QUANTITATIVE RESPIRATOR FIT-TESTING
Ensuring a proper respirator fit is crucial for the safety and health of individuals who rely on respiratory protection in hazardous environments. At Industrial Protection Services (IPS), we offer both on-site (mobile) and in-house quantitative respirator fit testing for a variety of respirator types, including full-face, half-face, and N95 models. Our team utilizes multiple TSI PortaCount units, enhancing our efficiency and capacity to serve numerous clients simultaneously.
Our Fit Testing Services Include:
- Comprehensive Fit Testing: We conduct quantitative fit tests using TSI PortaCount units, which measure the adequacy of respirator fit by assessing leakage around the face seal. This method provides a numerical fit factor, ensuring precise evaluation of respirator performance.
- Trained Technicians: Our technicians are proficient in operating Portacount units and can provide guidance on the proper use, care, and maintenance of various respirator types.
- Documentation: IPS supplies printed copies of fit test reports to clients and retains records of all tests performed for a minimum of one year, facilitating compliance and record-keeping.
Understanding the Fit Testing Procedure:
Fit testing is a protocol mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under standard 29 CFR 1910.134 to verify that a respirator fits the user correctly and provides the intended protection. The procedure involves several key steps:
- Respirator Selection: The individual selects a respirator from a range of models and sizes to find the most acceptable and comfortable option.
- Donning and Adjustment: The user is instructed on how to properly put on the respirator, position it on the face, adjust strap tension, and assess fit.
- Comfort Assessment: The user wears the respirator for at least five minutes to evaluate comfort, considering factors such as position on the nose, room for eye protection, space to talk, and overall fit on the face and cheeks.
- Fit Criteria Evaluation: The adequacy of the respirator fit is assessed based on criteria including proper chin placement, appropriate strap tension, fit across the nose bridge, correct size to span from nose to chin, and the tendency of the respirator to slip.
- User Seal Check: The user performs seal checks to ensure the respirator is properly sealed to the face.
- Fit Test Exercises: The user undergoes a series of exercises designed to simulate movements that could affect the respirator seal, such as normal breathing, deep breathing, turning the head side to side, moving the head up and down, talking, grimacing, bending over, and normal breathing again.
- Test Conclusion: Upon completion, the user is questioned regarding the comfort of the respirator. If the fit is unacceptable, another model is tried, and the process is repeated.
Regulatory Compliance:
OSHA requires that fit testing be conducted:
- Before initial use of a respirator.
- Whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model, or make) is used.
- At least annually thereafter.
- Whenever there are changes in the user's physical condition that could affect respirator fit, such as facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or significant weight fluctuation.
By adhering to these procedures, IPS ensures that individuals receive respirators that fit properly, providing effective protection in environments where respiratory hazards are present.
Contact Us:
To schedule a fit testing session or to learn more about our services, please contact us at:
Partner with IPS to ensure your respiratory protection program meets regulatory standards and provides optimal safety for all users.