OSHA-compliant respirator fit testing using quantitative and qualitative methods. Ensure your employees' respiratory protection actually protects them with annual testing performed by certified technicians.
Respirator fit testing is a critical component of any respiratory protection program. OSHA requires that employees using tight-fitting respirators be fit tested prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter.
A proper fit test verifies that the specific make, model, style, and size of respirator creates an adequate seal on the employee's face. Without fit testing, even the highest-quality respirator may fail to provide the expected level of protection.
Diversified Safety & Compliance provides both quantitative and qualitative fit testing methods to meet your operational needs:
Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT)
Uses instrumentation to measure the actual amount of leakage into the respirator facepiece. This method provides a numerical fit factor and is required for certain respirator types including tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) and supplied-air respirators.
Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT)
A pass/fail test method that relies on the wearer's sensory detection of a test agent. OSHA-accepted protocols include saccharin, Bitrex, isoamyl acetate, and irritant smoke methods.
Our certified technicians document all fit test results with the information required by OSHA, including employee name, respirator make/model/size, date, test type, and pass/fail status.
All fit testing follows mandatory OSHA protocols exactly as specified. We maintain current certifications and equipment calibration records.
PortaCount and other quantitative methods for SCBAs and PAPRs. Saccharin, Bitrex, and other qualitative protocols for filtering facepiece respirators.
Our fit test administrators are trained and certified in all OSHA-accepted protocols with documented competency records.
Every fit test is documented with employee name, test date, respirator identification, test protocol used, and pass/fail results as required by OSHA.
We come to your facility with all necessary equipment, minimizing employee downtime and travel costs.
Fit test records sync with our compliance platform for easy tracking of annual requirements and medical clearance status.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(f) - Fit Testing Requirements
§1910.134(f)(1) - 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.
§1910.134(f)(2) - Fit testing must be administered using an OSHA-accepted qualitative (QLFT) or quantitative (QNFT) protocol as specified in Appendix A.
§1910.134(f)(3) - Employees must be fit tested prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter.
§1910.134(f)(4) - Additional fit testing is required 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 (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or obvious weight change).
Appendix A - Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory)
OSHA specifies detailed protocols for both QLFT and QNFT methods. All fit testing must follow these mandatory procedures exactly as written to be compliant.
Qualitative Fit Test Protocols:
- Isoamyl Acetate (Banana Oil)
- Saccharin Solution Aerosol
- Bitrex™ Solution Aerosol
- Irritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride)
Quantitative Fit Test Protocols:
- Generated Aerosol (using corn oil, salt, or DEHP)
- Ambient Aerosol Condensation Nuclei Counter (PortaCount)
- Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP)
- CNP REDON
OSHA requires fit testing before initial respirator use and at least annually thereafter. Additional fit testing is required if the employee uses a different respirator (make, model, style, or size) or if physical changes occur that could affect the fit, such as significant weight change, dental work, facial scarring, or cosmetic surgery.
Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) is a pass/fail method where the employee detects a test agent (sweet, bitter, or irritant) if there's leakage. Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) uses instruments to measure actual leakage and calculate a numerical fit factor. QNFT is required for tight-fitting PAPRs and supplied-air respirators, and provides more precise results for half-mask and full-facepiece respirators.
Yes. OSHA requires medical evaluation and clearance before an employee can be fit tested or use a respirator. The medical evaluation must be completed by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP). Diversified offers integrated respirator medical evaluations that can be completed before fit testing.
No. OSHA prohibits tight-fitting respirator use when facial hair interferes with the sealing surface. Employees must be clean-shaven in the area of the respirator seal for both fit testing and respirator use. Employees with beards may use loose-fitting respirators (such as hoods or helmets) that don't require a face seal.
You receive complete fit test records including: employee name, date of test, fit test type (QLFT or QNFT), specific protocol used, respirator make/model/style/size, and pass/fail result. For QNFT, the fit factor achieved is also recorded. Records are retained and accessible through our compliance platform.
A qualitative fit test typically takes 15-20 minutes per employee including preparation and documentation. Quantitative fit testing takes approximately 20-30 minutes. For on-site events, we can typically test 3-4 employees per hour with qualitative methods.
If an employee fails, we'll try a different size of the same respirator model. If that fails, we'll try a different model or style. Most employees can achieve a passing fit with proper respirator selection. If an employee cannot pass with any available respirator, they cannot use tight-fitting respirators for that application and alternative controls must be considered.
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