RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

If you would like to book a respirator fit test please contact us

Fit testing is required for employees wearing tight-fighting respirators, such as disposable or reusable respirators. This procedure helps ensure the user has selected the correct size respirator and that a seal against the face can be made in order to provide the expected protection.

Tight-fitting respirators must seal to the wearer’s face in order to provide expected protection. This includes disposable respirators. Fit testing is required by Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS1715 before a user wears a respirator on the job, and should be assessed at least annually. In addition, fit tests should be performed:

  • Whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used.
  • When any facial changes occur that could affect fit, such as significant weight fluctuation or dental work.

A qualitative fit test can be used to fit the following respirators:

  • P2 single use respirators
  • N95 type respirators
  • Reusable half mask respirators

Qualitative fit testing is a pass/fail test and relies on the user’s senses using one of he AS/NZS 1715 accepted test agents

  • Saccharin (sweet taste); can test respirators with a particulate filter of any class
  • Bitrex® (bitter taste); can also test respirators with particulate filters of any class

The fit test method uses seven exercises performed for 1 minute each: 

  • Normal breathing
  • Deep breathing
  • Turning head side to side
  • Moving head up and down
  • Talking
  • Bending over (or jogging in place if fit test unit doesn’t permit bending at the waist)
  • Normal breathing again.