What is a fit test?

Respirator fit testing is performed to determine how well a respirator seal fits a person’s face. A respirator must be fitted to insure maximum protection from contaminates and comfort. With a respirator if there is a leak or it is not worn properly the wearer could be exposed to airborne contaminates. It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure employees have a respirator fit test to ensure proper face piece to face seal.
There are two methods for administering a respirator fit test. Those methods are qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative methods are subjective and rely on the wearer’s sense of taste or smell. This test uses either saccharine of smoke and is not entirely reliable owing to a wearer’s subjective response.

Quantitative respirator fit testing uses a device that measures exact leakage into the breathing zone of the respirator face piece. The test uses an instrument such as a Portacount and gives a report on the overall fit factor. It is much faster than a qualitative test as it does not rely on a subjective response.

When do you need a fit test?

  • Before the employee uses the respirator for the first time,
  • Whenever the medical provider, the employer or the employee has reason to believe the respirator no longer fits due to facial changes, rapid body-weight changes, new facial scars or similar concern,
  • When the employee experiences a medical condition that impacts or could impact safe respirator use and
  • At least annually.

WA Legislative requirements

  • AS/NZS 1715 is specified in the WA Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 r3.40.(1)(a) and the WA MRespirator Fit Test Perth Western Australiaines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 9.12.(1)(b).

Environmental Site Services provides a fully mobile onsite fit testing service to perform testing for all respirators including disposable, half face, full face and SCBA mask fit testing. Fit testing takes approximately 20 minutes and  includes physical fit test, instruction on correctly fitting of respirator and a report which gives information on whether it’s a pass or fail and the type, size and maintenance of the respirator for business records.

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