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What is Respiratory Fit-Testing?

Respiratory fit-testing is a method used to assess whether a respirator properly fits a person’s face to provide adequate protection. It is part of the respiratory protection program to ensure the safety of the worker. The amount of protection a respirator provides is dependent on how well it fits.

The two types of respiratory fit testing are qualitative and quantitative. They differ in how they assess the fit of a respirator and the level of accuracy they provide.

Person with hood and respirator
Qualitative fit-testing using hood and half face respirator

1. Qualitative Fit Testing

  • Method: This test is based on the wearer’s sensory detection (taste, smell, or irritation) of a test substance. 
  • Test Substances: Common substances used include a bitter or sweet aerosol, or smoke that can irritate the wearer.
  • Procedure: The wearer puts on the respirator, and a testing solution is released around the respirator’s face seal. If the wearer can detect the substance, it indicates a poor fit,
  • Suitability: This method is less precise since it relies on subjective feedback from the wearer.
Fit testing equipment
Fit testing equipment for quantitative method.

2. Quantitative Fit Testing

  • Method: This test uses a machine to measure the amount of leakage around the face seal of the respirator. The Fit Test Clinic uses the  PortaCount Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) to measure the particles.
  • Equipment: The It attaches to the respirator and compares the concentration of particles inside the mask to those in the ambient air.
  • Procedure: The wearer performs a series of movements and exercises while the machine measures the fit factor, which is a numerical value indicating the level of protection.
  • Applications: Used for both half-face and full-face respirators, including more complex or high-risk environments.
  • Suitability: More accurate and objective than qualitative testing, providing detailed data on how well the mask fits.

At the Fit Test Clinic we use qualitative testing is subjective and pass/fail, relying on the wearer’s senses, while quantitative testing is objective and provides a numerical fit factor, making it more precise and suited for environments with higher respiratory risks.

We use the PortaCount TSI Respirator Fit Tester 8048 machine and follow the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard Protocols in 29 CFR 1910.134. This is suitable to fit test the following respirators:

  1. Full-facepiece and half-mask elastomeric respirators
  2. Filtering facepiece respirators

How long is the fit-test?

The fit test takes under 2.30 seconds to complete. However, time is needed beforehand to ensure that the respirator is suitable for testing, is comfortable for the wearer and is donned correctly.

What are the fit-test exercises?

The fit test includes 4 different exercises for the Filtering facepiece respirators:

  1. Bending over (50 seconds)
  2. Talking (30 seconds)
  3. Head side to side (30 seconds)
  4. Head up and down (30 seconds)

The fit test includes 4 different exercises for the half/full face elastomeric respirators:

  1. Bending over (50 seconds)
  2. Jogging in place (30 seconds)
  3. Head side to side (30 seconds)
  4. Head up and down (30 seconds)

How often do I need a fit-test?

  • OSHA requires that a fit-test is completed annually for anyone who must wear a respirator
  • If changes in the respirator types is issued or
  • If the wearer has any substantial changes in weight or to their facial features
  • See poster below for other factors that may interfere with fit
  • Contact us if you would like a copy of our free poster
Is your respirator protecting you?
10 factors that affect facial fit.

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