Respirator Fit Testing Quantitative & Qualitative
Some trades and professions require employees to wear an N95 respirator or a half/full-face facepiece respirator to keep them safe at work. Respirator Fit Testing assures that your mask is safe for use and follows proper fit testing protocols.
What Is A Respirator Fit Test?
Some trades and professions require employees to wear an N95 respirator or a half/full-face facepiece respirator to keep them safe at work. This requirement stretched across many industries as the nation faced the COVID-19 pandemic.
OSHA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) require that masks can keep out particulates that can harm an individual when inhaled. These particulates can include harmful fumes, smoke, insulation (fiberglass) particulates, viruses, and other respiratory hazards. To keep workers safe, OSHA has provided set standards for masks. To know if a mask follows these standards, it can be measured using qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods.
Qualitative Respirator Fit Test (QLFT)
A qualitative fit test is a pass-or-fail test. It tells whether or not a mask has a complete seal by relying on senses like taste or smell. To qualify for the fit test, the individual must pass a medical questionnaire for medical clearance. Butterfield Testing Solutions offers an online MEQ that a doctor reviews. Once approved, our fit tester demonstrates the proper way to wear each respirator model.
After a proper fit has been established, the test subject wears the mask under a hooded mask that rests on the shoulders. The hood has a hole where the fit testing equipment sprays a bitter-tasting test agent while the person goes through a series of motions that test the respirator sealing surface.
If the test subject can taste the bitter solution, the mask fails. If no taste is detected, the mask passes, confirming an acceptable fit for workplace use.
Quantitative Respirator Fit Test (QNFT)
A quantitative fit test works similarly but uses fit testing equipment to calculate any leakage. A tube connects the mask to the testing device, which detects leaks while the test subject performs a series of motions.
The fit tester can stop the test and refit the mask as needed or suggest a different respirator model. Once the test is successful, the machine provides a record and a fit test appointment card. Like QLFT, this test requires medical clearance via a medical questionnaire.
How long does it take to do a respirator fit test?
About 10 Min.
How long does it take to get results for a respirator fit test?
Varies
Results are immediate and a certification card showing the approved mask is issued.
Things To Know About Respirator Fit Testing
Facial hair can affect results. Consequently, do you have to shave for a respirator fit test? In some cases, subjects with significant facial hair may not achieve an acceptable fit. Conducting the test may require shaving so the respirator sealing surface forms a complete seal.
Other factors include adherence to fit testing procedures, the type of elastomeric respirators, and ensuring protective devices meet permissible exposure limits under OSHA standards. Following a respiratory protection program ensures compliance with occupational safety and occupational health regulations.
What Happens If An Individual Fails The Medical Evaluation Questionnaire?
Oftentimes, an answer to a question on the Medical Evaluation Questionaire (MEQ) requires a phone interview by the doctor. Most of the time the person is still cleared to be tested. However, there are times when clearance is not possible. As a result, that person would not be considered a good candidate to work wearing a respirator mask for the respirator fit testing.
Learn more about other testing services we offer here.