Qualitative Fit Test
Respirator fit testing keeps employees safe.
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What is a Respirator Fit Test?
A number of employees are required by OSHA to provide a properly fitted and functional respirator to all employees working with potentially harmful particles or vapors. This could apply to workers like firemen, chemists, masons, carpenters, and many more.
Respirators provide the best protection when they fit correctly - so OSHA mandates respirator fit testing once a year. This 15-20 minute test checks the seal between the respirator's facepiece and the employee's face.
Respirators provide the best protection when they fit correctly - so OSHA mandates respirator fit testing once a year. This 15-20 minute test checks the seal between the respirator's facepiece and the employee's face.
QUALITATIVE VS. QUANTITATIVE FIT TESTS
There are two types of OSHA accepted fits tests: qualitative and quantitative. At TIG Diagnostics, we are certified to provide qualitative fit testing This test is a pass/fail test method that relies on the sense of taste or smell or reaction to an irritant in order to detect any leakage into the respirator.
This test is NOT used for measuring the amount of leakage. That can be accomplished through a quantitative fit test.
The four qualitative fir test methods accepted by OSHA are:
This test is NOT used for measuring the amount of leakage. That can be accomplished through a quantitative fit test.
The four qualitative fir test methods accepted by OSHA are:
- Isoamyl acetate, which smells like bananas
- Saccharin, which leaves a sweet taste
- Bitrex, which leaves a bitter taste.
- Irritant smoke, which can cause coughing
Qualitative fit tests are normally used for half-mask respirators that only cover the mouth and nose. These can be filtering facepiece respirators (N95s) or elastomeric respirators.
How do Qualitative Fit Tests work?
Qualitative fit test protocol first requires confirmation that you can detect the testing agent by smell or taste without wearing your facepiece. After ensuring that you can small or taste the testing agent, you are then tested while wearing your respirator.
This pass/fail test is determined by if you are able to detect leakage of the test solution into your facepiece. While wearing your mask, you will be instructed to do things like take deep breaths, move your head, or bend over. if you do not detect any odor, taste, or irritant, the respirator passes.
If you are able to smell or taste the testing agent while wearing the respirator, the test fails. At this point, you may need to adjust or reposition your mask and then the test is performed again. If the test continues to fail, you will need to be fitted with a different respirator that passes.
This pass/fail test is determined by if you are able to detect leakage of the test solution into your facepiece. While wearing your mask, you will be instructed to do things like take deep breaths, move your head, or bend over. if you do not detect any odor, taste, or irritant, the respirator passes.
If you are able to smell or taste the testing agent while wearing the respirator, the test fails. At this point, you may need to adjust or reposition your mask and then the test is performed again. If the test continues to fail, you will need to be fitted with a different respirator that passes.
What happens after a failed test?
No two employees will have the same good fit with one specific respirator, so it is possible that you need another make, model, style, or size. Employers must provide a reasonable selection of sizes and models.
After a failed test, you will require another test with a different respirator until you have found a good fit. It's important to note exactly which make, model, style and size fits you properly.
After a failed test, you will require another test with a different respirator until you have found a good fit. It's important to note exactly which make, model, style and size fits you properly.
Before and After your test
For your qualitative fir test, you should bring not only the respirator that you will be wearing, but also any other protective equipment that may affect the fit such as safety goggles, earmuffs, or even prescriptions glasses. If these items will be worn day-to-day, they need to not interfere with the respirator fit.
It's recommended that men be clean shaven, because facial hair like beards or mustaches can negatively affect your respirator's ability to protect you. Because it comes between your face and the respirator's seal, it could allow containmited air to leak into the facepiece.
Once your qualitative fit test is passed, you must use the exact same make, model, style and size respirator while on the job. You should regularly conduct your own seal check to ensure you are wearing the facepiece correctly.
It's recommended that men be clean shaven, because facial hair like beards or mustaches can negatively affect your respirator's ability to protect you. Because it comes between your face and the respirator's seal, it could allow containmited air to leak into the facepiece.
Once your qualitative fit test is passed, you must use the exact same make, model, style and size respirator while on the job. You should regularly conduct your own seal check to ensure you are wearing the facepiece correctly.
- You must wear anything that could affect your respirator fit (like glass and protective gear) during your test.
- You should always use the exact same respirator following a passed test.
How often do I need a respirator fit test?
You must be fit tested before beginning your work that requires a respirator. You must be retested at least every 12 months.
Additionally, you should conduct a fit test whenever you have a change in physical condition that may affect the fit of your respirator. This could include:
Additionally, you should conduct a fit test whenever you have a change in physical condition that may affect the fit of your respirator. This could include:
☑ Significant weight loss or gain
☑ Major dental work (such as new dentures)
☑ Facial surgery altering the face shape
☑ Scarring in the area of the seal
☑ Major dental work (such as new dentures)
☑ Facial surgery altering the face shape
☑ Scarring in the area of the seal
Any of these physical changes could affect the respirator’s seal and its ability to protect you from contaminated air.
Contact us to schedule routine qualitative fit testing for your workplace.
Why does fit testing matter?
While a mask is better than no mask, a respirator simply cannot protect you if it does not fit your face. Many respirators need to form a tight seal with your face in order to work effectively.
When you wear an ill-fitting respirator, or when you fail to use your respirator correctly, you could breathe in a number of hazardous substances while on the job. Qualitative fit testing and following mask wearing protocol ensure your health and safety in dangerous environments.
TIG Diagnostics is ready to help.
We keep employees healthy and sage from airborne contaminants. Our certified qualitative keeps your workplace OSHA compliant. Contact us for more details.