OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

The purpose of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 is to ensure that employers provide effective respiratory protection to employees who may be exposed to harmful airborne contaminants. These contaminants can include dust, fog, smoke, mist, gas, vapor, and sprays that can pose serious health risks.

1. Introduction

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all workers who wear tight-fitting respirators, including N95 respirators, undergo fit testing. This program outlines the procedures and requirements for fit testing and certification of N95 respirators to ensure a proper fit and adequate protection for employees.

2. Scope

This program applies to all employees who are required to wear N95 respirators during their work. The goal is to ensure that all respirators used provide an adequate seal to the user’s face to protect against airborne hazards.

3. Responsibilities

• Program Administrator: Oversees the respirator fit testing program, ensures compliance with OSHA standards, maintains records, and coordinates training and testing.
• Supervisors: Ensure that employees attend fit testing sessions and wear the respirators as required.
• Employees: Comply with the fit testing requirements, attend training sessions, and report any issues with respirator fit or function.

4. Fit Testing Procedures

4.1. Types of Fit Tests

• Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT): A pass/fail test that relies on the user’s sensory detection of a test agent (e.g., saccharin, Bitrex).
• Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT): Measures the actual amount of leakage into the respirator using a machine (e.g., PortaCount).

4.2. Fit Test Frequency

• Initial fit test before the first use of the respirator.
• Annually thereafter.
• Whenever there are changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g., facial surgery, significant weight change, dental work).

4.3. Preparation for Fit Testing

1. Medical Evaluation: Ensure that employees have completed a medical evaluation and have been cleared to wear a respirator.
2. Selection of Respirators: Provide several sizes and models of N95 respirators to choose from.
3. Training: Educate employees on the importance of fit testing, proper donning and doffing techniques, and respirator maintenance.

4.4. Fit Test Steps

1. Donning the Respirator: Have the employee don the respirator and perform a user seal check.
2. Test Protocol: Conduct the chosen fit test (QLFT or QNFT) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Assessment: Evaluate the fit test results. If the employee does not pass the fit test, select a different respirator model or size and repeat the test.

5. Fit Test Recordkeeping

• Record Details: Document the employee’s name, type of fit test performed, make, model, and size of the respirator, date of the test, and the test results.
• Retention: Maintain fit test records for the duration of employment plus an additional 30 years.
• Record all test results in Enrollware and issue an appropriate certificate

6. Certification

Employees who pass the fit test will receive a certification indicating the respirator make, model, and size they are certified to use. This certification must be presented upon request.

7. Training

Training must cover:

• The importance of proper respirator use.
• How to perform a user seal check.
• Proper donning and doffing procedures.
• Maintenance and storage of respirators.
• Recognizing medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators.

8. Program Evaluation

• Conduct annual evaluations of the fit testing program.
• Review fit test records, employee feedback, and compliance with OSHA standards.
• Update the program as necessary to address any deficiencies or changes in regulations.

9. References

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134: Respiratory Protection Standard
• NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health guidelines for respirator use and fit testing.

10. Appendices

Appendix A: Fit Test Checklist

• Ensure medical clearance is completed.
• Choose appropriate respirator models and sizes.
• Educate employees on fit testing and respirator use.
• Conduct qualitative or quantitative fit tests.
• Document fit test results and issue certifications.

Appendix B: Fit Test Record Form

Employee Name	Date	Respirator Make/Model/Size	Fit Test Type (QLFT/QNFT)	Result (Pass/Fail)	Tester Name	Comments

Appendix C: Training Materials

• Respirator user manuals.
• OSHA and NIOSH respirator training guides.
• Videos and demonstrations of proper donning and doffing procedures.

By following this program, employers can ensure that their employees are properly fitted with N95 respirators, thereby enhancing workplace safety and compliance with OSHA regulations.

Appendix D: Fit Testing Documents

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