N95 Fit Testing
A fit test is a test protocol conducted to verify that a respirator is both comfortable and correctly fits the user. Fit testing uses a test agent, either qualitatively detected by the wearer’s sense of taste, smell or involuntary cough (irritant smoke) or quantitatively measured by an instrument, to verify the respirator’s fit. See questions related to qualitative and quantitative fit testing for more specific information.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1910.134) requires a respirator fit test to confirm the fit of any respirator that forms a tight seal on the wear’s face before it is to be used in the workplace. That same OSHA respirator standard also prohibits tight fitting respirators to be worn by workers who have facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face of the wearer.
A fit test only qualifies the user to put on (don) the specific brand/make/model of respirator with which an acceptable fit testing result was achieved. Users should only wear the specific brand, model, and size respirators that he or she wore during successful fit tests. [Note: respirator sizing is variable and not standardized across models or brands. For example, a medium in one model may not offer the same fit as a different manufacturer’s medium model.
- Monday, November 25, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM430 West Merrick RD, Suite 18, Valley Stream, NY 11580
- Wednesday, November 27, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM430 West Merrick RD, Suite 18, Valley Stream, NY 11580
- Friday, November 29, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM430 West Merrick RD, Suite 18, Valley Stream, NY 11580