Respirator Fit Testing Program
Protecting Every Breath: Respirator Fit Testing
Every breath you take. Those aren’t just words in an 80’s song (by The Police/ ’Sting’), it’s your right to make sure you are protecting yourself from the potential airborne hazards in your workplace. Proper respiratory protection is essential for ensuring safety in workplaces with airborne hazards. Our Respiratory Fit Testing (RFT) sessions are designed for individuals and organizations across Canada who require training in qualitative fit testing of respirators.
Your mask, your safety: Is it a perfect fit? A Fundamental Worker's Right
Recognizing that each industry faces its own unique hazards—from potential controlled product exposure to biological risks—Act First Safety specializes in helping you determine precisely which respirator best suits your specific situation, ensuring tailored protection for your team.
Popular offerings that are a core part of our services include:
- N95 mask fit tests
- Half-face masks fit tests
- Full-face mask fit tests
- Convenient on-site fit testing services
- Regularly scheduled fit testing session, Toronto
Regardless of the brand of respirator, we can provide the services you need to be safe from the respiratory hazards in your workplace.
From single appointments for individuals like contractors and students, to large group sessions, our best-in-class fit testing delivers comprehensive preventative solutions.
We're proud to serve the following industries:
- Healthcare
- Dental
- Construction
- Industrial
- Education
Who Should Attend:
- Anyone required to wear a respirator as part of their job or workplace policies.
- Testing is also mandatory for the above individuals if there has been a change in their physical condition that could affect the fit of their respirator.
- Those that are managing compliance regarding their respiratory program and mask fitting.
Qualitative vs Quantitative Fit Testing
Act First Safety’s program covers qualitative testing methods only:
- Qualitative fit testing: Involves using one’s sense of smell or taste to identify leaks.
- Quantitative fit testing: Relies on a particle counting machine for accurate measurement.
Gain the confidence knowing your respirator is the perfect fit.
These sessions provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to instruct respirator end users on how to don and doff their respirator properly for tight-fitting respirators such as N95, half-face respirators and full-face respirators.
Duration: 30 minutes
This session covers:
- Introduction to respiratory protection
- Review of equipment including filters and cartridges if applicable
- Step-by-step fit test procedures including seal checks
- Troubleshooting and hygiene
- Care, maintenance and storage
- Hands-on practice
- Fit Test
Our facilitators fit test on all tight-fitting respirators using qualitative fit testing methods applicable to all brands and sizes across all industries serving a diverse range of professionals.
With us, you can expect:
Weekly Fit Testing Clinics
We host weekly public clinics at our Scarborough training facility following strict safety protocols such as limited enrollment, health screenings and thorough sanitization of the premises and fit testing equipment.
On-Site & Workplace Testing
We also offer the opportunity for on-site respirator fit testing for groups. This reduces downtime and disruptions while ensuring teams stay compliant with the utmost convenience.
Prerequisites
These sessions have no prerequisites and can be taken by veterans to fit testing and by those entirely new to respirators, respiratory programs, and overall respirator awareness.
The biggest challenge is to those with facial hair. All respirator users of tight-fitting respirators must be clean-shaven.
Please refer to the chart from the CDC, “Facial Hairstyles and Filtering Facepiece Respirators” under the Resources section for guidance on acceptable facial hairstyles in preparation of your fit test.
However, to properly perform Fit Testing, it is required that the participants are clean-shaven where the respirator seals to the face. Facial hair can interfere with a proper fit and invalidate the test.
Don’t Have your Own Respirator?
What you Get
Participants receive
- Orientation to the fit testing process
- Information regarding the specific equipment to be used.
- Knowledge on how to keep yourself protected from respiratory hazards with your respirator including safe handling, maintenance and storage.
- Personalized wallet-sized certificate indicating the respirator type, brand and size.
- Health surveillance where applicable.
- Record of training (private sessions only)
- Respirator tracking form (private sessions only)
- Opportunity to ask questions and to clarify any information.
- Reminders of refresher fit testing.
CDC pictogram describing acceptable and non-acceptable facial hair features.
FAQs
1. Who should participate in mask fitting?
Anyone involved in respiratory protection programs: safety managers, supervisors, healthcare professionals, construction workers, or industrial hygienists. Anyone that uses a respirator at their workplace or their own personal use at home.
2. Is respirator fit testing mandatory?
Yes, it is mandatory for all roles requiring respiratory protection in the workplace.
3. Are these sessions compliant with Ontario regulations and standards?
Yes. These sessions align with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and CSA Z94.4-18 (R2023) standard: Selection, use, and care of respirators.
4. How often should respirator fit testing be carried out?
Annually is ideal, but the gap between two fit testings should not exceed 2 years.
5. Do I have to remain clean-shaven?
Yes. During the fit test you must be clean-shaven. However, some respirator users erroneously believe that once the fit test is completed they may re-grow facial hair. Whenever wearing a respirator of any kind, to maintain a proper face to face-piece seal, there can be no interference including facial hair. Therefore, whenever you are required to wear a respirator you must maintain a clean-shaven condition. The CDC provides an excellent pictogram describing acceptable and non-acceptable facial hair features.
6. Can I use this training to conduct fit tests in my workplace?
Scheduling our full-day instructor workshop, “Becoming an Internal Fit Tester” for your organization, provides you with the information and instruction to proceed as a competent fit tester for your team using qualitative fit testing methods.
7. Do I need equipment?
Yes, but we can help you with that. You can bring your own respirator or purchase one directly from us during your fit testing appointment. Purchasing a respirator at the time of your fit test ensures you get the correct size and type right away, avoiding wasted purchases and guaranteeing an accurate fit from the start without unnecessary costs. We'll customize the process to meet your specific needs.
8. Is group or on-site training available?
Yes. We offer custom training for workplaces across Canada. Contact us for a quote.
How do I register?
Click the “Register Now” button below or contact our team at 416-283-7233 or safety@actfirstsafety.ca
Why Choose Act First Safety?
Our respirator fit testing program enjoys:
- The trust of respiratory safety experts: For over 20 years, we have helped thousands of Ontario workers find their perfect fit with our in-person and on-site fit testing.
- The trust of people and participants: Our program participants rate our respirator fit testing highly and refer it to their friends and colleagues.
Book Your Fit Test Today!
Unmask the hidden danger: Your essential source for understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Asbestos Operations
Mishandling of hazardous materials can have disastrous consequences.
Reep the rewards: Become a fit tester. Directly impact safety within your organization.
