penetration and permeation resistance of the susceptibility of the average human’s skin at those locations to
ensemble at each body location and for the overall ensemble. the effects of blister agent, distilled mustard using the onset of
F2588 − 12 (2020)
symptoms exposure dosages (OSED) at different points on the 60-min rated respirator must be used or provisions made for
body. The specific OSED values used in this test method are supplementalumbilicalair(throughasuppliedairsystem).The
based on the exposure concentration of distilled mustard that test method permits the adjustment of the exposure period to
causes threshold effects to the average individual human in the simulate the specific needs of the protective ensemble appli-
form of reversible skin ulceration and blistering (1). cation.
5.4.3 The body locations chosen for the placement of PADs
5.7 Test results generated by this test method are specific to
werechosentorepresenttherangeofbodyareasonthehuman
the ensemble being evaluated. Changing any part of the
body, with preference to those body areas generally near
ensemble necessitates a new set of testing for the modified
interfacesfoundincommontwo-pieceensembleswithseparate
ensemble.
respirator, gloves, and footwear. Additional locations are per-
5.8 Additional information on man-in-simulant testing is
mitted to be used for the placement of PAD where there are
provided in (3).
specific areas of interest for evaluating the inward leakage of
the chemical agent vapor simulant.
6. Facilities and Apparatus
NOTE 1—Common interface areas for protective ensemble include the
6.1 Test Chamber—Asealed chamber having the following
hood to respirator facemask, clothing or suit closure, upper torso garment
to lower torso garment, garment sleeve to glove, and garment pant cuff to characteristics:
footwear.
6.1.1 Provides a minimum volume of sufficient dimensions
to permit free movement of the test subject(s) when fully
5.4.4 An assessment of the vapor penetration and perme-
dressed in the ensemble.
ation resistance for the entire ensemble is provided by the
6.1.2 Maintains a temperature of 27 6 5°C (80 6 10°F)
determination of a systemic physiological protective dosage
and relative humidity of 65 6 20%.
factor. The same PAD data are used in a body region hazard
6.1.3 Provides a nominal range of wind speed of 0.9 to
analysis to determine the overall physiological protective
2.2m⁄s (2 to 5 mph).
dosage factor accounting for the areas of the body represented
by the location, and the relative effects of the nerve agent,VX.
6.2 Other Test Facilities—Areas for the test operator(s),
Asystemicanalysisassistsintheevaluationforthosechemical
dressing, decontamination, first stage undressing, and second
agents,suchasnerveagents,affectingthehumanbodythrough
stage undressing.
a cumulative dose absorbed by the skin (2).
6.2.1 A test operator area shall be located immediately
5.4.5 Examples of analyses applying PAD data for the
adjacent to the test chamber and shall include the monitoring
assessmentofensembleinwardleakageresistanceareprovided
equipment for the test chamber MeS concentration,
in NFPA1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural
temperature, humidity, and air speed. The test operator area
and Proximity Fire Fighting, and NFPA 1994, Standard on
shall include a means for test operators to directly observe test
Protective Ensemble for CBRN Terrorism Incidents.
subject(s) in the chamber.
5.4.6 The general procedures in this test method are based
6.2.2 The dressing area shall be located away from the test
on Test Operations Procedure (TOP 10-2-022), Man-In-
chamber to ensure that this area is free from contamination by
Simulant Test (MIST)—Chemical Vapor Testing of Chemical/
the test agent.
Biological Protective Suits.
6.2.3 The area for decontamination shall be well ventilated,
physically isolated from the test chamber, and one that permits
5.5 Thehumansubjectactivitiessimulatepossiblecausesof
ready drainage of wash water.
changes in ensemble vapor barrier during expected activities.
6.2.4 The first stage undressing area shall be adjacent to the
These activities are primarily based on stationary activities
decontamination area, but well away from the test chamber.
provided in Part A of Practices F1154 and are intended to
6.2.5 Thesecondstageundressingareashallbeadjacentand
create movements that are likely to affect the integrity of the
accessible to the first stage undressing area.
ensemble and its interface areas.Additional activities (such as
dragging a dummy and climbing a ladder) have been added to
6.3 MeS Generator, a vapor generator that must be capable
simulateactivitiesthatmightbeusedbyfirstrespondersduring
of operation by remote control from the test operator area and
emergency events such as rescuing victims from a terrorism
shall be able to dispense MeS at the controlled rate required to
incident involving chemical agents. The test method permits
maintain vapor concentration at a level that is 615 mg/m of
themodificationoftheactivityprotocoltosimulatethespecific
the target concentration. (Also see 12.1.2.)
needs of the protective ensemble application.
