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Respirator Fit Testing

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Respirator Fit Testing Procedures =================================

Date: 2025-07-24

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to provide employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and participate in respirator fit testing, ensuring they receive the correct respirator fit and are adequately protected in their work environment.

Introduction

This toolbox talk covers the procedures for conducting respirator fit testing, both qualitative (QLFT) and quantitative (QNFT), to ensure proper respiratory protection and compliance with OSHA standards. Proper fit testing is essential for protecting employees from hazardous airborne contaminants.

Key Points

  • Initial and Annual Fit Testing: Respirator fit testing is required before an employee initially uses a respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model, or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter. [3]
  • Importance of Fit Testing: Fit testing ensures the respirator forms a tight seal against the wearer's face, preventing contaminants from entering the respirator and being inhaled. User seal checks are not substitutes for qualitative or quantitative fit tests. [4]
  • Types of Fit Testing: There are two main types of fit testing: Qualitative (QLFT) and Quantitative (QNFT). QLFT relies on the wearer's sense of taste or smell to detect leakage, while QNFT uses instruments to measure leakage. [1]

[5] [5]

  • Medical Evaluation and Training: Before fit testing, employees must be medically evaluated to ensure they are capable of wearing a respirator. They should also be trained on how to properly don, doff, and seal-check the respirator.
  • Recordkeeping Requirements: Proper documentation of fit testing is essential. Records must include the employee's name, type of test performed, respirator make/model/size, and the date and results of the test. Fit test records shall be retained for respirator users until the next fit test is administered. [2]

[6] [6]

Hazard Identification

  • Inadequate respirator fit: Exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants, leading to respiratory illness or other health effects.
  • Improper selection of respirator: Insufficient protection against specific hazards, resulting in potential overexposure.
  • Lack of proper training: Incorrect respirator use, reduced effectiveness, and increased risk of exposure.
  • Failure to perform user seal checks: Compromised respirator seal, allowing contaminants to enter and be inhaled.

Control Measures

  • Ensure employees are medically evaluated and cleared to wear respirators.: Provide medical evaluations as required by OSHA standards. Ensure the PLHCP provides a written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to use a respirator.
  • Conduct initial and annual respirator fit testing using OSHA-accepted QLFT or QNFT protocols.: Follow the detailed procedures outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910\.134 Appendix A. Ensure the fit test is administered by a trained and competent person. [1]
  • Provide training on proper respirator use, including donning, doffing, seal-checking, maintenance, and storage.: Use a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of respirator use. Document all training activities.
  • Ensure employees perform a user seal check each time they don their respirator.: Train employees on how to perform positive and negative pressure checks. Ensure they understand the importance of this step.
  • Maintain accurate and complete fit testing records.: Include all required information in the fit test record, such as employee name, test type, respirator information, date, and results. Retain records as required by OSHA. [2]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • NIOSH-Approved Respirator: The primary PPE is the tight-fitting respirator itself. Ensure the respirator is NIOSH-approved and appropriate for the specific hazard.
    • Inspect the respirator for damage before each use.
    • Ensure the respirator is clean and in good working order.
    • Select the correct size and model for a proper fit.
  • Eye Protection: Eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) may be needed if the respirator does not provide full-face coverage and there is a risk of eye irritation or injury.
    • Ensure eye protection does not interfere with the respirator seal.
    • Select appropriate eye protection based on the specific hazards present.

Real-World Example or Case Study

A construction worker was using a respirator while cutting concrete. He had not been fit tested in over a year, and his weight had changed significantly. During the task, he noticed a strong odor and experienced respiratory irritation. It was determined that his respirator no longer fit properly due to the weight change, and he was exposed to silica dust. This highlights the importance of regular fit testing and re-evaluation after significant physical changes.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are some factors that can affect respirator fit?
  2. Why is it important to perform a user seal check every time you wear a respirator?
  3. What should you do if you experience any problems with your respirator?

Emergency Procedures

  1. If the respirator fails during use, immediately leave the contaminated area.
  2. Report any respirator malfunctions or fit issues to your supervisor immediately.
  3. Seek medical attention if you experience any adverse health effects potentially related to respirator use.

