3M ENGINEER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS RESPIRATORY PROTECTION BURSARY

Dr. David Gurden, a researcher for the Personal Safety division of 3M, was presented with the prize on submission of his work on the fit testing of respiratory protection equipment (RPE).

Fit testing assesses the adequacy of the seal between a tight-fitting respirator and the wearer’s face, as an inadequate seal can result in the wearer inhaling contaminated air as unfiltered air leaks into the respirator.  Fit testing is required for wearers of disposable respirators and reusable half and full face masks.

Bursary winners are selected based on an abstract of their original research and the prize covers their registration and expenses for the ISRP International Conference at which they present their papers.

"I began work on my submission at the start of 2012, coming up with several RPE fit test panel ideas using my knowledge of fit testing protocols and the 3M lab’s extensive capabilities,” explains David. "Working around the lab’s busy manufacturing and development test schedule, my initial results provided a sound basis for my abstract and the continuation of the research.

"Winning the bursary and attending the conference was a great opportunity, not only to present my research, but also to meet many new contacts from the ISRP community. The feedback I received was very positive and I was encouraged to publish my research, which is very rewarding.”

Joanne Partridge, Technical Services Manager at 3M and ISRP European Section Secretary, explained: "In keeping with Bob Bentley’s passion for the support of young scientists, the bursaries are intended to support people who are relatively new to the field of respiratory protection. The prize gives up-and-coming researchers the chance to present their work to peers and experts in the field, providing a valuable networking opportunity, and also covers one year’s free membership of ISRP. As always the standard of abstracts submitted was very high and we congratulate David on his achievement.”

The ISRP biennial International Conference was held in Boston, Massachusetts. Eligibility for the bursary is limited to residents of Europe and the area administered by the European section of ISRP, but is not limited to members. Young people who may otherwise not be able to attend conferences are encouraged to apply for bursaries, which will next be awarded in 2014 in Prague.