Respiratory Quantitative Fit Testing

          As mentioned in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(f), respiratory fit testing is required for all those who wear respirators.  The reason for fit testing is to ensure proper protection, training, and comfort.  There are many different times when respiratory fit testing is needed: before initially entering the workplace, changing respirators, or changes in physical condition.  After the initial fit testing, retesting should be done each year after.  There are two types of fit testing: quantitative and qualitative. The qualitative aspect involves asking the subject if the respirator feels comfortable and feels like it fits. On the other hand, qualitative fit testing involves measurement with a device, which results in a numerical value, fit factor, of how well the respirator fits the subject. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of the two types of analysis mentioned in Grainger Quick Tips-Safety.  The advantages of qualitative fit testing are low cost, and easy pass/fail results.  The disadvantages are chance of the subject deceiving, as well as the limited protection verification.  The advantages of the quantitative fit testing are documentable numerical results and no chance of subject deception.  The disadvantage of quantitative is that it requires expensive equipment and maintenance.

            The Respiratory Fit Testing 101: Into talks a lot about how the quantitative fit test is able to tell much more about how the respirator fits and what parts of the test cause a break in the seal of the mask.  There are devices that hook up to the respirator to run a quantitative analysis, such as the Portacount Pro.  Once all the tests are run, the device will result in a numerical value called the fit factor. The fit factor is a ratio of the concentration outside the mask and inside the mask, which tells how well the respirator works and fits an individual.  As stated by OSHA, half face respirators must have a fit factor of at least 100, while full face respirators must have a minimum fit factor of 500.

Before a fit test is conducted, the subject must wear the respirator for at least five minutes to ensure that it can be worn and is comfortable.  Mentioned in the TSI Portacount Pro manual, there are eight exercises, lasting 60 seconds each, that are required by OSHA when conducting a quantitative fit test.  As a note, these steps must be completed while the subject is standing. The eight steps are outlined below:

1.     Normal breathing

2.     Deep breathing

3.     Head side to side

4.     Head up and down

5.     Talking

6.     Grimace (15 sec)

7.     Bending over

8.     Normal breathing

Each of the steps above will result in a numerical value that will be formulated into an overall fit factor value.  Even if a respirator does not pass one of the eight steps, the overall fit factor may still be in compliance.  Another important aspect of fit testing is making sure that the subject is comfortable wearing the respirator.  If the subject is not comfortable in a certain respirator, it may be wise to try another one and determine if it is a better fit for that individual by completing another quantitative fit test.

 

Environmental Site Assessment

A typical environmental site assessment includes three main parts: Transaction Screening, Phase I, and Phase II. As mentioned in Chapter 22, each different step is completed in order to determine the overall potential hazardous materials contained within a site or location.  This is important for those who own the property or if an individual is purchasing a new piece of land.  The new owner will want to know the possible hazardous materials within the site in order to take the necessary precautions to make the site safe and reduce clean up costs if needed.

The first step of an environmental site assessment is the transaction screening.  According to Engineering Science Inc., the transaction screening is essentially a shortened version of the phase I step that occurs next.  This initial step includes a visit to the site, document review, and interviews with important personnel. These three topics are covered more in depth in Phase I.  The reason for a transaction screening is to do a quick overview of the site and its possible hazards in order to determine if a more detailed investigation needs to occur. This step is less costly than the phase I due to the fact that it does not have to be done by an environmental professional. 

After the transaction screening is completed, the next step is a phase I.  The phase I will only be done if a hazardous material of concern is noted within the transaction screening and more information is needed to determine the necessary removal of the material. As mentioned briefly above, the phase I will cover a more in depth overview of the records, site visit, interviews, and then complete a report containing the findings. Environmental Assistance Program mentions the importance of allowing time for a phase I investigation.  It may take time to review records that pertain to the site and gather information that is key to determining possible hazardous material.  The site visit is another key component to the phase I.  The environmental professional who completes the phase I will need to make sure to take photos of the site and do a visual inspection, noting any possible hazards. The interviews are done to gather first hand information and experience with those who know and work at the site.  Lastly, a report is completed of all the findings of phase I and any suggestions surrounding the next phase of the process.

As mentioned in Chapter 22,  the phase I identifies any possible contaminants, a phase II will be necessary.  The phase II revolves around the goals set by a work development plan.  This plan describes the purpose for going through with a phase II investigation and what should be accomplished through sampling the site.  The phase II includes sampling and analysis of the site and possible contaminants.  The samples may be of ground water, drums, above ground storage, or geophysical testing for underground tanks.  As with any tests or samples, there will need to be evaluation of the data collected.  Similar to the phase I, the phase II will also need to be completed by an environmental professional.  The phase II will be complete with a report of the findings to determine if the hazardous materials and their concerns were covered adequately.