If you are required to wear a respirator at work, it is important that you are tested regularly to ensure the mask fits properly and will protect you from contaminants. There are two types of respirator fit tests- qualitative and quantitative. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between these two tests, who needs each test, and how often employees need to be fit tested.
What is Respirator Fit Testing
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employees who work in an atmosphere with toxic dusts, fumes, gases, and other airborne irritants must wear respirators. A respirator protects the wearer from hazardous environments by allowing them to breathe while minimizing their exposure to respirable poisons. Before an employee puts on a respirator, however, they must first undergo a medical examination and respiratory fit testing.
Respirator fit testing is conducted to ensure that the respirator properly seals to the face and filters out contaminants.
Qualitative vs Quantitative Fit Testing
There are two types of respirator fit tests- qualitative and quantitative. At WorkSafe Physical Therapy we currently provide Qualitative Respirator Fit Tests only.
Qualitative Respirator Fit Test
A qualitative respirator fit test does not measure the actual amount of leakage into the mask. This type of test is usually used for N95 filtering face-piece respirators. The test uses your sense of taste, smell, or irritation in order to detect a leak.
A qualitative fit test can only be used to test negative pressure respirators and tight-fitting face pieces used with powered and atmosphere-supplying respirators. It’s a test that relies on the user’s senses to see if it fits well.
At WorkSafe Physical Therapy we can provide you with a Qualitative Respirator Fit Test.
Quantitative Respirator Fit Test
A quantitative respirator fit test measures the actual amount of leakage into the mask. The test uses a machine to measure the amount of leakage into the facepiece and provides a numerical fit factor.
A quantitative fit test can be used to test any negative pressure tight-fitting respirator. It’s a more objective test than qualitative because it measures actual leakage, rather than relying on the user’s senses.
How Often Do Employees Need to Have Respirator Fit Testing Done
Respirator fit testing must be conducted at least annually, or more often if an employee reports that their mask does not fit properly. Employees should also be retested whenever they change respirators type, brand, size, etc. If you have questions about respirator fit testing, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) mandates Respirator Fit Testing (RFT) at the federal and state level for most localities. Employers who fail to comply face fines of up to $7,000 for the first offense and $70,000 for repeated offenses.
WorkSafe Physical Therapy Respirator Fit Testing Price
At WorkSafe Physical Therapy we strive to be your go-to resource for all your Occupational Health needs. Respirator Fit Testing is one of the services we provide. Our Qualitative Respirator Fit Testing price is $35 per person without a medical exam. We can also provide a full respirator physical and medical exam for your employees at $75 per person.
If you have questions about Respirator Fit Testing or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you ensure a safe and healthy workplace for your employees.
In addition to performing Respirator Fit Testing at our office in Wichita, KS, we are also available to perform these tests onsite at your company!
Final Thoughts
At WorkSafe Physical Therapy, we currently offer qualitative respirator fit testing as well as pulmonary function tests so that you can ensure your mask fits properly and protects you from contaminants.
Respirator fit testing is an important process that helps to ensure employees are safe working in hazardous environments. There are two types of respirator fit tests- qualitative and quantitative. In this blog post, we have discussed the difference between these two tests and how often employees need to be tested. If you have questions about respirator fit testing, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be hRespirator Fit Testing: What You Need to Knowappy to help!
Contact WorkSafe to find out how we can help your company today!
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