At JSP, we take a customer-centric approach to product design. We focus on developing compatible, user-friendly PPE, so wearers can concentrate on the job.
Wearability and usability are key to supporting compliance and helping keep people safe on site. When designing PPE, the JSP Research and Development team consider gender, culture and religion, as well as different head and face sizes and shapes.
We work closely with customers to design tailored solutions and trial products in real-world usage situations, ensuring it meets the needs of the workforce.
Designing for head protection fit
JSP’s in-house R&D team conducted extensive research to perfect the fit of the Revolution® Flex harness, the latest development to our EVO® helmet range. During design, the team considered harness depth adjustment and ease of adjustment. The harness was trialled on a wide range of wearers to achieve an effective fit across different genders, ages, and head sizes.
We work with distributors and end users to help ensure compatibility and compliance when PPE is worn with religious clothing. A customer approached us for help verifying compatibility between JSP helmets and hijabs worn by their staff. We tested a range of JSP helmets with the hijab in our BSI-assessed QA lab, confirming that the selected helmets continue to meet the requirements of EN 12492 and EN 397.
All JSP helmets feature a 3D-Adjustment™ system. Three harness depth settings allow wearing height to be adjusted, offering a more precise fit for different head sizes, as well as enhancing the fit and adjustability of helmet-mounted accessories and eyewear.
Helmet fitting guidance for long hair
Making sure helmets fit properly is crucial because the harness absorbs impact energy. For effective protection, it must be adjusted to fit the wearer’s head, with the nape strap (at the rear of the helmet) positioned correctly.
JSP helmets’ adjustable suspension harness allows long hair to be worn comfortably in a low ponytail. The ponytail fits between the shell and harness, ensuring the nape strap can still be tightened to a firm fit. If the helmet includes a 4-point chinstrap, position the ponytail between the webbing and adjust the strap to fit securely.
The 3D-Adjustment™ system raises and lowers the harness inside the shell, creating clearance to fit thick hair and braids.
When wearing helmet-mounted hearing protection, remember to check that hair does not sit underneath the ear defender cushion. Ear defenders must seal correctly around the ears to provide the right level of attenuation – any break in the seal can allow noise to leak in and reduce protection.
Designing for eye protection fit
JSP safety eyewear is designed with advanced adjustment features, including pantoscopic temples, ratcheting nose bridges and flexible temples to provide a secure fit for different face sizes and shapes.
In developing the EVOGuard® browguard, the JSP R&D team trialled prototypes with a wide range of wearers. Our engineers used the trials to evaluate fit and adjustability, making sure the product provides protective coverage for the full head size range while ensuring comfort and mobility.
We built in six harness slot positions that adjust the height, position and angle of the browguard, along with the JSP Revolution® Flex wheel ratchet to enable precise multi-directional adjustment.
EVO® VISTA® helmet-integrated eyewear is designed with ratcheting adjustment, allowing the overspec or faceshield to be adjusted to optimise optical performance and impact coverage for different facial profiles.
Designing for respiratory protection fit
There is no universal sizing when it comes to tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) – each person’s face differs, and the mask must match the wearer’s facial features to achieve an effective seal.
For over 50 years respirator sizing was largely based on measurements taken from US military personnel in the 1950s and 1960s, which did not accurately represent the modern workforce.
A new survey was undertaken in the 2000s in order to collect facial dimension measurements from a large sample of US workers. The findings were supplemented with additional data from other countries and used to inform a new anthropometrics standard.
ISO 16976-2 (published in 2015) designates five headforms for respirator sizing: Small, Medium, Large, Short-Wide, and Long-Narrow.
JSP carried out research studies to assess the Force®8 half mask. Our technical team used ISO 16976-2 measurement and sampling methods to collect representative facial dimension data. Next they conducted quantitative fit tests following the Ambient Particle Counting (APC) method.
This allowed us to evaluate the face seal area and optimise fit for different face sizes and shapes. The research also helped us to expand the range of sizes available, adding Small, Large and Short-Wide options to enable a fit for more wearers.
Find out more about Force®8 sizing research
We conducted a similar study to test the M632 disposable mask. Our technical team used the NIOSH bivariate panel to analyse results and ensure that the data provided a realistic representation of a workforce.
The results are broken down to show face size and gender in order to assess how well the mask fits wearers across a range of demographics. We learned that the M632 mask achieves a 99.97% pass rate, making it a great choice for workplace RPE programmes.
Read the full M632 fit testing study
As an alternative to tight-fitting masks, JSP also manufactures loose-fitting Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), providing a suitable option for those who wear facial hair as part of their religious practices.
Training, guidance and online support
JSP provides full technical support and training, including courses at JSP Global Hubs and online, tailored toolbox talks, free multi-language webinars, and a global team of approved RPE fit testers to support diverse customer needs.
Get 24/7 access to safety-critical information at JSP-GO.com. The JSP-GO™ website features digital user guides and tutorial videos demonstrating how to fit and adjust products correctly, along with guidance on selection, use and maintenance.
Need advice on fitting or compliance? Our technical support team are on hand to help. Email technical@jspsafety.com or call 01993 826051 to get in touch.
New BS 30417 standard offers guidance on selecting inclusive PPE