Key points
- Fit tests confirm that a respirator forms a tight seal to your face before you use it in the workplace.
- A qualitative fit test relies on your senses to determine if there is a gap in the seal of your respirator.
- A quantitative fit test uses an instrument to numerically measure the effectiveness of your respirator.
- Facial hair can impact the fit of your respirator.
Overview
A fit test is a test protocol conducted to verify that a respirator is both comfortable and provides the user with the expected protection.
Before using a tight-fitting respirator in the workplaceThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires users to pass a fit test to confirm proper fit and a tight seal against the user's face. Loose-fitting respiratorssuch as powered air-purifying respirators with loose-fitting hoodsdo not form a tight seal with the face andthereforedo not require fit testing.
Tight-fitting respirators include:
- Filtering facepiece respirators
- Elastomeric half and full facepiece respirators
- Tight-fitting powered-air purifying respirators
- Self-contained breathing apparatus
Fit testing is important to ensure the expected level of protection is provided by minimizing the total amount of contaminants that leak into the facepiece through the face seal. Respirators are available in multiple size configurations and are not standardized across models. Fit testing is needed to determine if a particular size and model of respirator provides you with an acceptable fit. You must be fit tested for each respirator model you will wear for your designated work tasks.
For answers to common questions about fit testing see our fit testing fact sheet.
Types
There are two types of fit tests that you can complete to determine whether a respirator fits: a qualitative fit test or a quantitative fit test.
Qualitative fit test
A qualitative fit test relies on your senses to determine if there is a gap in the seal of your respirator. The test is a pass/fail test that determines whether you can detect a test agentsuch as through tastesmellor an involuntary cough.
The OSHA-accepted fit test protocols provide complete instructions for conducting qualitative fit tests with the accepted test agents. NIOSH does not endorse or recommend the use of the irritant smoke fit test.
Instances may arise in which there is a shortage in supply of fit testing solutions. NIOSH and OSHA created a document with information on preparing solutions for qualitative fit testing.
Quantitative fit test
A quantitative fit test uses a fit testing instrument(s) to provide quantitativeor numericalmeasurements of the amount of face seal leakage present when you wear a respirator. During a quantitative fit testyou perform a series of simple exercises that help ensure that the respirator seals well to your face even when you are speaking or moving.
Quantitative fit testing requires a hole punched in the respirator to perform the test. Thereforethe fit tester must dispose of the respirator after the test.
How often do you need to be fit tested?
OSHA requires an annual fit test to confirm the fit of any respirator that forms a tight seal to your face before you use it in the workplace. Because each brandmodeland size of respirators will fit slightly differentyou should also be fit tested every time you wear a new modelmanufacturer type/brandor size. Additionallyif your weight changes or facial/dental alterations occura fit test should be done again to ensure your respirator remains effective.
NIOSH conducted a study on respirator fit over time and the results confirm the necessity of the current OSHA respirator fit testing requirementboth annually and when physical changes have occurred.
Who can conduct a fit test?
There are companies and organizations that provide training on performing a fit test. The ANSI/AIHA/ASSE Z88.10-2010 Respirator Fit Testing Methods standard consists of recommendations for qualifications of individuals who conduct respirator fit testing.
For additional guidancecontact OSHA as they are the agency that regulates fit testing.
How facial hair impacts fit testing
Tight-fitting respirators require your face to be clean shaven where the respirator's seal comes in contact with your skin. If your facial hair does not extend far enough to interfere with the respirator's seal in any way or interfere with the function of the exhalation valve (if a valve is present on your respirator)you may wear it with the approval of your respiratory protection administrator.
Because loose-fitting air-purifying respirators (i.e.respirators with loose-fitting hoods or helmets) do not require fit testingthey may be worn with any of facial hair and do not require fit testing.
The following resources are helpful in determining whether a respirator can be worn by those with facial hair:
- To Beard or not to Beard? That's a good Question! (NIOSH Science Blog)
- Beards and Respirators: Navigating No Shave November Safety (NIOSH Science Blog)
- NIOSH Respirator Approval Program’s updated position regarding facial hair and the selection and use of respiratory protective devices (NIOSH CA 2018-1005R1.0)
