Respiratory Equipment Fit Testing

At AIP Safety, we are dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit and comfort for your employees. According to regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), all respirators that rely on a mask-to-face seal must undergo a fitting process. This process, either quantitative (QNFT) or qualitative (QLFT), is essential in determining whether a respirator provides the necessary seal for each user.

We provide qualitative and quantitative fit tests and all protocols are strictly followed.

Understanding that every worker presents unique characteristics and needs regarding their personal protective equipment (PPE), we prioritize the selection of RPE based on size, shape, functionality, and comfort. We aim to ensure compliance with safety standards, wearer comfort, and job performance.

AIP Safety offers a comprehensive fit testing service to meet these needs. Our team of qualified fit testers is equipped to conduct qualitative and quantitative assessments for various respirator types, including air-purifying, air-supplied, positive pressure, powered air-purifying respirators, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Our services are designed to be flexible and accessible, available either on-site at your location or at our dedicated training facility. This approach allows us to provide convenient and efficient fit testing sessions that minimize downtime and disruption to your operations.

If your organization requires someone on your team to perform ongoing fit tests, we offer a comprehensive Certified Fit Tester Training Course. Our 6.5-hour course provides critical training and skills for students to perform fit tests that align with the newly revised edition of CSA’s Z94.4 Standard - Selection, Use & Care of Respirators.

If your organization recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety and comfort of workers using RPE, please get in touch with our Calgary office at 403-202-2477. You’ll connect with one of our knowledgeable staff members who can guide you through our fit testing services and how we can tailor them to meet your specific needs. Let AIP Safety be your partner in promoting a safe, compliant, and comfortable workplace.

Fit Testing for RPE FAQs

Why is fit testing important?

Fit testing is crucial because it helps to ensure that respirators provide effective protection against airborne hazards. A poor fit can lead to exposure to harmful particles, gases, or vapours, putting the wearer’s health at risk.

What are the types of fit testing?

Two main types of fit testing exist: qualitative fit testing (QLFT) and quantitative fit testing (QNFT). QLFT assesses the seal based on the wearer’s sensory detection of a test agent, while QNFT uses instruments to measure the amount of leakage into the respirator.

How often should fit testing be performed?

Fit testing should be performed at least annually, upon initial selection of a respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and if the wearer’s physical condition changes in a way that could affect respirator fit (e.g., significant weight change, facial surgery, etc.).

Who can perform a fit test?

An individual who has taken a Certified Fit Tester Training Course and is certified should perform fit tests. This person should be familiar with the types of respirators being tested, the fit testing protocol, and the fit testing equipment.

Can I wear facial hair while undergoing a fit test?

Facial hair can interfere with the respirator’s ability to seal to the face. It is generally recommended that individuals be clean-shaven in the face seal area during the fit test and when wearing the respirator.