Every employer knows that employees need to get fit tested for respirators before being able to use them on the jobsite.
That’s the first part of OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910. But, what often slips past some employers is the second part of the regulation.
The full regulation states that employers shall ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter.
Even though it may feel like employees were just tested, it may be time to schedule their yearly testing. OSHA is strict on the respiratory standard, especially in light of the current pandemic, and you don’t want to be caught off-guard.
Respiratory protection is number five on OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards. This includes failure to provide annual fit testing, which can lead to serious fines.
What is Respirator Fit Testing?
Annual fit testing is important because it ensures that an employee’s facepiece respirator works effectively.
Respirators need to fit tightly in order to work, and an employee’s respirator size or fit may change year to year.
There are two types of required testing:
- The Qualitative Fit Test – This test measures effectiveness based on an employee’s sense of taste and smell, rather than a numeric measure. Employees must react to a test agent substance that has a distinct taste or smell while wearing their respirator. This helps detect leakage into the respirator facepiece.
- The Quantitative Fit Test – Instead of relying on senses, this test uses a machine to measure the amount of leakage into a facepiece.
The Easiest Way to Test
Amid a pandemic, the last thing you want to do is send your team to urgent care.
In addition to long wait times with the general public, they may be at higher risk for COVID-19 exposure. But there’s an easier way to get your annual tests done.
Related: Are You Forgetting This Key Part to the Respirator Standard?
With mobile medical testing, you can get fit-testing done at your worksite. On your schedule. On your terms.
Worksite Medical has a fleet of mobile medical units that can bring the testing facility to you. Schedule today to secure your testing dates!
More About Worksite Medical
In addition to on-site respirator fit tests, we also conduct audiometric exams, pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, right on your job site.
We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
We cover every state east of the Mississippi River! Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote!
