THE ORCBS > Occupational Safety > Programs & Guidelines > Respiratory Protection > Respiratory Protection Program >

RESPIRATOR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS - RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

Respiratory protective equipment will not be ordered, purchased or issued to personnel unless the respirator wearer has received respirator training and passed a fit test. Quantitative or qualitative fit tests will be performed.

A fit test report, when complete and signed by an ORCBS representative, indicates that the wearer has successfully completed the Olin respirator certification program and the ORCBS quantitative fit testing and training requirements. The fit test report is valid for 1 year. Refitting is required when job duties necessitate a change in respirator equipment, when body-weight changes (+/- 20 lbs.) or if a facial structure changes, and at least annually from the initial fit test. The user can only obtain and wear the respirator specified on the fit test report.

1. Qualitative Fit Tests

The worker is exposed to an atmosphere containing an odorant, irritant or taste agent and then asked to breathe normally, breath deeply, move head side to side, move head up and down, grimace, bend at the waist, and talk. The wearer reports any noticeable odor or taste agent that is leaking into the mask.

a) Banana Oil Test

This chemical has a pleasant, easily detectable odor, which is used to check the facepiece seal when organic vapor cartridges are used. If the user detects any odor, it is an indication that the fit is faulty, and that adjustment to the respirator seal is required. This test has two limitations; the odor threshold varies widely among individuals and odor fatigue can occur.

b) Irritant Smoke Test

This qualitative test involves exposing the wearer to an irritating aerosol produced by a smoke tube. If the user detects any irritant smoke, it is an indication that the fit is faulty, and adjustment to the respirator seal is required. This test has an advantage in that the wearer usually reacts involuntarily to any leakage seal by coughing or sneezing. Only properly trained personnel should conduct the irritant smoke fit test.

c) Bitrex

This compound has a bitter taste, and is used to detect leaks in respirators. This is a common fit testing method for the N95 respirators. Respirator users must be subjected to a taste threshold test to assure the Bitrex can be tasted. Taste fatigue may also occur with this fit testing method.

2. Quantitative Fit Test:

A particle counting instrument is used to accurately measure respirator fit by comparing the dust concentration in the surrounding air with the dust concentration inside the respirator. The ratio of these concentrations is called the fit factor. A modified filter cartridge (or a modified respirator facepiece) equipped with a sampling port is used to collect air from inside the respirator. With the sampler attached, the wearer is asked to: breathe normally, breath deeply, move head side to side, move head up and down, grimace, bend at the waist, and talk. During these movements, any leakage is measured by the particle counting device. After the fit test, a final fit test report is generated (Appendix A).

An acceptable fit test is a measured fit factor at least 10 times greater than the assigned protection factor (APF) listed in tables 5, 6 and 7. APF’s are a characteristic of respirator design. A fit factor of at least 10 times the APF is used as acceptance criteria because APF’s are not considered reliable predictors of performance levels that will be achieved during actual use.

3. Field Fit Checks

After successfully completing an initial ORCBS fit test, employees must check the fit of their respirator immediately before and periodically during respirator use in the field.

a) Positive Pressure Check

Cover the exhalation valve with your hand and exhale gently into the facepiece. If a slight positive pressure is built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of leakage, the fit is satisfactory. This test method is the most widely used to check proper fit in the field.

b) Negative Pressure Check

Close off the air inlet valves (i.e., cover the cartridges with your hands), inhale gently to collapse the facepiece slightly, and hold your breath for 10 seconds. If the facepiece remains slightly collapsed and no leakage is detected, the respirator fits properly. It may be difficult to get a good seal when trying to cover the inlet valves (cartridges).

4. Considerations For Proper Fit

a) Facial Hair

A person who has hair (stubble, mustache, sideburns, beard, low hairline or bangs) which passes between the face and the sealing surface of a tight-fitting facepiece shall not be permitted to wear a respirator with a tight fitting facepiece. A person who has hair (mustache, beard) which interferes with the functions of the respirator valve(s) shall not be permitted to wear a respirator.

b) Glasses and Eye/Face Protective Devices

If a spectacle, goggle, faceshield or welding helmet must be worn with a respirator, it shall be worn so as not to adversely affect the respirator seal. Spectacles that have temple bars or straps which pass between the sealing surface of a respirator facepiece and the wearers face shall not be used. If a full facepiece respirator is used, special frames for mounting prescription glasses are available if needed.

Issuance and Assignment of Respirators

Respiratory Protection Program