Respiratory Fit Testing

Any person who is required to wear a tight fitting facepiece during the course of their normal day to day work duties, or any person who is required to wear a tight fitting facepiece for emergency response activities should be fit tested to ensure an effective seal.

A respirator can't protect you if it doesn't fit your face. It's that simple. Certain respirators, known as tight-fitting respirators, must form a tight seal with your face or neck to work properly. If your respirator doesn't fit your face properly, contaminated air can leak into your respirator face piece, and you could breathe in hazardous substances. Book your fit test with IS today:

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A quantitative fit test measures the adequacy of a respirator's fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator. The OSHA protocols include use of a PortaCount, CNC or CNP test.

International Safety uses the PortaCount 8038 Plus fit test machine. It works by measuring the concentration of microscopic dust particles in the ambient air and then measuring the concentration of those dust particles that leak into the respirator. The ratio of these two concentrations is called the fit factor. The filters stop essentially all the particles so anything that gets into the mask must have come through the face seal. A quantitative fit test is not affected by the person's sense of smell, taste or sensitivity to irritant chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to get fitted for a mask?

The reason for a mask is to remove various hazardous elements from the air you breathe on a job site. Even a small leak means these harmful elements will get to your lungs. A mask fit test will ensure that your mask will fit you properly and do its job.

How will I know what brand of mask will fit me properly?

Not everyone can get a good fit with one specific respirator. If the respirator fails the fit test, then another make, model, style, or size will be tried until one is found that fits you properly.

How often does one need to be fit tested?

Every 2 years or whenever you have a change in your physical condition that could affect the fit of you respirator. Such changes could include:

large weight gain or loss;
major dental work (such as new dentures);
facial surgery that may have changed the shape of your face; or
significant scarring in the area of the seal

Do I need to be freshly shaven for the fit test?

Yes. Being clean shaven is required not only for a fit test but every time you wear a respirator. Facial hair stubble affects your mask’s ability to protect you. Anything that comes between your face and the respirator seal or gets into the respirator valves can allow contaminated air to leak into the respirator facepiece and will compromise your protection.

What if I show up for a fit test with a beard or moustache?

If you have a moustache - it is acceptable. If you have a beard you will have to shave. Disposable blades and shaving cream are available and will be provided to you.

What kind of record will I get from the fit test?

You will receive a fit test card that you will keep with you at all times. This card will show the brand/type of mask you were tested; and the size of mask that you should wear. Your employer will get a copy of the Fit Test Report for their records.

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