Fit testing is required for ALL employees using negative or positive pressure tight-fitting respirators, where OSHA requires such respirators or where the employer requires the use of such a respirator. A fit test is NOT required for voluntary users or escape-only respirators. (NOTE: SCBA’s are NOT escape-only respirators.) The fit test must be performed before the respirator is used in the workplace and a fit test must be done at least annually and whenever a different respirator facepiece is used or a change in the employee’s physical condition could affect respirator fit. But what type of fit test is needed: Qualitative or Quantitative?
Choosing the proper Fit Test protocols based on the respirator type and usage
