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.
