Qualitative Fit Testing 

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

Target Audience: Worksites where we rely on respiratory protection to keep us safe.

A fit test is conducted to verify that a respirator is both comfortable and correctly fits the user. A quantitative fit test uses an instrument to numerically measure the effectiveness of the respirator. The benefits of a fit test include better protection for the employee and verification that the employee is wearing a correctly-fitting model and size of respirator. Higher than expected levels of exposure to a contaminant may occur if the respirator has a poor face seal against the user’s skin, which can result in leakage. In addition to fit testing upon initially selecting a model of respirator, OSHA requires that fit testing be conducted annually, and repeated “whenever an employee reports, or the employer or the physician or other licensed health care professional makes visual observations of changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight).

Qualitative Fit Testing 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.