Respiratory Fit Testing
According to OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard every worker who wears a tight-fitting respirator must be fit tested to identify the proper make, model, and size to wear.
WorkPro uses the TSI Portacount
Plus respirator fit tester. This computerized equipment is a quantitative fit test. The overall fit factoris what counts. The Pass or Fail message will indicate whether or not the test was successful. A record of the test will be sent to you and will contain: test subject’s name, date tested, overall fit factor, make, model, style and size of respirator.
Fit testing is required for all employees using negative or positive tight-fitting respirators, where such respirators are required by OSHA or where the employer requires the use of such a respirator. This fit test is NOT required for “true” voluntary use of escape-only respirators.
Example: If there are 15,000 particles counted in the ambient air and 150 particles are counted inside the respirator face piece then the fit factor is:
Factors that can result in a faulty face
mask seal
- Facial hair: beard, side burns
- High Cheek Bones
- Scars
- Glasses
- Makeup
- Dentures
- Body Weight Changes
Exercises tested in fit testing
- Normal breathing
- Deep breathing
- Turning head side to side
- Moving head up and down
- Talking
- Grimace
- Bending over or jogging
