Respirator Fit Testing
Descriptions
Respirator fit tests are frequently paired with respirator physicals; these tests check is a respirator fits properly on the face of the person who is wearing it. These tests are necessary for supplied-air respirators and air-purifying respirators. OSHA mandates that fit testing is done before the first use, any changes in the model such as style or size of the respirator used, and annual evaluations.
Two Methods of Fit Testing
- Qualitative Fit Testing: It is the most common method; it relies on the subjective sensory response, like taste; irritation; and smell, of the respirator wearer.
- Quantitative Fit Testing: It measures the actual face seal leakage which means it measures the real-time fit while the user performs a series of moving, breathing and talking designed to simulate the same movements done in the field.
