Respirator Fit Testing
When Respirators Are Essential
Respirators are required if you work with or around:
- Dusts (Generated from cutting, grinding, crushing, impact, or cracking processes)
- Fumes (Created by welding, soldering, and other oxidation activities)
- Mists (Formed during spraying or sprinkling processes)
- Gases (Such as propane, nitrogen, helium, and freon)
- Vapors (Emitted from flammable liquids, solvents, and perfumes)
- Smoke (From burning materials like wood or rubber)
- Viruses (Airborne pathogens)
- Algae
- Bacteria
Respirator Fit Testing: OSHA Requirement
OSHA regulations mandate respirator fit testing for employees requiring respiratory protection. OSHA specifies that workers must be allowed to choose from a variety of respirator models and sizes to ensure a proper, comfortable fit. Each respirator must be evaluated to meet the specific needs of the employee.
At Unishield®, we provide both Qualitative and Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing to help you stay compliant and protected.
Our Respirator Fit Testing Services
Qualitative Fit Testing
This pass/fail method relies on your sense of taste or smell to detect any leakage into your respirator. The test is based on your ability to detect test agents, which include:
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Isoamyl Acetate (banana-like odor)
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Saccharin (sweet taste)
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Bitrex (bitter taste)
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Irritant Smoke (causes coughing)
Qualitative testing does not quantify leakage levels—if you detect any of the test substances inside your mask, the fit is considered unacceptable.
Quantitative Fit Testing
This method uses specialized equipment to measure the exact amount of leakage into the respirator. A probe is attached to the respirator and connected to a machine by a hose. Quantitative testing is typically performed on half-mask respirators, including:
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Filtering facepiece respirators (like N95s)
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Elastomeric respirators
Your safety is our highest priority.
We partner with businesses, factories, offices, schools, restaurants, and many more to ensure protection from accidents and emergencies.