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Respirator fit testing is essential for ensuring adequate respiratory protection.
  • Both qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods are available, each with its own advantages and limitations.
  • Proper training, medical evaluation, and recordkeeping are critical components of a comprehensive respirator program.
  • Always perform a user seal check before entering a contaminated area.

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

  1. Schedule your annual respirator fit test if you are due or overdue.
  2. Report any changes in your physical condition that may affect respirator fit to your supervisor. [3]
  3. Practice performing user seal checks on your respirator.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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6 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.134 - Respiratory protection

Page 30

Open source document

Source excerpt

# A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration. (cont.) ## 1910.134(k) (cont.) Respirator fit (including the ability to use the respirator without interfering with effective workplace performance); 1910.134(l)(2)(ii) Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to which the employee is exposed; - 1910.134(l)(2)(iii) Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions the employee encounters; and - 1910.134(l)(2)(iv) Proper respirator maintenance. - 1910.134(m) Recordkeeping. This section requires the employer to establish and retain written information regarding medical evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program. This information will facilitate employee involvement in the respirator program, assist the employer in auditing the adequacy of the program, and provide a record for compliance determinations by OSHA. - 1910.134(m)(1) Medical evaluation. Records of medical evaluations required by this section must be retained and made available in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. ## 1910.134(m)(2) Fit testing. 1910.134(m)(2)(i) The employer shall establish a record of the qualitative and quantitative fit tests administered to an employee including: 1910.134(m)(2)(i)(A) The name or identification of the employee tested; 1910.134(m)(2)(i)(B) Type of fit test performed; 1910.134(m)(2)(i)(C) Specific make, model, style, and size of respirator tested; 1910.134(m)(2)(i)(D) Submit Feedback

[2] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.134 - Respiratory protection

Page 31

Open source document

Source excerpt

# A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration. (cont.) ## 1910.134(m)(2) (cont.) Date of test; and 1910.134(m)(2)(i)(E) The pass/fail results for QLFTs or the fit factor and strip chart recording or other recording of the test results for QNFTs. 1910.134(m)(2)(ii) Fit test records shall be retained for respirator users until the next fit test is administered. 1910.134(m)(3) A written copy of the current respirator program shall be retained by the employer. - 1910.134(m)(4) Written materials required to be retained under this paragraph shall be made available upon request to affected employees and to the Assistant Secretary or designee for examination and copying. - 1910.134(n) Effective date. Paragraphs (d)(3)(i)(A) and (d)(3)(i)(B) of this section become effective November 22, 2006. - 1910.134(o) Appendices. Compliance with appendix A, appendix B-1, appendix B-2, appendix C, and appendix D to this section are mandatory. [63 FR 1152, Jan. 8, 1998; 63 FR [redacted postal code], April 23, 1998; 71 FR [redacted postal code], April 3, 2006; 71 FR [redacted postal code], August 24, 2006; 73 FR [redacted postal code], Dec. 12, 2008; 76 FR [redacted postal code], June 8, 2011; 84 FR [redacted postal code], Sept. 26, 2019] OSHA Standards Enforcement Topics Media Center Contact Us UNITED OF LABOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Submit Feedback

[3] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.134 App B-1 - User Seal Check Procedures (Mandatory)

Page 1

Open source document

Source excerpt

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR # Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Part Number: 1910 - Part Number - Title: Occupational Safety and Health Standards - Subpart: 1910 Subpart I - Subpart Title: Personal Protective Equipment Standard - Number: 1910.134 App B-1 - Title: User Seal Check Procedures (Mandatory) - GPO Source: e-CFR ## Appendix B-1 to $ 1910.134: User Seal Check Procedures (Mandatory) The individual who uses a tight-fitting respirator is to perform a user seal check to ensure that an adequate seal is achieved each time the respirator is put on. Either the positive and negative pressure checks listed in this appendix, or the respirator manufacturer's recommended user seal check method shall be used. User seal checks are not substitutes for qualitative or quantitative fit tests. I. Facepiece Positive and/or Negative Pressure Checks A. Positive pressure check. Close off the exhalation valve and exhale gently into the facepiece. The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive pressure can be built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage of air at the seal. For most respirators this method of leak testing requires the wearer to first remove the exhalation valve cover before closing off the exhalation valve and then carefully replacing it after the test. B. Negative pressure check. Close off the inlet opening of the canister or cartridge(s) by covering with the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s), inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold the breath for ten seconds. The design of the inlet opening of some cartridges cannot be effectively covered with the palm of the hand. The test can be performed by Submit Feedback

