Why is Respirator Fit Testing Important? The number one reason? It’s the law. OSHA Standard Number 1910.134, paragraph (f), requires that, before an employee is 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. Not only is it the law, but fit testing is important because if the respirator does not fit properly it will not offer the full level of protection against contaminants. Fitting properly means it must be able to create a proper seal between the wearer’s face and the facepiece. What type of testing is necessary? It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that employees using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT). For more information on OSHA-accepted QLFT and QNFT protocols and procedures, review 1810.134 Appendix A. So one fit test and we’re done? Wrong. There are other occasions in which fit testing is mandatory, and the responsibility of the employer. Fit testing is required whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and additional testing must occur at least annually thereafter. (OSHA 1910.134(f)(2)) “You grew a beard!” When an employee makes changes in their physical appearance that could affect respirator fit – weight gain or loss, changes in facial hair, cosmetic surgery or dental work – an additional fit test is required. (OSHA 1910.134(f)(3)) Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT) A non-numeric pass/fail test that relies on the wearer’s response to a substance, or test agent, used to determine fit. Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT) A method that provides a numeric assessment of how well a respirator fits by using probes or other measuring devices inside and outside the respirator. FIT TEST QUICK GUIDE •Have all employees been fit-tested before wearing respirators with tight- fitting facepieces? •If testing has yet to be conducted, will all employees be tested with the same make, model, style and size that they will be expected to use? •Are fit tests being conducted annually? •Have fit tests been administered using OSHA accepted QNFT or QLFT protocols? •Have all employees had a medical evaluation before fit testing? SOURCE: HTTPS://WWW.OSHA. GOV/LAWS-REGS/REGULATIONS/ STANDARDNUMBER/1910/1910.134APPA SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE
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