Respiratory Fit Testing
Respiratory Fit Testing
A poorly fitting respirator presents a number of issues for workers in a variety of workplaces from hospitals and medical facilities to construction sites and manufacturing floors. Whether you need to protect your employees from air germs, viruses and bacteria or dirt, dust, sand or toxic chemicals, our qualitative fit testing will ensure your employees have the right mask with a proper fit, know how to put on and remove it, conduct seal tests and store their masks at the end of their shift. Using several harmless scent and flavour compounds, we’ll test the seal of your employee’s masks to ensure it will protect them against the harmful, caustic, irritating or toxic chemicals at your facility.
What is a Qualitative Fit Test?
What is a Qualitative Fit Test?
Essentially, a qualitative fit test utilizes a participant's own senses to determine if a mask is properly fitted and functioning properly. Here, we use a participant’s sense of smell, taste or their reaction to an irritant to detect inward leakage with a mask. The mask passes the test if the participant does not experience a qualitative or subjective reaction to the test material. At 1 Contact Safety, we have four different qualitative fit testing methods available to our customers depending on the usage situation and the type of mask including: 1) isoamyl acetate, which is a fruit-flavored scent compound; 2) saccharin, which is more commonly known as artificial sweetener; 3) bitrex, which is a harmless yet extremely bitter compound; and, 4) an irritant smoke.
Respirator Fit - The Law
Respirator Fit - The Law
According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Subsection 13(1)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, respirators must be fitted to provide an effective seal between the respirator and an employee’s face. Specifically, the respirator “must be of an appropriate size for the worker's face and that facial hair and scars or other irregularities must not interfere with the seal and that these devices are not to be worn unless the worker has passed an appropriate qualitative or quantitative fit test.” As such, it’s absolutely essential to have your employees undergo a qualitative fit test to ensure your compliance with federal and provincial law. Don’t wait until you’re facing MOL fines or a forced work stoppage and reach out to 1 Contact Safety today!
Book Your Test With 1 Contact Safety
Book Your Test With 1 Contact Safety
As you can see, we offer a comprehensive respiratory fit testing program that's adaptable to any number of needs and applications. Whether you're testing for a medical office, fire or rescue services, construction or manufacturing, reach out to 1 Contact Safety today! Book your qualitative respiratory fit test today by clicking the button below.