Respirator Fit Test
Qualitative respirator fit and pulmonary function tests
Employees working in a position regulated by OSHA Respirator Standard CFR 1910.134 must complete a respirator fit test at least once a year. Also, OSHA requires a fit test before working with a new mask, or after changes in the employee’s facial characteristics. Annual or more frequent tests ensure continuous protection against mask wear and tear and facial changes.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) mandatesRespirator Fit Testing (RFT) on the federal level 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. Mobile Health is a comprehensive respirator fit testing provider. We make OSHA compliance effortless for your business through our on-site, in-clinic, and self-administered fit testing paired with online medical evaluations.
MOBILE HEALTH DELIVERS RFTS IN A NUMBER OF WAYS:
1. Next-day appointments at Mobile Health’s 6,500+ nationwide clinics.
2. On-site at the employer’s place of business for large groups. The Mobile Health team can deploy nationwide providing the team, testing supplies, and technology for effortless OSHA compliance. Our teams are ready to deploy in 72 hours.
3. All-in-one FIT KIT delivered to small businesses. Are you a small business owner with less than 100 employees? Order a FIT KIT for your office. The Mobile Health FIT KIT allows employers to easily perform fit testing in their own office or job site with guidance, support, and supplies from Mobile Health.
RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING INFORMATION
- Qualitative Respirator Fit Test
- Pulmonary Function Test
- Respiratory Hazards
QUALITATIVE RESPIRATOR FIT TEST
For job positions that require a mask, Mobile Health specializes in the affordable and effective testing procedure called Qualitative testing. In this test, the employee wears the respirator face mask along with a hood over their head. The tester then applies a series of test agents and gauges the employee’s ability to detect the smells and tastes. Individuals who detect these agents must have their mask adjusted or changed for proper fitting.
The test agents generally used include:
- Saccharin – a sweet-tasting solid aerosol.
- Isoamyl acetate – a liquid that produces a sweet-smelling vapor similar to bananas.
- Bitrex – a bitter-tasting solid aerosol.
- Irritant smoke – a solid aerosol made of stannic oxychloride that produces hydrochloric acid when it comes in contact with water vapor.
PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST
Many times, a respirator fit test is done along with a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), also known as a Spirometry. Whereas the respirator fit testing ensures the right mask fit and model for the employee, the pulmonary function test actually gauges the employee’s lung health. Most often, employers use this test to develop a baseline to compare against future tests.
Having this established baseline provides good protection when evaluating the cause of worker’s compensation claims. The baseline also helps to ensure employees have the adequate protection necessary to perform their job.
As with qualitative respirator fit testing, Mobile Health also offers pulmonary function tests (Spirometry) at our 6,500+ nationwide clinics.
RESPIRATORY HAZARDS
Employers must provide respirator masks and fit testing to employees whenever the work environment presents any of the following hazards:
- Dust and Fibers: Solid particles formed from the mechanical process. Examples: lead, asbestos
- Fumes: Solid particles that vaporize and condense in cool air. Examples: welding fumes
- Mists: Liquid droplets suspended in the air from spraying operations. Examples: paint spray mist
- Gases: Individual molecules in the air at room temperature. Examples: carbon monoxide
- Vapors: Gaseous substances, normally liquid or solid at room temperature. Examples: solvents
- Biological Hazards: Living organisms that can cause infections. Examples: viruses, animal waste
Let us design your fit testing program! Our experts want to get to know your organization and needs to make annual fit testing and fit testing for new hires easy on you. Fill out the contact form through ‘Request Consultation’ and our expert will get in touch. If you are a patient looking to get an individual fit test, click ‘Request Appointment’ and complete the form.