Respirator Testing

Occupational Safety and Health Administration: 29 CFR 1910.134(a)(2)

A respirator shall be provided to each employee when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such employee. The employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program, which shall include the requirements outlined in paragraph (c) of this section. The program shall cover each employee required by this section to use a respirator.

OPC offers employers the capability to be OSHA compliant with our respirator fit testing systems .

Quantifit is a highly specialized instrument which utilizes the scientifically-proven and patented CNP (Controlled Negative Pressure) technology to directly measure respirator leakage. The OHD Quantifit is accepted by OSHA and appears in the Federal Regulations governing fit testing [29 CFR 1910.134]. With the OSHA approved NCP REDON respirator fit test protocol, a fit test can be performed in as little as 2-3 minutes and there is no waiting period for smokers as required with other fit test methods. The REDON protocol uses CNP technology’s superior speed and accuracy to help achieve the best respirator fit possible. The multiple donning required assures that the employee knows how to don the respirator correctly with each use.

When qualitative fit testing negative pressure respirators, a variety of testing agents can be used and are acceptable to OSHA. The solutions used at OPC are: saccharin (a sweet-tasting agent) and Denatonium Benzoate (also known as Bitrex). Bitrex leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth of fit test subjects whose masks do not fit properly. These solutions are sprayed into a hood that is donned by the employee wearing their respirator. Proper fitting respirators will keep the employee from tasting the solution.

This test is conducted to evaluate the employee’s lung condition and capacity and may be used to evaluate whether a person is medically fit to wear a respirator. It provides a baseline and annual evaluation of lung function for work positions that have environmental exposures.

Respirators can make breathing more difficult and not everyone is able to wear a respirator. Some conditions that could prevent you from using a respirator include heart conditions, lung disease, and psychological conditions like claustrophobia. Before you use a respirator or are fit-tested, your employer must evaluate whether you are medically able to wear it. The OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire is designed to identify general medical conditions that could place a worker at risk of serious medical consequences, if a respirator is used. Click the following to print off your questionnaire prior to your appointment: