Respirator Fit Test
Fit Test Appointments Available Two Days A Month!
OSHA Required Respirator Training
If you require employees to wear respirators, they must complete training along with the annual fit testing. Safex offers a quick and easy online training course to meet this requirement.
Qualitative Fit Testing
Qualitative fit testing uses a challenge agent such as banana oil, saccharin, or Bitrex. The test is subjective and relies on the worker’s sense of taste or smell.
Quantitative Fit Testing
Quantitative respirator fit testing uses the TSI PortaCount to measure leakage into the breathing zone of the respirator face piece.
- Personal Protective Equipment Assessments
- Occupational Exposure Assessments
- Health and Safety Oversight
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Requirements
OSHA has set requirements for using a respirator on the job—and for good reason! It’s to keep you safe, healthy, and happy! Basically, whenever an employer requires an employee, or an employee voluntarily chooses, to wear a respirator, OSHA requires a Respiratory Protection Plan. This requirement can be found under OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). The plan should be periodically audited by a knowledgeable person not directly associated with the program (we recommend Safex) to ensure that the written procedures are being followed and that the requirements are being met. Ask us about our health and safety program development!
Medical Clearance
Before an employee is fit-tested or required to use a respirator in the work place, you must provide a medical evaluation to determine if the employee is able to use the respirator. How do you do that, you ask? Well, we make it really convenient for you with an online respiratory medical clearance. Safex works with outside medical professionals to perform online respiratory medical clearances. First, we’ll ask you some questions about health and safety and your occupation. Then, a doctor will review this information and complete your online medical clearance. And just like that: you’re cleared! It’s that simple!
Facial Hair Requirements
A proper seal on a respirator cannot be achieved if too much facial hair is present. Men, please shave in advance of your fit test or you will be charged a $10 shaving fee for time/supplies. If you have questions about what type of facial hair is appropriate during fit testing, please give us a call or reference this handy chart.
Please note, if you have COVID or flu symptoms, please reschedule your fit test appointment.
*All participants must have a medical clearance.
Have a question?
Speak with a Fit Test representative:
1) They must be performed annually
2) They should be performed more frequently if your physical condition or your respirator use changes.
3) Fit test participants should not smoke 30 minutes prior to being tested and must be clean shaven.
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