Fit testing is required for employees wearing tight-fighting respirators, such as disposable or reusable respirators. This procedure helps ensure the user has selected the correct size respirator and that a seal against the face can be made in order to provide the expected protection.
For on-site fit testing inquiries, please contact our team here.
Learn more about the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing protocols.
Find information to help users perform their everyday seal check test.
More information to help support you and your respirator fit test program.
OSHA requires qualitative or quantitative fit testing before a user wears a mandatory respirator on the job, and must be assessed at least annually. In addition, fit tests should be performed:
A qualitative fit test (QLFT) may only be used to fit-test:
QLFT is pass/fail and relies on the user’s senses using one of four OSHA-accepted test agents:
Each QLFT method uses seven exercises performed for 1 minute each:
A quantitative fit test (QNFT) can be used to fit-test any tight-fitting respirator. It involves using an instrument to measure leakage around the face seal and produces a numerical result called a “fit factor.” There are three OSHA-accepted QNFT test protocols:
QNFTs use the same seven exercises as QLFTs, plus an additional “grimace” test where the subject smiles or frowns for 15 seconds.
A fit factor of at least 100 is required for half-mask respirators and a minimum fit factor of 500 for a full facepiece negative-pressure respirator.
Learn more about Quantitative Fit Testing of Respirators (PDF, 346 KB)
View our online catalog of products to help you run a successful fit testing program.
Find apparatus hoods, nebulizer and other products for qualitative testing.
Find testing kits with apparatus hoods, nebulizer and solution options.
Find disposable and reusable respirators for use with fit testing as well as test adaptors.
Find probed respirators for use with fit testing.
Preloaded with OSHA qualitative fit test protocols and meets OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134, Appendix A.
Import wearer details & export fit test records, eliminating the need to track manually.
Qualitatively tests both reusable and disposable respirator wearers with Bitrex® or Saccharin.
The app has two modes – one for fit testers who need less step-by-step guidance and one for those who prefer more detailed guidance.
If a worker's respirator doesn't seal properly, there's no certainty it is providing the expected protection.
Safety glasses, hearing protection, face shields, hard hats and coveralls can all vie with a respirator for real estate on a person's face, head or body.
To catch these problems before they happen on the job, OSHA requires any PPE that could interfere with the respirator's seal to be worn during the fit test.
A user seal check ensures the tight-fitting respirator is being worn right each time the user puts on the respirator. Employees are required to do so by OSHA regulations unless the use is voluntary
Users can either perform a positive-pressure or negative-pressure seal check as described in the product User Instructions.
Got questions? Get in touch with our respiratory protection specialists.
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