Respirator Fit Testing - OSHA

JobCare Occupational Health Services will assist your company in establishing or refining your OSHA required Respiratory Protection Program. We are equipped to provide Quantitative Fit Testing with our state-of-the-art PORTACOUNT® Tester.

30 CFR 72.710 Selection, fit, use, and maintenance of approved respirators.

...approved respirators shall be selected, fitted, used, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the American National Standards Institute’s “Practices for Respiratory Protection ANSI Z88.2-1969”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Enclosed is a presentation on ANSI Z88, Consensus Standards for a Respirator Program for your reference.

SCBA such as a full face negative-pressure respirator used for hazard levels above 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) must be fit tested using quantitative fit testing with a minimum fit factor of 500, as well as positive-pressure respirators used in demand-mode.

N95 particulate respirators are the OSHA and CDC standard for ambulance personnel and first responders providing protection against exposure to smallpox, tuberculosis, anthrax, SARS , Avian flu, and H1N1 (Swine Flu).

N95, N100, and P100 disposable, half-mask, and full face respirators are design specific for a variety of industrial and mining applications providing protection involving but not limited to grinding, sanding, sweeping, welding, heat, and humidity. Fit testing is mandated.

Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) is only designed for a pass/fail fit factor ratio of 100 utilizing irritant smoke, saccharin, etc. OSHA requires a fit factor of 500 or 1000 for full-face respirators. Currently there is no approved QLFT protocol capable of determining a fit factor higher than 100. Therefore, employers using tight-fitting full-face respirators must either install engineering controls to eliminate the need for full-face masks or adopt quantitative fit testing.

Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) eliminates the subjectivity of QLFT. The PORTACOUNT® calculates the fit factor ratio by objectively measuring the particle concentration surrounding the mask and any particles that may have leaked beyond the respirator seal. This objective test is not affected by the person’s sense of smell, taste, or sensitivity to irritant chemicals.

Quantitative fit testing is recommended to ensure the highest level of respiratory protection thereby minimizing exposure and potential liability.

To discuss details and costs regarding this service, call 218-312-3017.