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.

Safety powered by SALUS