Safety Services and Training

What is a Respirator Fit Test? A fit test is conducted to verify that a respirator is both comfortable and  correctly fits the user. 

Fit test methods are classified as either qualitative  or quantitative. A qualitative fit test is a pass/fail test that relies on the  individual’s sensory detection of a test agent, such as taste, smell, or  involuntary cough (a reaction to irritant smoke*). A quantitative fit  test uses an instrument to numerically measure the effectiveness of the  respirator. 

Ok but why?

Not only is it a legislative requirement but requiring your employees / contractors or even yourself to be fit tested provides better protection and verification that that the individual is wearing a correctly-fitting model and size of respirator. 

Not being sufficiently fit tested can result in higher than expected levels of exposure to a contaminant may occur if the respirator has a poor face seal against the  user’s skin, which can result in leakage. 

Ok but how often?

Legislation and regulatory requirements recommend that fit testing be done both annually and when physical changes have occurred.