Quantitative Fit Testing
Quantitative fit testing measures how well a tight-fitting respirator seals to a worker’s face. Total Group’s OHS testing service uses quantitative methods to assess respirator seal performance for the facepiece being tested, helping employers make informed decisions about respirator use and follow-up.
What the test measures
A quantitative fit test uses an instrument to measure particles or air that pass through the respirator while the wearer completes a set of exercises. The result is an objective fit assessment rather than a response based on taste or smell. The test applies to the specific respirator make, model and size worn during the assessment. It does not establish that the respirator is suitable for every contaminant, concentration, oxygen condition or emergency scenario. Respirator selection remains part of the employer’s respiratory protection program. [1] [2]
Planning a fit-testing session
Before testing, the employer should identify the respirator workers are expected to use, the work hazards and the other personal protective equipment worn with it. Safety eyewear, hearing protection, hard hats, facial jewellery and other equipment can affect the seal or comfort of a tight-fitting facepiece. Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface and the face can prevent an effective seal. The worker should also be able to wear the respirator safely; any required health assessment or medical screening must be addressed through the applicable employer program and jurisdiction before testing. [3] [4]
Fit testing should be planned for each worker and each tight-fitting facepiece that the worker may use. A change in respirator make, model or size can require a new test. Changes to facial shape, dental work, facial surgery, weight or other PPE may also affect the result. The required repeat interval depends on the jurisdiction, the employer’s respiratory protection program and the circumstances of the work. [3] [1]
What the process includes
A fit tester first confirms the respirator and the conditions under which it will be worn. The worker checks comfort and performs the required user seal check before the instrumented test. The worker then wears the facepiece while completing prescribed movements and speaking exercises. The instrument records the test result. If the facepiece does not pass, the worker should not be issued that tested configuration for the task until the fit issue is addressed. A different adjustment, size, model or type of respiratory protection may need to be considered by the employer’s respiratory protection program.
The person conducting the test should be competent in the applicable quantitative method and able to manage the instrument, including its calibration and maintenance requirements. Quantitative testing is a technical assessment of fit; it is not a medical assessment, exposure assessment or substitute for selecting respiratory protection based on the hazard. [1] [2]
Records and worker follow-up
Fit-test records should identify the worker, tester, date, respirator make, model and size, test method or technology, pass or fail criteria and result. The record may also need to note other PPE worn, facial-hair or facial-feature restrictions, fitting difficulties, comfort, unsuccessful tests and the fit-test instrument’s maintenance or calibration information. Workers should be reminded to perform the required user seal check each time they put on a tight-fitting respirator. [1] [3]
Canadian requirements depend on the worksite
Respirator requirements are jurisdiction-specific. For example, British Columbia regulator guidance requires fit testing before a worker is issued a tight-fitting respirator and identifies annual testing and certain change-related retesting under that provincial framework. Alberta government guidance requires tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment to be fit tested according to the applicable CSA framework and places responsibilities on the employer for fitting, training and records. Ontario’s Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents regulation permits either qualitative or quantitative fit testing for a tight-fitting respirator and sets additional requirements for written procedures, training and user seal checks. These examples are not a universal Canadian rule. The site jurisdiction, employment jurisdiction, worksite controller and any client or employer program must be confirmed before determining what is required. [3] [4] [5]
Discuss your requirements
To discuss quantitative fit testing, provide the worksite location, the workers and respirator models involved, the hazards the respiratory protection program addresses, the PPE worn with the respirator, and any client or employer requirements. Total Group can then discuss the testing scope and the information needed to plan the assessment. Contact requirements, scheduling, equipment and jurisdiction should be confirmed before work is arranged.
References
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, “Respirator - Respirator Fit Testing”.
- CSA Group, “CAN/CSA-Z94.4-18 (R2023), Selection, use, and care of respirators”.
- WorkSafeBC, “Fit testing for respirators”.
- Government of Alberta, “Respiratory Protective Equipment: An Employer’s Guide,” PPE001, updated March 2020.
- Ontario e-Laws, O. Reg. 185/19, “Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents”.
