When is respirator fit testing required?
Fit testing of all tight-fitting facepiece respirators is required prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator is used, and at least annually thereafter. An additional fit test is required whenever there are changes in the user’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g. facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight.) The employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used.
• Fit testing of all tight-fitting facepiece respirators is required prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator is used, and at least annually thereafter. An additional fit test is required whenever there are changes in the user’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight.) The employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used. Can a respirator be used by more than one person? How often should it be cleaned and disinfected? • Disposable respirators cannot be disinfected, and are therefore assigned to only one person. Disposable respirators must be discarded if they are soiled, physically damaged, or reach the end of their service life. Replaceable filter respirators may be shared, but must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use before being worn by a different person, using procedures in Appendix B-2 of 29
Fit testing of all negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece respirators is required prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter. An additional fit test is required whenever there are changes in the user’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight). The employer must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used.
