For employees who are in contact with customers or patients who have or may have COVID-19 or other contagious diseases, it is important to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Respirators that are correctly utilized, including N95 masks, reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases and certain hazardous pollutants. Employees who use N95 respirators may have to qualify with FIT testing before initial use in the workplace, and must re-qualify annually, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

FIT testing confirms the proper size respirator is chosen and that a correct seal is formed in the use of the N95 respirators. FIT testing should be done whenever a different style or size of respirator is used, as well as when there are changes that may decrease the effectiveness of the respirators used. It is important to note that sizing varies with different models and brands of respirators.

OSHA requires your employer to adhere to the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134), if your company requires the use of a respirator. OSHA requirement is a tight-fitting respirator, such as the N95 masks, to be fit tested. Some respirators that do not rely on a tight seal around the face may not be required to be FIT tested.

Qualitative FIT Testing

Qualitative FIT Testing can only be used to test negative-pressure respirators and are to be used in an atmosphere with hazards below 10 times the permissible exposure limit, or face pieces for powered respirators and respirators that supply an atmosphere.

Qualitative FIT Testing is a test that checks the positive and negative pressure of the respirator’s seal to ensure proper usage, and uses your sense of taste or smell to ensure the respirator has a proper fit and function.

Bring a valid government-issued ID and the mask you plan to use during your employment. It is recommended to bring in multiple sizes/brands of the respirator(s) that will be used. Any paperwork provided.

The FIT test starts with selecting a respirator. The employee being tested should be aware of how to use and adjust the respirator that will be tested. This includes wearing the respirator with any glasses or other necessary equipment that will be worn while working with the respirator. It is important to note that facial hair may have to be trimmed or shaved prior to testing, in order to form an adequate seal for the respirator.

The next step is to check the fit of the respirator and ensure it has a proper seal. This is done by covering the filter or surface of the respirator. The employee will breathe out (positive pressure), and not have any air felt leaving the face piece. Then the employee breathes in (negative pressure), creating a vacuum. This ensures there is a proper seal and no flaws in the respirator. The respirator should be worn for around 5 minutes before testing.

The next step is the Taste/Smell testing. Safe chemicals that produce a particular taste or smell will be introduced via a nebulizer or aerosol to ensure that the filter of the respirator is functioning correctly. If the taste/smell of the chemical is not detected, then it means the respirator has adequate filtration and is being properly worn. If the user detects the testing solution, the test will be stopped. Basic activities and exercises will be performed by the user while conducting the tests to check if the respirator works with a full range of motion. The test must be passed once before using a respirator on the job, and again either once per year or with any significant changes to the user’s face (weight gain/loss, dental/medical operations, etc.).

We recommend a clean-shaven face for FIT testing. Guaranteeing the respirator seal is a vital part of respiratory protection practices. Facial hair that lies along the sealing area of a respirator, examples are beards, sideburns, or some mustaches, may interfere with respirators that rely on a tight face piece seal to attain maximum protection. Facial hair is a common reason that someone cannot be fit tested.