For mandatory use of respiratory protection, respirator fit testing is required, and it is recommended for voluntary use. According to regulations, an employer must check an employee wearing a tight-fitting facepiece respirator prior to first use and at least once a year afterward if a new respirator facepiece style, form, model, or make is used.

Respirator Fit Testing:

When testing with the help of the safety leadership training, assume the following factors: chin correctly placed; adequate strap stress, not overtightened; fit over nose bridge; correct size to extend width from nose to chin; inclination to slip; and self-observation in a mirror to assess fit and respirator position.

AUTHORITIES have outlined some of the key steps for performing a proper fit test, which is mentioned below. Consult a best safety consultant or an occupational hygienist before performing a respirator fit testing to ensure that it is carried out in compliance with safety legislation.

Respirator Fit Tests Tips

•       Remind the employee how to put on a respirator, how to position it on his or her forehead, how to change the harness tension, and how to determine whether the respirator is a good match.
•       After the employee has put on a fair range of different respirator types and measurements, remind them to choose the one that seems to be the perfect fit.
•       Tell the employee to look for a customer seal on a regular basis. Until completing the seal inspection, instruct the employee to seat the mask on his or her face by gently moving the head from side to side and up and down while taking a few deep breaths. Change the facepiece and retest if the employee fails the user seal verification tests with the aid of the safety leadership training.
•       Do not conduct the test if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing pad. Any clothing that makes it difficult to get a good fit should be changed or omitted.
•       If an employee has difficulty breathing during the tests, he or she should be referred to a physician or other licensed healthcare professional as needed to determine if a respirator should be used when the employee completes his or her duties.
•       Perform the fit test when the employee is wearing some safety gear that could interfere with the respirator’s fit during real use.

A respirator fit testing requires the completion of a series of fit tasks. Get the services of experts for it. For more information visit our Website.