Qualitative and Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing

Qualitative and Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing is performed to determine if an employee has an acceptable respiratory fit and can maintain a sufficient seal while wearing the respirator.

When to Fit Test:

• After test subject is medically cleared for respirator use
• Before the test subject wears the respirator in the workplace
• Facial changes
• Significant weight change
• Change of respirator size, make, model
• Whenever employee reports a problem with fit

OSHA CFR 29.134 states that Respirator Fit Testing must be done prior to use, whenever a different respirator is worn, and at least annually thereafter. Fit Testing will be administered using an OSHA-accepted Qualitative Fit Test or Quantitative Fit Test protocol and the employee must be tested with the same make, model, style, and size of Respirator that will be used on the job.

Medical Evaluation

Medical Evaluations are required before an employee can be Fit Tested for a Respirator or wear one on the job.

When Is a Medical Evaluation Required?

Required if the employee is:

• Wearing a tight-fitting respirator (e.g., N95, half-face, full-face)
• Wearing any respirator as a job requirement
• Undergoing fit testing for such a respirator

Not required if the respirator is:

• Voluntarily used (e.g., for comfort), and
• It's a dust mask (filtering facepiece respirator)
• (Even then, employers must provide OSHA’s voluntary use info sheet)