Fit Testing:
The OSHA Respirator Standard CFR 1910.134 states, "The employer shall ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting face-piece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator face-piece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter."
There are two acceptable ways to test the fit of a mask: Quantitative or Qualitative
Quantitative determines the adequacy of the face-to-face piece fit or seal of a given type, make, model, and size of a tight fitting face piece respirator by measuring the particulate contaminate concentration outside the face piece (ambient air), to the concentration inside the face piece. Positive pressure respirator face pieces are fitted with an adapter to allow them to be tested as a negative pressure respirator for test purposes. This quantitative measurement is called the Fit Factor and reflects seal adequacy. Minimum fit factor of 500 is needed for full-face respirators (Assigned Protection Factor of 50) and a minimum fit factor of 100 (Assigned Protection Factor of 10) is needed for face respirators. QNFT is required for contaminant concentrations greater than ten times the PEL.
Qualitative Fit Testing is a subjective based pass/fail test that is dependent on a subjective response from the respirator wearer. Types of qualitative fit testing agents are saccharin, bitrex, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), and irritant smoke. OSHA protocols for these tests must be strictly followed to comply with OSHA Standards.
FROST recommends and utilizes the PortaCount Plus apparatus for quantitative fit testing. This programmable computerized system allows for exposure specific OSHA protocol exercise requirements to be met. The Portocount Plus can be used in conjunction with any type of respirator with a tight-fitting face piece. Use of a wide range of varying adapters to fit most manufacturers face pieces allows employees to be tested in their own respirator. PortaCount Plus incorporates a software package that facilitates data generation, evaluation, and archiving. The Portocount Plus is widely accepted in the industry as "state of the art".
