Respirator Fit Testing
—Each head is unique and proper mask choice is critical to help ensure your health. Dräger masks and filters offer effective protection against particles and gases, but only an appropriately fitting mask can supply the stated level of protection. An improper fit could result in adverse health implications.
Request Fit Testing
Dräger, along with our authorized sales partners, offers fit testing nationwide. To request fit testing for Dräger respiratory products, complete this form.
Fit Testing matters
—Respiratory protective equipment does not offer the wearer the level of protection assumed if it doesn’t fit properly. At Dräger, we offer a range of fit testing options to help ensure your employees are using a correctly fitted mask.
When to provide fit testing
According to OSHA, a worker must be fit tested per OSHA standard 1910.134(f) before using a respirator in the workplace, and must be retested at least every 12 months to make sure that the respirator still fits. The worker must be fit tested with the specific make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used, and must be retested if there are any facial changes as indicated below. NIOSH also provides an overview of fit testing procedures as per OSHA standards, and also provides information on counterfeit respirators.
What factors affect the proper fit of a mask on the face?
- Incorrect donning of the mask
- Facial hair
- Talking, sneezing, laughing and other types
of movements
- Mask body and face do not match (e.g. due
to wrong size or mask design)
How does fit testing increase user safety?
In combination with fit testing, proper training also plays an important role. For instance, mask inspection, correct donning, and performing a seal check can significantly enhances achievement of a safe tight fit. A successful fit test only verifies that the appropriate respiratory mask is selected and that the user knows how to correctly don the mask.
The fit factor achieved from testing indicates how well the selected mask fits/seals at time of test.
Qualitative Testing
—A qualitative fit test checks the fit of a respirator using a test substance that the subject can taste. The qualitative fit test can be used for testing N95, half or full face masks. It is important to follow the OSHA Standard 1910.124 App A, such as section 3, Saccharin Solution Aerosol Protocol, which details a specific procedure for qualitative fit testing to make sure it is performed properly and is effective.
Steps:
- First a sensitivity test is performed to ensure the subject recognizes the agent.
- Then the respirator with the appropriate cartridge (if required) is donned and a hood placed over the subject’s head to create a local atmosphere.
- The agent is then sprayed into the hood where the subject indicates whether or not they can detect it.
Results:
If no detection of the agent is indicated by the wearer during testing, the subject has passed their test with that particular mask type & size.
What happens during the test:
The test also includes a range of prescribed exercises that need to be completed, such as breathing normally, breathing deeply, rotating, raising and bowing the head, bending over and talking. These simulate a sequence of movements made during tasks typically carried out when wearing respiratory equipment.
Quantitative Testing
—A quantitative fit test delivers more objective results, which can be accurately measured using an ambient particle counter to measure the number of particles in the mask interior compared to the particles in the ambient air (i.e., outside the mask), or by using a controlled negative pressure inside the mask to measure leakage.
Procedures:
- One procedure measures the number of particles in the mask interior as well as in the ambient air. Then using a particle counter, the measured values are proportionally compared.
- Another method generates a controlled negative pressure inside the facepiece that measures the leakage rate.
Results:
The result of the tests undertaken during the selected method is called a fit factor. If the required fit factor is not obtained, the subject may need to select another mask size, or even another mask model that may be more appropriate.
What happens during the test:
Similar to the qualitative fit test, a series of exercises (movement, breathing and talking) are completed during the quantitative fit test, in order to simulate realistic use of the respiratory equipment.
Quantitative fit testing makes it possible to document all results for each person tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
—Dräger Respirators
Respiratory Protective Equipment Portfolio
Where toxic substances can’t be completely controlled, respiratory protective equipment must be used. Dräger designs respiratory protection devices in line with our Technology for Life philosophy. No matter the scenario, Dräger helps you put safety first.
Half Face Respirator
Half Face Respirators offer reliable respiratory protection from harmful particles and/or gases and vapors. Tough working conditions need tougher filtering solutions. The Dräger X-plore® series offer comfort and durability for demanding applications over a variety of industries.
Full Face Respirator
Used by professionals in a wide variety of applications, the full face respirators by Dräger offer effective safety and great comfort in environments that present dangerous situations and a wide variety of hazardous chemicals.
NIOSH Approved N95 Respirators
Draeger’s NIOSH-approved N95 Respirators—the X-plore® series offers distinct and proven respiratory protection with intelligent solutions and comfort. The filter material combines low breathing resistance and high filter performance in one Respirator.
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