If you work in an industry that exposes workers to airborne toxins such as dangerous fumes or particles, wearing a respirator is mandatory. Regular respirator fit testing keeps your employees safe while also keeping your business in compliance with OSHA standards. One of the top OSHA violations that causes challenges for many businesses is inadequate respiratory protection practices.  Two important factors to proper respiratory use are, choosing the right type of respirator for the specific hazard, and, ensuring proper fit for each individual worker wearing a respirator.  Additionally, employers are obligated to ensure that their employees do not have facial hair that could interfere with the seal of the respirator.  OSHA has specific guidelines prohibiting most facial hair for those required to use a respirator. 

Deadly Fumes and Particles

There are a multitude of paints, gasses, solvents, and other chemicals that produce harmful fumes which can cause injury or even death. Certain dust particles, such as asbestos, can also cause illness. This can be especially dangerous because you can’t smell or taste them. Toxins that can harm your workers can be extremely small and virtually invisible. If the respirator you are depending on for protection is not properly worn, the consequences can be irreversible. When masks don’t fit properly, small leaks or gaps can allow dangerous particles to enter your airway and travel into your lungs.

Types of Respirator Fit Tests

The two main types of respirator fit tests are:

• Qualitative fit tests
• Quantitative fit tests

Both of these tests can detect whether or not the make, model, and size of respirator that you are currently using fits properly to provide protection against harm. If you are unsure which type of test is right for your situation, your fit test partner should be able to consult with you on the best course of action.

Qualitative

Qualitative fit testing is performed by a tester placing a specially manufactured hood over the worker’s head, while they are wearing the type, size, and brand of respirator they would normally use for work. This type of test is generally done with a half mask, meaning it covers the nose and mouth. Once the worker is under the hood, a testing agent will be administered into the hood through a special valve. The testing agent will be a harmless compound such as Bitrex or Saccharin, which both have a strong taste and smell that are easy to identify. Once the agent is vented into the hood, if the worker can taste or smell it, then the mask is not providing adequate protection and the test will be deemed a failure.

If the respirator fails, the worker will try different makes, models, and sizes of respirators until they find the proper fit. Once they find the perfect fit, that exact brand, size, and type will be required for them to use until the next year when a new test will be administered.

Quantitative

A quantitative fit test uses a testing instrument on the respirator to measure the exact amount of leakage that can seep into a tight-fitting facepiece. With this test, there are no testing agents to gauge whether or not there is a leak. Instead, the faceplate is attached to a probe that is connected to a machine that measures pressure.

Proper Fitting Respirators Are Crucial

It is important to protect workers that need extra protection in order to do their jobs safely. From firefighters to janitors, there are risks associated with many jobs. Respirators protect employees when they need it the most, and at times when they are the most vulnerable. Having properly-fitted equipment at all times is vital to keeping your workers safe while doing their job. It is a no-brainer to continuously make sure that respirators are safe and in proper working condition.

Examinetics is the nation’s leading provider of occupational health solutions. We deliver workplace safety compliance services to more than 3,000 clients in over 15,000 locations annually. Examinetics helps leading companies to achieve compliance, minimize productivity loss, and acquire vital data required for optimal health.