Respirator Fit Testing - Instructor Workshop
People choose to become respirator fit testers for a variety of compelling reasons, often driven by a combination of professional development, safety advocacy, and practical workplace needs. See ‘Read More’ below for more specificity on the motivation for internal fit testers by corporations.
Recognizing that each industry faces its own unique hazards—from potential controlled product exposure to biological risks—Act First Safety specializes in instructing on the specific requirements of your workplace and hazards. Becoming the fit tester within your organization may include gaining expertise in:
- N95 disposable respirators
- Elastomeric respirators including:
- Full-face respirators
- Half-face respirators
We're proud to serve the following industries:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Industrial
- Education
Inquire about how we can assist you with your respiratory program at 416-283-7233.
Here's a breakdown of why someone would want to pursue this expertise.
Duration: Full Day
Following CSA Z94.4-18 (2023) Selection, use and care of respirators, this all-inclusive, turn-key workshop uses qualitative fit testing using either Bitrex or irritant smoke, or in rare circumstances, both fit test methods. Content is customized to include N95 masks, full-face and half-mask (elastomeric) respirators.
Qualitative fit testing using either:
- Bitrex
- Irritant smoke
Across any industry.
Our respirator fit testing services developed and delivered by industry experts, offer flexibility for professionals from diverse industries faced with a variety of respiratory hazards.
A Comprehensive Workshop Overview
This workshop provides both theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge to perform and/or understand fit testing of tight-fitting respirators such as N95 masks, half-face, and full-face respirators. The theoretical portion of the program focuses on:
- Introduction to respiratory protection, its importance and limitations
- Legislative requirements and competency
- Hazards and controls
- Fit testing methods, equipment and materials
- Step-by-step fit test procedures
- Keys to successful program execution
- Troubleshooting and hygiene
- Hands-on practice
- All forms and documentation records for your internal program
During this dynamic and engaging workshop, you will receive interactive exercises, group discussion, instructor facilitation and video as part of the learning process. The final culmination exercises include a theoretical test and hands-on demonstration solidifying understanding of the material and competency in delivering the program. In summary, this workshop equips you with the knowledge and skills to conduct or understand fit testing procedures that comply with Ontario’s occupational health and safety legislation and CSA standard.
Pre-requisites
Designed for anyone interested in learning more about respirators and with a passion to be part of keeping workers safe within their business, you may be a human resources (HR) professional or health and safety professional within your company with the desire to conduct internal fit tests to your workers.
Health and safety knowledge or experience is an asset and may include:
- Ontario mandatory 4 steps courses
- Health and safety representative (HSR) training
- Joint health and safety committee (JHSC) training (Part 1, Part 2 or Refresher)
- WHMIS 2015
- Previously fit tested for a mask or respirator
Instructors are required to be clean-shaven at the time of fit testing demonstration.
Course Benefits
Typically, this workshop is delivered in-person anywhere in Canada. However, it is possible to provide the training virtually upon request. This program ensures the facilitation is tailored to your specific needs, hazards and equipment. Instant feedback, enhancement and correction is provided in the moment until the fit tester is confident in their abilities to perform the fit testing competently on their own.
Train your staff now! Call us at 416-283-7233 to schedule your training.
Once you complete this all-encompassing workshop following applicable legislation and the CSA Standard Z94.4-18 (R2023) you receive:
- A personalized, full size instructor certificate that supports workplace documentation and regulatory audits
- Record of training (private sessions only)
As part of the program and in support of the learning, participants also receive:
- Workbook
- Relevant resources and handouts
- Record of training forms
- Health surveillance forms
- Fit test forms
Our process takes into account retesting, medical evaluations, and user seal checks.
For additional information, click below:
FAQs
1. Is respirator fit testing mandatory?
Yes, it is mandatory for all roles requiring respiratory protection.
2. Who can conduct respirator fit testing?
Only certified professionals like the ones we have at Act First Safety, or internal staff that has been properly trained and likewise certified.
5. Is refresher training required for internal fit testers?
An annual review and fit test demonstration is performed to ensure competency and to retain your Act First Safety certification.
Why Choose Act First Safety?
Breathe easy with our CSA Z94.4-compliant Respirator Fit Training Program!
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In Ontario, workplaces with 20 or more workers are typically required to have a joint health and safety committee (JHSC).
