Identification and Control of Potential Variables in User Testing of PPE for Industrial Operations

Abstract

The user test was designed to control variables in the design, bias by the data collectors and test participants, and inconsistency in data collection. Test validity was also a concern. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the design of user testing to identify and control potential variables to minimize bias in testing and selection. The goal of the user testing was to determine which aprons would meet selected performance criteria and also be readily accepted by workers. The successful design of this apron study will be applied to the design of studies to select other PPE such as coveralls and hoods.