N95 Mask Fit Testing Certification

A note about fit testing kn95 masks.

N95 mask fit testing certification. Expanded temporary enforcement guidance on respiratory protection fit testing for n95 filtering facepieces in all industries during the coronavirus disease 2019 covid 19 pandemic. To determine which respirator model size provides the proper fit for the user. Such fit test is required on an annual basis. The report and card show a fit factor at an acceptable level but not a certificate.

As part of our fit testing protocol levitt safety has decided that we will issue a fit test card and report for kn95 masks tested to pass the csa protocol. Fit testing is done to be sure that the respirator s facepiece fits the user s face and must be assessed at least annually note that federal osha has waived annual fit testing. Osha requires an initial respirator fit test to identify the right model style and size respirator for each worker. The osha respiratory protection standard training requires an initial fit test to determine that the respirator selected for use fits properly and then annual testing thereafter.

Osha does not have a certification requirement for fit test training only that the person be familiar with one of the two acceptable fit test methods as well as the limitations of the models of respirators being tested. Fit test trainer requirements according to osha s fit testing procedures 1910 134 app a. If an employee is required to use a tight fitting respirator at work such as a surgical n95 mask then the employee must be fit tested with the mask prior to use. Capabilities and limitations of n95 respirators 1 n95 respirators only filter out particulate contaminants.

Such as initial fit testing maintenance care and training in the respiratory protection standard cite the applicable section s of 29 cfr 1910 134. The test involves the taste sensitivity of the person being tested and can be applied to any type of mask that does not have its own separate air supply. Annual fit tests ensure that users continue to receive the expected level of protection. Providing onsite fit testing n95 in new jersey new york connecticut and pennsylvania with our respiratory protection course is based on the osha regulations as outlined in 29 cfr part 1910 134.

Any comprehensive respirator protection program requires a number of specific elements. Osha has relaxed the annual not initial fit testing requirements during the pandemic. 833 cpr cntr 277 2687 toll free. A qualitative fit test is the most common type of test and covers most of the regularly used workplace masks such as n95 half face and full face respirators.

Procedures should be available for selecting respirators appropriate for the work being done for proper use of respirators for fit testing and roles and responsibilities of workplace parties.