Steps to Fit-Testing an N-95 Respirator
Steps to Fit-Testing an N-95 Respirator
Note: Inform the test subjects: No eating, drinking (except plain water), chewing gum, or smoking for 15 minutes prior to testing the respirator for proper fit. To test qualitatively with saccharin or Bitrex, you need an “N” or “P” series filter or filtering facepiece respirator.
Objective: Federal regulation require that all persons required to wear respirators in the workplace receive annual
1. training on how to use their respirators, and
2. fit-testing to ensure proper fit and adequate seal against contaminants
A. Sensitivity Test:
1. Place hood on test subject without a respirator.
2. Position hood assembly forward so there is about six inches between face and window.
3. Instruct test subject to breathe through slightly open mouth with tongue extended.
4. Using Nebulizer #1, and Sensitivity Test Solution #1, inject 10 squeezes through the hole in hood window.
5. Ask if subject can detect the sweet or bitter taste of solution. If tasted, proceed to step B.
6. If not tasted, inject an additional 10 squeezes, and repeat with 10 more if necessary.
Note the number of squeezes (10, 20, or 30) required to produce taste response.
7. If 30 squeezes are inadequate, the test is ended and another type of fit test solution must be used.
8. Remove the hood and allow the subject a few minutes to clear the taste from their mouth.
B. Training on their Personal Respirator:
1. Written program required, that is site/task specific
2. Instruction on respiratory hazards per task
3. Instruction on use and limitations of respirator for each job/task
4. Instruct and demonstrate donning, doffing, and adjustment procedures according to manufacturer’s specs
5. Provide instruction on negative and positive user seal checks according to manufacturer’s specifications and allow opportunity for employees to practice procedures
6. Fit-test each employee to be assigned a respirator
7. Instruct employees in procedures for maintenance and storage of respirators being used
8. Change of filters/cartridges: when particulate filters or pre-filters are dirty, damaged, difficult to breathe through; or according to established schedule, and/or “End of Service Life Indicator” for chemical cartridges
9. Inform employees how to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use of respirators
10. Document the successful completion of training and fit testing for all employees who may need to wear respirators
C. Fit Test:
1. Have the test subject put on the respirator and perform a user seal check (fit check) per instructions provided.
2. Have the subject put on and position the hood as before and breathe through mouth.
3. Using Nebulizer #2, and Test Solution #2, inject 10 squirts of the fit test aerosol (or the same number of squeezes required in the Sensitivity Test).
4. Inject 5 squeezes every 30 seconds (or half the number of squeezes…10 for 20, or 15 for 30…used in Step 3)
E.g., 10 squeezes to start, then 5 squeezes every 30 seconds thereafter for the remaining 6 ½ min. test duration
5. After initial aerosol is injected, have subject perform the following exercises for 60 seconds each (7 minute test)
a. Normal breathing
b. Deep breathing
c. Turning head side to side (without moving shoulders)
d. Nodding head up and down
e. Talking – e.g., read “Rainbow Passage” (included in kit) or slowly count backwards from 60 to 1
f. Bending over
g. Normal breathing
6. The test is terminated any time the test agent is tasted by the subject. Record whether the subject passed or failed the fit-test for that particular respirator. (Before re-testing, wait 15 minutes to allow taste to leave subject’s mouth.)
IMPORTANT – This worksheet is provided as a convenience. Review OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 to assure compliance.
(over)
RAINBOW PASSAGE
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
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