Saf Health Work.  2020 Mar;11(1):71-79. 10.1016/j.shaw.2019.12.008.

Development of Korean Head forms for Respirator Performance Testing

• Seo H
• Kim JI
• Kim H

• KMID: 2506685
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2019.12.008

Abstract

Background
Protection from yellow dust and particulate matter is ensured by the use of respirators among the Korean citizens and workers. However, the manikins used to test the performance of the same were manufactured considering western facial specifications owing to which they do not represent Korean facial characteristics.
Methods
Analysis of the data from the 6th 3D anthropometric survey of Koreans (Size Korea; 2010–2013) of 4,583 people aged 7 to 69 years was performed to obtain their facial dimensions. We subsequently clustered 44 facial measurements using Design X software, followed by the creation of the cluster centroid.
Results
Three 3D head forms were developed—small, medium, and large, and their images were stored in “.stl” format for 3D printing. The facial widths and lengths of the three head forms were 127.1 mm × 90.6 mm, 143.2 mm × 104.0 mm, and 149.1 mm × 120.2 mm, respectively.
Conclusion
We developed manikin head forms according to the facial dimensions of the Korean population, which was essential in evaluating respiratory protective equipment. These head forms can be used to test the performance of respirators considering the facial dimensions of the Korean population.

Keyword

3D anthropometry; Manikin head forms; Particulate matter; Respirator performance test; Yellow dust