The world of environmental safety continues to expand with every passing day. Whether new legislation is being introduced or manufacturers are raising the bar with their products, some part of environmental safety is always in flux.
As a result, we must all rely on our peers, suppliers, subcontractors and partners to help support our knowledge and inform our decisions. Today, we attempt to shed a bit of light on our chosen forte, namely mask fit testing.
What is Mask Fit Testing?
Mask fit testing refers to the process of certifying or clearing an individual to wear a respirator. Many different respirators can be tested, including half and full-face respirators. After successfully completing the test, employers will receive documentation that states the testing occurred and how successful it was. Additionally, the employee who underwent the test will know the proper way to wear the mask to prevent harm from breathing toxic or dangerous materials.
What Do the Results of Mask Fit Testing Indicate?
The results from mask fit testing come in two distinct forms, namely qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative Testing
A qualitative test determines a general “pass-fail” scenario. Usually, these tests rely on an individual’s ability to taste a sprayable solution. If they detect the odour or taste, they have not achieved a secure fit.
Quantitative Testing
machine. This state-of-the-art equipment allows the control of negative pressure inside the mask. Further, to keep the pressure constant, it must pull out any additional air leaking into the respirator. The measurement indicates how much air leaks into the respirator, which is converted into a fit factor.
Quantitative fit testing is considered the gold standard for testing as it provides information about how well the respirator actually fits. Unlike qualitative testing, which only offers a yes or no, quantitative results measure the effectiveness of the facial seal. This can help identify sizing issues as well as prevent subjective results.
Find the Right Test for You Today
Whether your employees need quantitative or qualitative mask fit testing, the first call you need to make is Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing. We come to you, so don’t delay; call today!
What is a Qualitative Fit Test for N95 Respirators?
N95 Respirator- Defined
An N95 respirator is defined as a NIOSH certified respiratory protection device that filters 95% of particulate matter but does not guard against oils.
Along with this N95 respirator comes a responsibility to ensure proper fit testing is performed. N95 Fit testing is essential because it measures the ability of the respiratory equipment to prevent contaminants or dangerous inhalants from entering into an individual’s airways. However, this can be a complicated process, so it is best to look at the relevant factors concerning respiratory equipment qualitative fit testing.
Qualitative vs Quantitative Fit Testing For an N95
Two types of testing generally apply to all types of testing. The first is qualitative fit testing which, essentially, gives a yes or no answer for acceptability. In the case of fit testing for N95 respirators, this means that an individual being tested will properly don their mask, and then be exposed to a harmless odor or chemical. If the seal of the N95 respirator is secure, they will be unable to detect this odor and the test will be considered acceptable.
Conversely, quantitative testing is a broad form of testing that will produce a measurable result. Again, using the example of N95 fit testing, a subject would don their mask and appropriately fit it to their face, and then be exposed to a similar odor or chemical. However, the difference in this circumstance is that the interior of the mask would be tested with a porta count machine (or equivalent) and a measurable result would be available from the testing equipment. This reduces individual bias for fit testing.
Options for Respirator Fit Testing
N95 masks are an ideal choice for those who don’t wish to repeatedly don the same respirator, but they are currently in high demand and may not be readily available. If respiratory equipment is required for work being performed, it is better to upgrade then downgrade. This means switching to a half-face or full-face respirator. There are different types of respirators, and often they will all need to be tested to make sure they are working as intended.
Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing is your locally owned and operated Calgary business. We are committed to providing mobile hearing testing services and other safety tests, to numerous industries and companies in Western Canada. Our services are part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network, while our sound booths are approved by the CSA. We offer audiometry testing, mask fit testing, custom earplugs, noise measurements, help with implementing a hearing conservation program, and spirometry testing. If you want to improve your workplace, leave it in the hands of our team. Contact us today on (403) 399-4775.