Workers must pass a “fit test” before being issued tight-fitting respirators, with two methods of testing available – quantitative and qualitative.
Both
types of tests are used to determine if the disposable or reusable respirator
has an adequate seal, by detecting if any air is leaking into the facepiece.
However,
qualitative tests are pass/fail, based on the user’s sense of smell or taste,
while quantitative tests use specialised equipment to measure exactly how much
air is leaking through the seal.
Consequently, the application of the two methods varies slightly according to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009, with qualitative tests only allowed to be used for half-face respirators, while quantitative tests can be used for half-face, full-face and powered air purifying respirators.
Regardless
of which test is chosen, the respirator tested must be the same make, model and
size as what the worker will use in the work environment.
They
must also be tested wearing any other personal protective equipment (PPE) that
they will use in conjunction with the respirator, such as ear muffs, safety
goggles or prescription glasses, as these can also interfere with the seal.
Records
of each fit test conducted should be kept, noting the date, the type of test
performed, the type of respirator and the test result.
Aside from before a respirator is issued, fit tests should also be conducted at least annually, whenever a new make, model or size of respirator is issued and if there are changes to the worker’s facial characteristics, such as loss of teeth, weight change or facial hair changes.
Qualitative
fit testing:
Qualitative
fit tests involve the use of airborne substances that have distinct tastes or
smells that can be detected by the user if there is a leak.
Substances
that may be used for the test include:
- Isoamyl acetate (banana smell)
- Bitrex (bitter taste)
- Saccharin (sweet taste)
- Irritant smoke (coughing)
If the person detects the substance while wearing the respirator, then the test result is a fail. A new test should be completed after adjusting the respirator or choosing a different brand/size respirator.
Quantitative
fit testing:
Quantitative
fit tests involve attaching a specialist instrument to the respirator to
measure the amount of leakage occurring at the face seal.
According
to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), three
quantitative tests exist:
- Generated aerosol
- Ambient aerosol
- Controlled negative pressure
In
a controlled negative pressure test, the instrument measures the leakage of air
through the seal when the wearer breathes in.
When conducting an aerosol test, the instrument measures the concentration of particles in the air and compares this to the concentration of particles within the facepiece, with the ratio of the two results called the “fit factor”. This is the most common test performed in Australia.
Ambient
aerosol refers to particles already in the air, such as microscopic dust
particles, while generated aerosols are non-hazardous particles used for the
purpose of the test. In this case, a test chamber is required.
As
respirator filters stop all the aerosol from entering the facepiece, any
particles present are attributed to leakage in the face seal.
Positive and Negative Fit Testing:
Before each use, a simple positive or negative pressure check should be performed by the user on their respiratory protective equipment. These are only suitable for tight-fitting respirators and “should be used only as a very gross determination of fit,” according to the Australian Standard. This will function as a simple but critical backup seal assessment
Pro Choice Safety
Gear’s PressToCheck Filters:
Another complementary respiratory fit test can be found in Pro Choice
Safety Gear’s PresstoCheck filters, a unique system engineered to enable
self-assessment of a mask’s seal.
PressToCheck is a personal, negative pressure fit test system that can
be easily performed anywhere and anytime. However it does not replace a
qualitative or quantitative fit test in accordance with AS/NZS1715.
For more information download Pro Choice Safety Gear’s Respiratory Protection Training Guide.
