Part One

A respirator fit test determines if a tight-fitting respirator can be worn without having any leaks. It should take place after an employee has been medically cleared to wear a respirator and before the employee wears it on the job. A respirator fit test is required for all tight-fitting respirators. Employees must complete the fit test using a respirator that’s the same make, model, and size as one they will wear on the job while also wearing any other required equipment (e.g., glasses).

How often should i fit tested?

OSHA requires qualitative or quantitative fit testing before a user wears a mandatory respirator on the job, and must be assessed at least annually. In addition, fit tests should be performed:
 

• whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used, and
• when any facial changes occur that could affect fit, such as significant weight fluctuation or dental work

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)

A qualitative fit test (QLFT) may only be used to fit-test:

• Negative-pressure, air-purifying respirators, as long as they’ll only be used in atmospheres where the hazard is at less than 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL).
• Tight-fitting facepieces used with powered and atmosphere-supplying respirators.

QLFT is pass/fail and relies on the user’s senses using one of four OSHA-accepted test agents:
 

• Isoamyl acetate (banana smell); only for testing respirators with organic vapor cartridges.
• Saccharin (sweet taste); can test respirators with a particulate filter of any class.
• Bitrex® (bitter taste); can also test respirators with particulate filters of any class.
• Irritant smoke (involuntary cough reflex); only for testing respirators with level 100 particulate filters.

Each QLFT method uses seven exercises performed for 1 minute each:
 

• Normal breathing.
• Deep breathing.
• Moving head side to side.
• Moving head up and down.
• Bending over (or jogging in place if fit test unit doesn’t permit bending at the waist).
• Talking.
• Normal breathing again.

Our site only performs qualitative fit test for employess as described above. any questions. Please ask your manager.

A respirator fit test determines if a tight-fitting respirator can be worn without having any leaks. It should take place after an employee has been medically cleared to wear a respirator and before the employee wears it on the job. Employee’s must be medically cleared to wear a respirator prior to fit testing, you will have to have your primary care provider sign off on your forms before starting work on the job.

How much does it cost?

$55.00 to 65.00 per employee testing. this fee may be reimbusible by your employee or on your taxes as a job required expenses. This fee goes to the overhead and supplies for fit testing program.

Required Testing Equipment
-Fully stocked and equiped 3M FT Kit or Allagro Irritant Smoke Test Kit
-N95 Mask for Testee (types: Halyard 46727/3M 8210/KN95) (Single Use Item, dispose of afteruse)
-Fit testers should wear a surgical mask and gloves when performing the test
-Multiuse equipment such at the 3M FT Hood should be santized with purple wipes after every use.
-Rinse out the nebulizers in the sink with luke warm water and light soap allow to air dry before next use.
-Tester should explain the procedure and test and ensure that they have no contraindications to testing such a phobia or other medical reasons.

3M Medical Quesionaire
All students should be medical cleared prior to be fit tested; however we have 3M Online Medical Evalution for Fit test wear they may request an online evaluation thourgh our registration system.

Fit Testers should be familiar with HIPPA as the rules apply here to fit test documents and medical clearance forms are confidential.

What is HIPPA?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. It is a comprehensive federal law enacted to ensure the protection of individuals’ medical records and other personal health information while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide high-quality health care. Here are the key aspects of HIPAA:

1. Privacy Rule: This rule establishes national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information. It applies to health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers that conduct certain healthcare transactions electronically. The Privacy Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization. It also gives patients rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records and to request corrections.
2. Security Rule: This rule specifies a series of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (e-PHI). It is designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing covered entities to implement policies, procedures, and technologies that are appropriate for their size, complexity, and capabilities.
3. Breach Notification Rule: This rule requires covered entities and their business associates to provide notification following a breach of unsecured protected health information. This includes notifying affected individuals, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and, in some cases, the media.
4. Enforcement Rule: This rule contains provisions relating to compliance and investigations, the imposition of civil money penalties for violations of the HIPAA Administrative Simplification Rules, and procedures for hearings.
5. Omnibus Rule: This rule, finalized in 2013, strengthens the privacy and security protections established under HIPAA. It includes provisions to enhance the rights of individuals to their health information, to restrict certain disclosures and uses of health information, and to increase penalties for noncompliance.

HIPAA is critical in ensuring that personal health information remains confidential and secure while balancing the need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system.

The testing files and all related information are HIPPA protected and can only be released upon writted request by the student.

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