Specific requirements for qualitative fit testing are detailed in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 1910.134 Appendix A – Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory).
All respirators that rely on a mask-to-face seal must be fit tested to validate the seal is air-tight. This fit test must be performed:
Qualitative fit testing is one of two broad categories of testing that OSHA recognizes. The other option is quantitative fit testing. The qualitative fit test procedures rely on the subjective sensory (taste, irritation, smell) response of the respirator wearer to a particular test agent, while the quantitative procedures measure actual face seal leakage. For more details on quantitative fit testing see Quick Tips #318: Quantitative Fit Testing.
In the mandatory qualitative fit test protocols, OSHA recognizes four test agents:
Even though these qualitative fit testing agents can be used to fit test both half-mask and full-face respirators, it is important to note that qualitative fit tests only validate an assigned protection (APF) of 10. OSHA has established an APF of 50 for full facepiece respirators, but in order to use a full facepiece beyond 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL), a quantitative fit test must be performed.
Employees must be trained on how to properly don a respirator, how to position it on the face, how to adjust the strap tension, and how to determine an acceptable fit prior to selecting a respirator. The employee then picks the most acceptable respirator from a sufficient number of samples and wears it at least five minutes to assess the comfort (chin properly placed, adequate strap tension, fits across the nose bridge, spans the distance from the nose to chin and does not have a tendency to slip).
The test subject is then required to complete a user seal check as detailed in Appendix B-1 to 29 CFR 1910.134: User Seal Check Procedures (Mandatory).
Before beginning the qualitative fit testing protocol, employees are given a description of the fit test and their responsibilities during the procedure. All four qualitative fit test protocols use these seven, 60-second exercises:
*Rainbow Passage:
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long, round arch with its path high about, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow."
Paragraph B of Appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.134: Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory) describes the procedure to follow for each of the four test agents:
OSHA also provides a fit testing video that provides a brief overview and general information regarding fit testing requirements.
Q: What types of respirators need to be fit tested and fit checked (user seal check)?
A: Any tight-fitting respirator in use unless being used on voluntary basis, whether it is disposable or reusable. This means respirators that contact the skin to form a seal must be fit tested and fit checked (user seal check).
Q: What is the difference between a fit test and a user seal check (fit check)?
A: Both check and verify that the seal between the mask and skin is maintained, however, the procedures, who administers the test and circumstances when each is used differ. The procedures are detailed earlier in this Quick Tip. The employer is responsible for administering the fit test, and it is done by someone other than the user of the respirator. The user of the respirator performs the user seal check (fit check). The circumstances for performing a fit test are defined by OSHA: prior to first issue of a respirator, when there’s a change in the model, style or size of respirator used, when there’s a physical facial change in the person wearing the mask, and at least annually. The user seal check (fit check) is done each time the mask is put on, even if this occurs several times per day.
OSHA's Respirator Fit Testing Resource Page
29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Standard Appendix A
29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Standard Appendix B-1
OSHA Respiratory Protection etool
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.
SIGN UP FOR EMAIL
Get more great content like this sent to your inbox.