Does OSHA give employers a choice of using either qualitative (QLFT) or quantitative (QNFT) fit test methods?
Yes and no. QLFT fit test protocols that exist at this time are only suitable for determining a fit factor of 100. OSHA allows you to use either QLFT or QNFT for fit testing respirators that require a fit factor of 100 (i.e. half-masks). Full-face masks need a fit factor of at least 500 so QNFT is the only choice at this time. If a QLFT for a fit factor of 500 is ever developed and accepted by OSHA, it would be allowed for use with full-face respirators. Refer to Application Note ITI-032 Don’t Use Qualitative Fit Testing for Full-Face Respirators for an explanation or read OSHA’s explanation in the Respirator Protection Standard Preamble. Application Note ITI-056 Respirator Fit Testing Highlights for OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29CFR1910.134 will help you locate this information.
