Respirator Fit Testing

Respirator Fit Testing - Requirements, Resources, FAQ for Safety & Health
What is a Respirator Fit Test?


Faculty, staff, or students that will be working or studying in an environment that is contaminated with airborne hazards (dust, aerosols, chemicals, etc.) and have a risk of irritation to the lung, must be competent in the care, use, and maintenance of their respirator, and must be Fit Tested by Health, Safety & Wellness.  Fit Testing is a legal requirement for students and employees when using a respirator on campus.

The University of Regina remains committed to keeping our campuses a safe place to live, learn and work.  If you are not fit properly for a respirator and use one, you may not be protected from airborne elements or atmospheric hazards from work, student course work, or research conducted on our campuses.

A Fit Test is performed to confirm that a respirator provides the user with the required protection. To choose the proper respirator, a risk assessment of the airborne contaminates must be completed before a Fit Test. Qualitative fit testing uses a harmless test agent that is detected by the user's sense of taste to verify the fit of the respirator.  If the user is unable to taste the testing agent, they will require a Quantitative Fit Test.  The benefits of a fit test include better protection and assurance that the user is wearing a respirator that fits properly and is the correct size.


How often must a Respirator Fit Test be performed?


In accordance with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), a student or employee that has never had a Fit Test and must wear a respirator, must receive a Respirator Fit Test:

  • Every two years (minimum) in accordance to the CSA (Z94.9.1.6);
  • When physical changes to the condition of the user could affect the fit of the respirator such as weight gain or loss, surgery, or major dental work; and,
  • If they are using a new respirator make or model


Once I am fit tested, can I use any respirator the same size?


No!  A successful Fit Test only qualifies a student or employee to use the specific brand/make/model and size of the respirator worn when the test was conducted.  Respirator sizing is not standardized across models or brands. For example, a
medium in one model may not offer the same fit as a medium with a different manufacture model.


Do facial hair or face piercings affect a Respirator Fit Test?


Yes!  Standards prohibit tight-fitting respirators to be worn by students or employees who have facial hair or face piercings that interfere with the seal surface of the face piece and the face of the user.  Facial hair or piercings that lie along the sealing area of a respirator, such as beards, sideburns/stubble, jewelry, or some mustaches, will interfere with respirators that rely on a tight face piece seal to achieve maximum protection.

Students or employees with facial hair (as listed above) and face piercings where the respirator seals to the face will not be tested. Mustaches, if trimmed above the lip line, are allowed.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

YOU MUST NOT SMOKE, EAT, CHEW GUM, DRINK ANY LIQUIDS (ASIDE FROM WATER) AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE TEST