What is a Fit-Test?
Fit testing is mandated by OSHA to ensure that the right brand/model/size respirator “fits” the wearer’s facial contours. The individual wears the respirator and a trained practitioner administers the test; either qualitative or quantitative. The qualitative test is a pass/fail that relies on the individual tasting, or not, an administered ambient irritant such as isoamyl acetate(banana oil), smoke, or saccharin(Bitrex®). The quantitative test assesses the integrity of the fit(faceseal) by measuring the ratio of an indicator outside and inside the facepiece. In both cases the individual undergoes numerous maneuvers that imitate work routines. The fit-test procedures are outlined in OSHA Fit-Testing Procedures – 1910.134 Appendix A. In November 2008, the NPPTL and University of Minnesota School of Public Health sponsored a “No Fit Test” Respiratory Workshop which focused on the nature and process of product innovation and development in negative pressure half-piece respirators to gauge
