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RESPIRATOR FIT TEST

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In the most production and maintenance task in oil & gas industry workers may be exposed to hazardous products such as hydrogen sulfide, benzene and hydrocarbon. This exposure cannot be eliminated, so, a respirator is to protect workers from breathing in hazardous substances. But it can’t protect if it doesn’t really fit the individual face.

The conduct of “Fit Test” is a test seal between the respirator facepiece and face. It is for ensuring the respirator is fits adequately and makes the purpose of protecting with the correct user.

Why should need the fit test?

To confirms the respirator provides a satisfactory seal or barrier between the wearer and the contaminated environment.

OSHA 29CFR1910.134(b)

Quantitative fit test (QNFT) means an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator.

Qualitative fit test (QLFT) means a pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of respirator fit that relies on the individual’s response to the test agent.

There are two types of fit tests: qualitative and quantitative.

 

QUANTITATIVE FIT TESTING uses a machine to measure the actual amount of leakage into the facepiece and does not rely upon your sense of taste, smell, or irritation in order to detect leakage. The respirators used during this type of fit testing will have a probe attached to the facepiece that will be connected to the machine by a hose. There are three quantitative fit test methods accepted by OSHA:

 

  • Generated aerosol.
  • Ambient aerosol
  • Controlled Negative Pressure.

Workers must be fit tested before use a respirator in the workplace and must be retested at least every 24 months to make sure that the respirator you use still fits.

Also, the fit of your respirator must be retested whenever you have a change in your physical condition that could affect the fit of your respirator. Such changes could include:

  • large weight gain or loss;
  • major dental work (such as new dentures);
  • facial surgery that may have changed the shape of your face; or
  • significant scarring in the area of the seal.

Any of these changes could affect the ability of the respirator to properly seal to the face, which could allow contaminated air to leak into the individual respirator facepiece.

OSHA 29CFR1910.134(f)(3)

The employer shall conduct an additional fit test whenever the employee reports or the employer, PLHCP, supervisor, or program administrator makes visual observations of, changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight.

Our Approve Fit Tester (MPM)

  1. Ahmad Shah Ruzip Abu                       AFT007
  2. Raja Shamsuri Raja Ramli                  AFT105
  3. Wan Zuhilmi Wan Ayoub                    AFT106
  4. Muhammad Nor Amin Rozlan          AFT107

Any inquiries regarding the Quantitative Respirator Fit Test (QRFT), kindly email to training@udps.com.my