Qualitative Fit Testing Service - Conducted In-Store or in the Seattle Area

Qualitative Respirator Fit Testing Services

In order to conduct the fit test:

• Person being fit tested must be clean shaven
• Passed medical evaluation (can be done online through 3M here)
  • Bring a copy of this with you
• You can bring your own mask, or purchase one on-site 
  • Honeywell half face respirators: Latex or Silicone
  • Honeywell full face respirators: Latex or Silicone

OSHA requires qualitative or quantitative fit testing before a user wears a mandatory respirator on the job.

• Must be assessed at least annually
• In addition, fit tests should be performed:
  • Whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used
  • When any facial changes occur that could affect fit, such as significant weight fluctuation or dental work
    
    

A qualitative fit test (QLFT) may only be used to fit-test:

• Negative-pressure, air-purifying respirators, as long as they’ll only be used in atmospheres where the hazard is at less than 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL)
• Tight-fitting facepieces used with powered and atmosphere-supplying respirators

QLFT is pass/fail and relies on the user’s senses using one of four OSHA-accepted test agents:

• Isoamyl acetate (banana smell); only for testing respirators with organic vapor cartridges
• Saccharin (sweet taste); can test respirators with a particulate filter of any class
• Bitrex® (bitter taste); can also test respirators with particulate filters of any class
• Irritant smoke (involuntary cough reflex); only for testing respirators with level 100 particulate filters
  • Irritant smoke we use to test, 50811000-310N

Each QLFT method uses seven exercises performed for 1 minute each:

• Normal breathing
• Deep breathing
• Turning head side to side
• Moving head up and down
• Talking
• Bending over (or jogging in place if fit test unit doesn’t permit bending at the waist)
• Normal breathing again