6.4 MeS Detector, a detector capable of providing a real-
5.6 The length of the human subject exposure to the
time analysis of the MeS concentration in the test chamber.
chemical agent vapor simulant is set at 30 min in the test
6.5 Refrigerator—Capable of maintaining a temperature of
chamber with a 5-min decontamination period. This test
4.0 6 3°C (38.6 6 5°F).
duration is intended to replicate a possible exposure of a first
responder during a terrorism incident involving chemical 6.6 Analytical Equipment and Supplies, used for extracting
agents. If a self-contained breathing apparatus is used, a MeS from the adsorbent used in the PADs and providing an
analysis of the extracted MeS concentration.The sensitivity of
the analytical technique shall provide for a detection limit of
3mg.min⁄m (approximately 30 ng MS per PAD). The ana-
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard. lytical technique shall be linear up to at least a dose of
F2588 − 12 (2020)
flavoringagentandmedicinallyisusedasatopicalanti-inflammatoryand
1000mg.min⁄m , with a coefficient of variation on replicate
dermal keratolytic agent.
spiked dosimeter samples of less than 15%.
9.2 Use human test subjects that are medically and physi-
NOTE 2—Examples of suitable analytical techniques include gas chro-
cally suitable to perform these tests without danger to them-
matography with thermal desorption of the adsorbent in the PAD, and
selves.
high-performance liquid chromatography with methanol extraction of the
adsorbent in the PAD. 9.2.1 Ensure that a medical certificate for each test subject
has been issued within twelve months prior to testing.
7. Supplies
9.2.2 Select test subjects that are familiar with the use of
protective ensembles and with the selected respirator.
7.1 Passive Adsorbent Dosimeter (PAD)—An item placed
9.2.3 Conduct qualitative or quantitative respirator fit test
on the skin of a human test subject for adsorbing chemical
for each test subject before a MIST evaluation.
challenge vapor that penetrates the ensemble, which can be
9.2.4 Each test subject must use a protective ensemble and
lateranalyzedtodeterminethedosereceivedataspecificbody
a professionally fitted respirator at all times during MIST
location. PADs are adhesive-backed foil packets measuring
evaluations.
25mm by 35 mm by 0.02 mm, which contain an adsorbent
material covered by a high-density polyethylene barrier film.
9.3 If necessary for the test facility, have the specific
The active surface sampling area of a PAD is 4.3 6 0.6 cm
evaluation protocol reviewed and approved by a human sub-
and its uptake rate is 10 62cm /min. Specifications for
jects review board or similar panel to ensure the safety and
6,7
preparation of PADs are provided in Appendix X1.
health of the selected test subjects.
NOTE 3—The barrier film has a penetration rate similar to human skin
10. Sampling and Test Specimens
when exposed to MeS and acts as a pseudo-skin barrier.
10.1 Test specimens shall consist of a complete ensemble
7.2 Test Activity Aids:
withprotectiveclothing,gloves,andfootwearandshallinclude
7.2.1 A 70-kg, non-rigid human dummy outfitted with a
the respirator where applicable.
circular rope looped under the arms with sufficient length to
10.1.1 Where the ensemble utilizes the respirator facepiece
permit dragging the dummy from the head side by a test
as the ensemble visor, the ensemble shall be tested with each
subject.
type or model of the respirator specified by the manufacturer.
7.2.2 A2-m extension ladder, that is secured alongside one
10.1.2 Where the respirator is completely encapsulated by
of the test chamber walls.
the ensemble, the ensemble shall be tested with a respirator
7.2.3 A stool without a back, approximately 600 mm
specified by the manufacturer.
(24in.) high.
10.2 A minimum of four specimens shall be tested. Speci-
7.3 Decontamination Materials:
mens representing a minimum of two different ensemble sizes
7.3.1 Decontamination Equipment—For spraying ensemble
shall be tested.
exterior during decontamination process.
10.3 Where the ensemble has multiple types of external
7.3.2 Liquid Soap—Mild household detergent that does not
fittings, each type of external fitting shall be present on each
contain bleach and is free of fragrances.
specimen at the time of testing.
7.4 Analysis Materials:
10.4 The ensembles shall be selected to fit or be adjustable
7.4.1 Glass vials with a non-adsorbent lid liner of sufficient
to fit the selected test subjects in accordance with the manu-
size to accommodate removed PADs.
facturer’s sizing provisions that are specific to each ensemble
7.4.2 Aluminum foil.
item.
8. Reagent NOTE 5—Additional information on sizing can be found in Practice
F1731.
8.1 Test Simulant—Methyl salicylate (MeS - C H O ) CAS
8 8 3
10.5 Ensembles or components of the ensemble that have
# 119-36-8 with a minimum purity of 95%.
been previously subjected to this test method shall not be
subjected to additional tests unless it can be demonstrated that
9. Hazards and Safety Precautions
the ensemble or components are free of contamination.
9.1 Review the use of MeS as chemical agent vapor
NOTE6—SCBAandsomestylesoffootweararelikelytobeacceptably
simulant with respect to exposure to human test subjects. An
decontaminated after washing and then air drying three weeks in a
analysisofpossiblepercutaneoustoxicityforMeSispresented
ventilated space. Some items such as gloves and garments may not be
in Appendix X2.
easily decontaminated.
