Qualitative Respirator Fit Testing Services
In order to conduct the fit test:
- Person being fit tested must be clean shaven
- Passed medical evaluation (can be done online through 3M here)
- Bring a copy of this with you
- You can bring your own mask, or purchase one on-site
OSHA requires qualitative or quantitative fit testing before a user wears a mandatory respirator on the job.
- Must be assessed at least annually
- In addition, fit tests should be performed:
- Whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used
- When any facial changes occur that could affect fit, such as significant weight fluctuation or dental work
A qualitative fit test (QLFT) may only be used to fit-test:
- Negative-pressure, air-purifying respirators, as long as they’ll only be used in atmospheres where the hazard is at less than 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL)
- Tight-fitting facepieces used with powered and atmosphere-supplying respirators
QLFT is pass/fail and relies on the user’s senses using one of four OSHA-accepted test agents:
- Isoamyl acetate (banana smell); only for testing respirators with organic vapor cartridges
- Saccharin (sweet taste); can test respirators with a particulate filter of any class
- Bitrex® (bitter taste); can also test respirators with particulate filters of any class
- Irritant smoke (involuntary cough reflex); only for testing respirators with level 100 particulate filters
Each QLFT method uses seven exercises performed for 1 minute each:
- Normal breathing
- Deep breathing
- Turning head side to side
- Moving head up and down
- Talking
- Bending over (or jogging in place if fit test unit doesn’t permit bending at the waist)
- Normal breathing again
