Respirator Medical Clearance and Fit Test Program

This is a test that is required by OSHA 1910.134 standard and is a test that checks the seal between the respirator’s face piece and the individual that is wearing the respirator.  A fit test should not be confused with a user seal check. 

1. Fit Test. Evaluates the seal between the respirator and the individual. 
2. User Seal Check.  A user seal check is a quick check performed by the wearer each time the respirator is put on.  It determines if the respirator is properly seated on the face or needs to be readjusted. 

When should a respirator be rechecked: 

1. Large change in weight loss/gain 
2. Major dental work 
3. Facial surgery that may have changed the shape of your face 
4. Significant scarring in the area of the seal. 

DWC Onsite and Mobile Health Services Respirator Medical Clearance and Fit Test Program complies with OSHA’s Fit Test Protocol 1910.134(F). 

Our complete on-site program includes: 

• Qualitative Fit Testing  
• Quantitative Fit Testing 
• Respirator condition evaluation  
• Positive and Negative pressure check of respirator 
• Individual certification cards for employees who have passed the respirator fit test 
• Record keeping and data storage    

Qualitative Fit Testing is a Pass/Fail test method using your sense of taste or smell or your reaction to an irritant odor.  Qualitative testing does not measure the actual amount of leakage, whether the respirator passes or fails the test is based on you detecting leakage of the test substance. 

• Respirator condition evaluation 
• Instruction on how to don, adjust, and fit respirator mask 
• Negative and positive pressure seal check of mask 
• Administer Bitrex (taste aversion agent), Sacchrine,or Irritant Smoke while using OSHA Fit Test Protocol 1910.134. 

Quantitative Fit Testing uses a machine to measure the actual amount of leakage into the face piece and does not rely upon sense of taste, smell, or irritation. 

• Respirator condition evaluation 
• Instruction on how to don, adjust, and fit respirator mask 
• Negative and positive pressure seal check of mask 
• Testing is provided by either Controlled Negative Pressure technology to directly measure respirator leakage through sampling and measurement of air particles in both the environment and face piece (PortaCount pro) 
• OSHA Fit Test Protocol 1910.134.