Workplace safety will always be a non-negotiable priority regardless of the industry, but it is especially so for those with naturally hazardous environments like factories and chemical plants.
To mitigate risks, you must provide workers with high-quality personal protective equipment (PPEs), like respirators. In this article, learn more about respirators and how critical the respirator fit test is to ensure they are correctly fitted. Also, discover what to expect during these tests and tips on choosing the best fit test provider.
Types of Fit Tests
The respirator fit test is more than about comfort. It’s mandated by workplace safety and health regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure that respirators effectively protect workers against harmful gases or vapours.
Respirator testing is performed to help you select the right size and model of the respirator for workers to ensure that a good face seal is achievable.
There are two types of fit tests, and we will discuss them below.
Qualitative Fit Test (QFT)
The qualitative fit test, or QFT, is a simple, pass-or-fail method. It evaluates the seal of a respirator by letting you wear one and exposing you to various harmless substances and solutions. The result will based on what you’ll taste, smell, or any reaction your body might have during the exposure.
A QFT is an entirely subjective type of respirator fit test, only relying on the test subject’s truthful reporting and ability to sense the challenge agent. With the possible differences depending on the subject’s sensibility, the accuracy can be low. QFT can be used for any reusable half or full-face respirators and even for disposable respirators like 8210 N95 respirators.
If you need more information about this type of test, explore detailed guides on qualitative fit testing for clarity.
Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)
While a QFT provides subjective results, a quantitative fit test, or QNFT, takes a more technical approach. This type of test uses a machine to measure the possible leakage inside and outside the respirator. A QNFT produces a numerical result, called a “fit factor,” to identify whether the respirator fits correctly.
The minimum fit factor for half-mask respirators is 100, while the minimum fit factor for full-face ones is 500. The QNFT offers more assurance that employees using respirators will have adequate protection.
This respirator fit test is preferred or is a standard practice in many high-risk industries, such as chemical plants, healthcare, oil and gas, and the military, where workers are commonly exposed to hazardous inhalants.
What to Expect During a Fit Test
Before the fit test, you should know that you must first confirm if you are fit to wear respirators. To do this, you have to undergo a spirometry lung test first. This is a common lung function test to measure how well your lungs are working and evaluate the amount of air you can handle.
After the lung test, check the content below to learn what to expect during a fit test.
Pre-Test Preparation
Before the respirator fit test begins, here are some essential reminders and steps to follow:
- Remove any facial hair where the respirator seals against your face as it might interfere with the fit, hence the result.
- Make sure to bring the respirator your employees typically use in production.
- Wear any additional PPE used in your work environment during the test if necessary. This will increase the test’s accuracy, especially regarding the involvement of other variables.
Step-by-Step Fit Test Process
Here’s what you can expect during a respirator fit test:
- Discussion of the type of fit test to be conducted.
- The tester will inspect the condition of the respirator.
- Follow the tester’s instructions regarding the proper wearing of the respirator.
- Confirm if the respirator is sealed in your face.
- Complete exercises like bending over, speaking, and turning your head to check the respirator’s seal under movement.
- Results will be evaluated depending on the type. If QFT, you’ll be assessed for any possible detection of chemicals. For QNFT, a machine will analyse the fit factor.
Fit Test Duration and Frequency
The respirator fit test usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. However, you should allot spare time, as the exact time may vary depending on the test and the number of participants. For a group of 25 people, the testing should take more than an hour, but it still depends on the users.
Regular fit testing should be done once a year or when there’s a significant change in the wearer’s facial structure. This complies with industry safety regulations.
Why Fit Testing Matters for Workplace Safety
The most glaring reason fit testing matters in workplace safety is to ensure that your workers wear the appropriate respirator to protect them from harm. Even if you provide them with top-notch respirators, if it’s ill-fitting, then it won’t serve its intended purpose. Instead, they harm the wearers more.
Conducting respirator fit tests will minimize the risk of workplace-related diseases and injuries caused by hazardous dust, toxic gases, and other airborne substances. To help you with your fit test needs, you should partner with workplace safety solutions providers, as they are the best to know what’s best to protect your workforce and help you comply with industry standards and regulations.
Choosing a Reliable Fit Test Provider
You must look for three essential things in a fit test provider: certification, experience, and testing options. These factors make a provider dependable, and you can guarantee they will deliver accurate results.
Moreover, you must also opt for a brand with an excellent industry reputation, like 3M. This brand is a global leader in worker safety products that set protection and reliability standards. However, given the brand’s popularity, you should only get from a trusted 3M distributor to avoid quality and compliance issues.
Final Thoughts on Respirator Fit Testing
In high-risk industries, especially those that expose workers to toxic chemicals and inhalers, a respirator fit test should be conducted regularly to ensure everyone’s safety. It’s always a best practice to provide PPEs and to have that guarantee that you give enough protection and not the other way around.
Ensure your workplace is protected against hazards, and start scheduling regular respirator fit tests with a trusted 3M distributor, like Lim Kim Hai Electric.
We are a leading 3M distributor in Singapore, offering safety solutions and accessories for businesses like yours. We are 3M certified and provide many products or services to meet your safety needs, including QFT and QNFT, to cater to your working environment needs.