[4] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.134 - Respiratory protection

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1910.134(b) (cont.) hazardous substance from which an employee can be expected to be protected when wearing a respirator, and is determined by the assigned protection factor of the respirator or class of respirators and the exposure limit of the hazardous substance. The MUC can be determined mathematically by multiplying the assigned protection factor specified for a respirator by the required OSHA permissible exposure limit, short-term exposure limit, or ceiling limit. When no OSHA exposure limit is available for a hazardous substance, an employer must determine an MUC on the basis of relevant available information and informed professional judgment. Negative pressure respirator (tight fitting) means a respirator in which the air pressure inside the facepiece is negative during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure outside the respirator. Oxygen deficient atmosphere means an atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume. Physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) means an individual whose legally permitted scope of practice (i.e., license, registration, or certification) allows him or her to independently provide, or be delegated the responsibility to provide, some or all of the health care services required by paragraph (e) of this section. Positive pressure respirator means a respirator in which the pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the respirator. Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) means an air-purifying respirator that uses a blower to force the ambient air through air-purifying elements to the inlet covering. Pressure demand respirator means a positive pressure atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece when the positive pressure is reduced inside the facepiece by inhalation. Qualitative fit test (QLFT) means a pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of respira…

[5] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.134 - Respiratory protection

Page 17

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Follow-up medical examination. (cont.) ## 1910.134(e)(6)(ii). (cont.) Information from the respiratory protection program, including observations made during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for employee reevaluation; or ## 1910.134(e)(7)(iv) A change occurs in workplace conditions (e.g., physical work effort, protective clothing, temperature) that may result in a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on an employee. - 1910.134(f) Fit testing. This paragraph requires that, before an employee may be required to use any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used. This paragraph specifies the kinds of fit tests allowed, the procedures for conducting them, and how the results of the fit tests must be used. - 1910.134(f)(1) The employer shall ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT) as stated in this paragraph. - 1910.134(f)(2). The employer shall ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter. If after passing a QLFT or QNFT, the employee subsequently notifies the employer, program administrator, supervisor, or PLHCP that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable, the employee shall be given a reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece and to be retested. - 1910.134(f)(3) The employer shall conduct an additional fit test whenever the employee reports, or the employer, PLHCP, supervisor, or program administrator makes visual observations of, changes in the employee's physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial sc…

[6] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.134 - Respiratory protection

Page 18

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Follow-up medical examination. (cont.) ## 1910.134(e)(7)(iv) (cont.) 1910.134(f)(5) The fit test shall be administered using an OSHA-accepted QLFT or QNFT protocol. The OSHA- accepted QLFT and QNFT protocols and procedures are contained in appendix A of this section. ## 1910.134(f)(6). QLFT may only be used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less. ## 1910.134(f)(7) If the fit factor, as determined through an OSHA-accepted QNFT protocol, is equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting half facepieces, or equal to or greater than 500 for tight-fitting full facepieces, the QNFT has been passed with that respirator. ## 1910.134(f)(8). Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators and tight-fitting powered air- purifying respirators shall be accomplished by performing quantitative or qualitative fit testing in the negative pressure mode, regardless of the mode of operation (negative or positive pressure) that is used for respiratory protection. - 1910.134(f)(8)(i) Qualitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by temporarily converting the respirator user's actual facepiece into a negative pressure respirator with appropriate filters, or by using an identical negative pressure air-purifying respirator facepiece with the same sealing surfaces as a surrogate for the atmosphere-supplying or powered air-purifying respirator facepiece. ## 1910.134(f)(8)(ii) Quantitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by modifying the facepiece to allow sampling inside the facepiece in the breathing zone of the user, midway between the nose and mouth. This requirement shall be accomplished by installing a permanent sampling probe onto a surrogate facepiece, or by using a sampling adapter designed to temporarily provide a means of sampling air from inside the facepiece. ## 1910.134(f)(8)(iii) Any modifications to the respirator facepiece for fit testing sh…

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