Respirator fit testing

What the regulation asks of you

Section 8.40 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation says a respirator that depends on a face seal must not be issued to a worker until a fit test shows it seals on that person, and the fit test must follow CSA Standard Z94.4. Fit tests are repeated every year, and again whenever a worker changes respirator model or size or something changes the fit of their face. We provide on-site qualitative fit tests to that standard and document each one.

How a fit test works

A qualitative fit test relies on the worker's ability to detect a test agent, usually a bitter-tasting solution. First we confirm the worker can taste the agent without a respirator. Then, wearing their respirator, they perform a user seal check and a set of fit test exercises: normal and deep breathing, turning the head, talking, bending over. If the agent gets through at any point, the fit fails and the mask or size is changed.

The result is a clear pass or fail. We document the whole procedure for each worker and give you a copy for your records.

Book it with hearing tests

Because both requirements come around every year, most clients run fit tests on the same visit as their annual hearing tests. Workers come out for one appointment instead of two, and you close both requirements at once.