Respirator Fit Testing

Respiratory protective equipment including disposable, half-and full-face masks and their respective filtering systems assists in the prevention of illness, disease and death from breathing hazards. However, the equipment must be properly selected, fitted, worn and maintained to ensure maximum protection.

There are two Fit Testing methods, these are known as: Quantitative and Qualitative tests. Act First Safety can provide onsite Fit Testing for either of these methods.
Quantitative tests - can be used to fit test all types of tight-fitting masks including disposable, half and full face masks. Quantitative tests give an objective assessment of facial fit and provide a direct numerical result called a Fit Factor. The most widely-used quantitative method for RPE fit testing is the Particle Counting Device method, a title ascribed to the TSI Portacount Pro Plus. The Portacount Plus measures the number of ambient particles inside and outside a facepiece and provides a numerical result which is the ratio of the two over a given test period. As in all other methods, the wearer should perform a series of exercises during the fit testing procedure.
Qualitative tests - rely on the wearer’s subjective assessment of faceseal leakage. These methods, during a set of test exercises, use the wearer’s sense of smell or taste to detect faceseal leakage of a test agent. Qualitative tests are subject to problems with sensitivity, lack of objectiveness and inability to provide a numerical result. For these reasons Qualitative tests can only be employed for fit testing of filtering facepieces (disposable masks) and half masks

Following the Canadian Standards Association CSA Z94.4-02 Selection, Care and Use of Respirators, our program provides a theoretical and practical component to respiratory protection for your employees. Where applicable the program is site-specific.

Program Content

The program includes an overview of the following:

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Hazard Assessment
• Respirator Selection
• Use of Respirators
• Cleaning, Inspection, Maintenance and Storage
• Health Surveillance of Respirator Users
• Fit Test

Management receives instruction on their corporate program evaluation and the record keeping required by the standard. Fit Testing records and Record of Training provided.

It is recommended that fit tests be conducted annually and that workers are provided with refresher training at least every 2 years.

Further assistance can be provided for adaptation of a Respirator Program Policy for inclusion in your corporate health and safety manual.

Duration & Location

Approximately 45 minute classroom program at your location followed by individual respirator fit testing. Total program length depends on the total number of participants.

NOTE: This program is not intended for the selection of respirators for protection against infectious agents and nuclear biological chemical agents or address underwater breathing devices, aircraft oxygen systems or inhalators and resuscitators. The fit-testing program described above is not appropriate for disposable respirators.

Please contact our office for further details on Respirator Fit Testing training.

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