Respirator FIT Testing
We are starting a new job at a new building. It includes a lot of welding and when we visited another plant to watch the operation, all employees were wearing half face respirators. We will still do our own IH testing once we begin but if respirators are needed, is there a certification and device I could do so that we can do these in house? Employee turnover is always an issue so if I can take care of this myself so I don't have to constantly send people to a 3rd party I would definitely prefer that.
Comments (2)
It depends on the fit factor you need. If you're needing to conduct qualitative fit testing (which can only be used to fit test negative pressure APRs that require a fit factor of 100 or less), then you could purchase Bitrex, Irritant Smoke, or whatever other QLFT test solution you want to use. You would need to be familiar with the protocols mentioned in 1910.134 App. A, which aren't too crazy in-depth or stringent, but also isn't something that anyone can do.
If you're needing to do a quantitative fit test (such as using a PortaCount, which is WAY more accurate than any of the QLFT methods), then you'd need to rent/purchase a PortaCount (or equivalent), be familiar with the protocols in 1910.134 App. A, and purchase the fit test adapters for the respirator(s) you have on-site. There's no specific "qualification" you have to have in order to do a QNFT, but there is an "art" to doing it the proper way, such as ensuring you have enough ambient particles in the air, doing the procedures correctly, etc.
Either way, you still have to ensure they do a medical evaluation before their fit test, and if required by the PLHCP, a pulmonary function test (PFT).
With there being no "certifications" or anything for fit testers, it would ultimately come down to how do you deem yourself "qualified" to administer and interpret the results of the fit test, which is a liability concern. It sometimes sounds like a simple, straightforward test/procedure, but there was a fire department up north recently who was fined for doing fit tests improperly, falsifying fit test records, etc., so just have to ensure all of your ducks are in a row!
I can't add anything to Drew's thorough answer. If you are in the vicinity of a location that has a participating 'Reciprocal Safety Council' they might be able to assist with this. When I worked on the gulf coast, I had very good results by sending the worker to the safety council to complete all aspects of the process, including the questionnaire, pft and fit testing of the selected respirator before arriving for their initial day of orientation/training.
If you don't have one of these available, I've worked with companies, like Drew's, that will work with you to get you competent enough to perform these tests.