10.5.1 Underclothing and socks shall be permitted to be
NOTE 4—MeS is more commonly known as oil of wintergreen and has
a relatively low percutaneous toxicity. It is used as a denaturant and reusedprovidedtheyhavebeenlaunderedwithadetergentthat
has been demonstrated not to cause interference with the
analytical method.
ThesolesourceofsupplyofPADsknowntothecommitteeatthistimeisSyon,
11. Conditioning
ITW Devcon, Danvers, MA 01923 (“Natick Sampler,” Part Number 037-002101-
113).
11.1 Specimens for conditioning shall be complete en-
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
sembles and shall include the respirator where the ensemble
ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider-
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend. utilizes the respirator facepiece as the ensemble visor.
F2588 − 12 (2020)
11.2 Each specimen shall be conditioned for a minimum of 12.2.4 Have the test subject don the protective ensemble
4 h by exposure to a temperature of 27 6 5°C (80 6 10°F) and respirator in the dressing room in accordance with the
and relative humidity of 65 6 20% as described in Practice manufacturer’s instructions.
E171/E171M using a controlled temperature and humidity 12.2.4.1 Iftapingisusedtosecureanypartoftheensemble,
chamber or space.
notethespecifictypeoftape,theplacementofthetape,andthe
length of time required to complete the taping.
11.3 Other conditioning shall be applied to the protective
12.3 Exposure Testing:
ensemble or ensemble components to simulate wear or use of
the ensemble, as appropriate to the protective ensemble appli- 12.3.1 Set the test concentration of MeS in the test chamber
at 100 6 15 mg/m before proceeding with the test.
cation.
12.3.2 During the test, place a minimum of four PADs
NOTE 7—If protective ensembles are intended to be laundered and
inside the test chamber at different positions representative of
reused prior to chemical agent exposure, consider testing protective
the locations where the test subjects conduct their physical
ensembles after suitable care procedures have been applied.
activities.PADsfromthesamelotasthePADswornbythetest
subject(s) shall be used. The test chamber PADs shall be used
12. Procedure
to calibrate the PAD lot used in the analysis (12.5.2).
12.1 Pretest Chamber and Facility Preparation:
12.3.2.1 Expose the test chamber PADs in the test chamber
12.1.1 Locate three PADs for a total of nine, in each of the
for 30 min, +5 min/−0 min and then remove from the test
following three areas: the dressing area, the Stage 1 undress
chamber.
area, and the Stage 2 undress area to conduct background
12.3.3 After sealing the protective ensemble, have the test
sampling and for quality control during the trial.
subject enter the test chamber and seal the test chamber.
12.1.2 Establish the concentration of MeS in the test cham-
12.3.4 The test subject shall enter the test chamber within
ber at 100 6 15 mg/m , as measured by a MeS detector of the
60min after removal of the protective ensemble from the
chamber air.
conditioning environment.
12.1.2.1 Steps shall be taken to avoid generation of liquid 12.3.4.1 Morethanonetestsubjectshallbepermittedinthe
aerosol.
chamber at the same time, provided that all test subjects can
complete all tasks completely in the appropriate time period
12.1.3 Measure the concentration of MeS every 60 s using
andthateachtestsubjecthasanunobstructeddirectpathtothe
the real-time MeS detector to verify compliance with the
wind stream.
concentration requirement, and take an air sample at least
12.3.5 Test subject(s) shall perform the following physical
every 10 min to separately validate the real-time MeS detector
measurements. activity protocol.An alternative physical activity protocol and
length of test shall be permitted to better simulate the respec-
12.1.4 Establishtheenvironmentalconditionsinsidethetest
tive activities anticipated for the use of the specific protective
chamber at a temperature of 27 6 5°C (80 6 10°F) and a
ensemble. The test chamber MeS concentration shall remain
relative humidity of 65 6 20%.
within acceptable limits during the activity protocol.
12.1.5 Establishanaveragewindspeedof1.6m/s(3.5mph)
12.3.5.1 Activity 1—Drag a 70-kg human dummy using a
with the nominal range of wind speed of 0.9 to 2.2 m/s (2 to
rope looped underneath the arms of the dummy using both
5mph) in the areas of the chamber where the test subjects will
hands for a distance of 10 m over a 15-s period. Stop and rest
be performing their stationary activities.
for 15 s. Perform activity twice. Based on the interior dimen-
12.2 Pretest Test Subject Preparation:
sions of the chamber, it shall be permitted to have the test
12.2.1 Ensure that test subjects and test operators, which
subject drag the dummy in a back and forth or circular manner
have contact with the test subjects, have followed pre-trial
within the chamber.
procedures, including proper hydration and the avoidance of
12.3.5.2 Activity 2—Duck squat, pivot right, pivot
...