Respiratory protection violations are in the top 5 most common infraction according to OSHA’s Top 10 most frequently cited standards. A most violated section of the standard regards fit testing. Section 1910.134(f)(2) states: “the employer shall ensure an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter.” This requirement is known as respirator fit testing, but also referred to as mask fit testing, face fit testing or just fit testing. An estimated 1 in 10 people will become sick due to respiratory hazards encountered in the workplace annually (American Journal of Respiratory Care and Medicine). Providing proper respirator fit testing annually helps ensure the safety of your employees and compliance with OSHA 1910.124.
Request a Quick QuoteOSHA requires two kinds of respirator fit tests before a user wears a mandatory respirator on the job. A qualitative fit test is the more common method, where each employee is evaluated for proper fit and guided through a pass/fail method used on half-masks that rely on senses – such as taste and smell – to detect air leakage from the respirator. The second method is known as quantitative respiratory fit testing. During this process, a machine is used to assess the adequacy of the seal that is formed around the face by having the person do various exercises and maneuvers to detect potential leakage. Faulty equipment will be documented, tagged, and placed out of service.
Qualitative Fit Testing may only be performed when:
AND the answers to ALL of the following are “No”.
Testing can be conducted for 40-50 people per day per technician:
Quantitative Fit Testing should be performed when any of the following are true.
QNFT is required when:
Testing can be conducted for 40-50 people per day per technician: