• to determine if individuals are medically qualified to use respirators under assigned work conditions; prior to fit testing; assignment to position which requires respirator use; or if individual experiences change which may impact their ability to properly wear a respirator
  
  
• enables remedial action to be taken when necessary
  
  
• provides opportunity for health education
  
  
• establishes a baseline health assessment and periodic health monitoring and surveillance data
  
  

MASK FIT TESTING & TRAINING includes:

• Fit testing of air purifying (negative pressure) respirators for each wearer is necessary to ensure protection under adverse conditions.
  
  
• Fit testing of respirators will be completed prior to issuance of respirator to employees.
  
  
• Records of fit testing will be maintained including the following information:
  
  
  • Type of respirator
  • Make of respirator
  • Size of respirator
  • Fit tester signature
  • Employee signature & date
    
    
• Fit testing should be conducted whenever a person is initially required to wear a respirator, and at least every two years after initial testing.
  
  
• Fit testing should only be completed on employees who have received medical clearance from Occupational Health Services.
  
  
• Walsh & Associates certified fit tester will conduct the following components of fit testing & training:
  
  
  • Sensitivity Test (this determines the subject's threshold for smelling odours)
  • Respirator Fit Test
  • Ensure Satisfactory Respirator Fit Test
  • Positive Pressure Test
  • Negative Pressure Test
    
    
• Respirator Training:
  
  
  • Use, inspection and monitoring of respirators
  • Cleaning (daily/weekly), inspection, maintenance, and storage of respirators