Respiratory Fit Testing

Respiratory fit is important because it involves several major issues:

• Seal
• Compatibility
• Stability

Overview of the Fit Testing Process:

Tight-fitting respirators must seal to the wearer’s face in order to provide expected protection. This includes disposable respirators (also called “filtering facepieces”). Fit testing is required by Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS1715 before a user wears a respirator on the job, and should be assessed at least annually. In addition, fit tests should be performed:

• Whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used.
• When any facial changes occur that could affect fit, such as significant weight fluctuation or dental work.

At Get Real Workwear & Safety Mackay, we offer Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)

A qualitative fit test (QLFT) may only be used to fit-test:

Negative-pressure, air-purifying respirators, as long as they’ll only be used in atmospheres where the hazard is at less than 10 times the permissible workplace exposure standard.

Tight fitting facepieces used with powered and atmosphere-supplying respirators.

QLFT is pass/fail and relies on the user’s senses using one of he AS/NZS 1715 accepted test agents:

• Isoamyl acetate (banana smell); only for testing respirators with organic vapor cartridges.
• Saccharin (sweet taste); can test respirators with a particulate filter of any class.
• Bitrex® (bitter taste); can also test respirators with particulate filters of any class.

Each QLFT method uses seven exercises performed for 1 minute each:

• Normal breathing.
• Deep breathing.
• Moving head side to side.
• Moving head up and down.
• Bending over (or jogging in place if fit test unit doesn’t permit bending at the waist).
• Talking.
• Normal breathing again.

Based on OSHA fit testing protocols.

For further information or to book a respiratory fit test, please complete the form below or alternatively phone +61 07 49 98 52 41