Name: Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing
Address: Calgary Alberta Canada, AB
Telephone: (403) 399-4775

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!

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.

There are many essential components to a company’s health and safety program. Emergency procedures, personal protective equipment requirements, formal and informal hazard assessments and many more make the entire process seem overwhelmingly. In fact, most employers hire safety representatives and personnel just to ensure there is a person reviewing and revising the program regularly. Mask fit testing is just one component of a complete approach to employer and employee safety.

The masks that require fit testing are a part of a company’s respiratory equipment policy. If workers are exposed to dangerous gases or airborne materials, this policy becomes a legislative requirement by the provincial Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Code.

So, how does mask fit testing work?

How Mask Fit Testing Works

Qualitative vs Quantitative

It is important to note that there are two different fit tests: Qualitative and Quantitative.

A quantitative test measures the amount of leakage from a respirator by using a quantifit 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, and this is converted into a fit factor.

On the other side, a qualitative test is meant to determine a general “pass-fail” scenario. Usually, these tests rely on an individual’s ability to smell or taste a sprayable solution. If they detect the odour or taste, they have not achieved a secure fit.

Why Is Mask Fit Testing Important?

Getting both tests conducted is necessary for the safety of employees, as is selecting the right type of respirator for the hazards at the workplace. Particulate size, supplied air and volatility are all important variables that must be considered during the equipment selection process. For the best results, consultation with exposed employees is strongly recommended.

Furthermore, Worksafe Alberta determines that employers must adhere to the Alberta OH&S Guidelines for fit testing if employees are working in areas where they are exposed to airborne hazards. Employers must conduct mask fit testing when:

The employee is first issued a respirator and then at least every two years after
The respirator mask changes
The conditions at the workplace change
The worker has suffered facial features that might change the tightness of the respirator

Ensuring the safety of workers is a cooperative responsibility of everyone present on the worksite, and understanding the legislative requirements of employers, employees and subcontractors is essential in reducing workplace injuries and fatalities. Make sure you are doing your part with the help of Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing.

There are many different types of respirators, and in the wake of the global pandemic involving COVID-19, it is important to know how each of them works, and what they protect against. For instance, if you are working in an area with oily particulate matter, an n95-designated mask will not protect you. As well, most disposable respirators are not acceptable for work where organic vapours are present, such as H2S exposures in oilfield operations.

Respirators are specially designed facemasks, that either cover the nose and mouth or the entire face. Each of them has different filtering capabilities, and they are used in many applications to protect human life.

The three most common types of respirators are disposable, reusable, and air-supplied.

Disposable respirators are what most people think of when they think of respirators and are typically made to filter particulate matter. There are several certifications that this type of mask can carry, including n95 and p95. Masks with an n95 designation are not suitable for environments where oily particles are present, whereas p95, and r95, masks are.

Mask Fit Testing is Required For Reusable and Air-Supplied

Reusable face masks are used in many settings as well, including industrial paint application and carpentry. They differ from disposable masks in that they are made with more resistant and higher-quality materials, like nylon straps and soft plastic shells. They often require mask fit testing to make sure the face seal is complete, but that is common with all respirators listed here.

Furthermore, the filter portion of reusable masks is typically removable which means different filters can be applied for different situations. Commonly, a charcoal filter cartridge is combined with a fabric “pre-filter” to ensure adequate protection from particulate and chemical exposure. Charcoal filters are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for a variety of uses, including formaldehyde and organic vapour protection.

Finally, air-supplied respirators are expensive but reliable pieces of respiratory equipment. Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) use a fan to deliver filtered air to the individual which is usually mounted on their waist. Conversely, supplied-air systems are attached to an air compressor, or more commonly, a compressed air bottle.

These devices limit a persons’ exposure to the utmost by removing the need to gather air from their immediate surroundings. The filtering process is completed before the air enters the line to the individual which means different types of filters are used, compared to reusable respirators. In most circumstances, this type of respirator requires a full-face connection in order to function properly, which means mask fit testing of a quantitative nature will be required.

Mask fit testing is one of the most important precautionary steps that management must take to protect their employees. Unfortunately, despite the Alberta OH&S Guidelines, plenty of managers and employers do not conduct the necessary testing to protect their workers. Here is why they should do it:

What Is Mask Fit Testing?

Mask fit testing is the process of testing whether an employee’s respirator is correctly fitted to their face, ensuring that they are not exposed to any hazardous airborne conditions. The test verifies whether employees are using the right make, model and size of respirator, and assessing if they are comfortable in doing so.

It should be noted that there are two types of mask fit tests: Qualitative and Quantitative.

A quantitative test measures how much the respirator might leak with the use of a quantifit machine. Using state of the art Controlled Negative Pressure, the Quantifit pulls a negative pressure inside the mask, and to keep the pressure constant, it must pull out any additional air that leaks into the respirator. The measurement indicates how much air has leaked into the respirator, and this is converted into a fit factor.

A qualitative test is based entirely on an employee’s ability to smell and taste a spray solution. Their reactions will indicate if the masks are correctly fitted. Getting both tests conducted is necessary for the safety of employees.

Employees who wear a tight-fitting respirator during a typical workday, such as those in heavy-duty jobs and industries, or require a respirator to perform emergency response activities should take the tests.

Why Is A Mask Fit Testing Important?

In industries, such as construction and oil and gas, employees are exposed to airborne hazards, such as dust and chemicals. Exposure to these airborne hazards can make the employees severely sick (in some cases, fatally), resulting in them missing out on work, and putting them on workers’ compensation. As such, this can severely damage the morale of workers, as well as delay projects.

Worksafe Alberta determines that employers must adhere to the Alberta OH&S Guidelines for fit testing if employees are work in areas where they are exposed to such airborne hazardous. Employers must conduct mask fitting tests when:

when the employee is first issued a respirator and then at least every two years after
if the respirator mask changes
if conditions at the workplace change
if the worker has suffered facial features that might change the tightness of the respirator

The above guide highlights the importance that comes with conducting mask fit testing. Do not risk the lives and safety of your employees by not getting these tests organized at your workplace.