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Qualitative Fit Testing

The qualitative fit testing method is the most widely used method for respirator fit testing

 

When qualitative fit testing negative pressure respirators, a variety of testing agents can be used The most common types are isoamyl acetate (commonly referred to as banana oil because of its fruit-like aroma), saccharin (a sweet-tasting agent), irritant smoke (stannic chloride) and Denatonium Benzoate (also known as Bitrex). Bitrex leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth of fit test subjects whose masks do not fit properly.

 

Prior to selecting a respirator, employees are shown how to put on a respirator, how to position it on the face, how to adjust the strap tension, and how to determine an acceptable fit. The employee then picks the most acceptable respirator from a sufficient number of samples and wears it at least five minutes to assess the comfort (chin properly placed, adequate strap tension, fits across the nose bridge, spans the distance from the nose to chin and does not have a tendency to slip). Positive pressure and negative pressure seal checks are then performed.

 

 

Positive pressure seal check:

Negative pressure seal check:

 

Before beginning the qualitative fit testing protocol, employees are given a description of the fit test and their responsibilities during the procedure. Excercises that the test subject performs include:

 

Each test excercise is performed for one minute.Qualitative fit testing

  • Test subjects may not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 minutes before the test.
  • The fit test uses the same enclosure as used for the taste threshold screening.
  • Test subjects don the enclosure while wearing the selected respirator.
  • The respirator must be properly adjusted and equipped with a particulate filter(s).

 

Even though qualitative fit testing can be used to fit test both half-mask and full-face respirators, it is important to note that you are only verifying a 10X assigned protection factor (APF) on both half-mask and full-face respirators.

 

 

What is a respirator fit test and why is it performed?

A respirator fit test is a  protocol conducted to test and  verify that a respirator is correctly fitting the user as well as  being  comfortable to wear . Fit testing is a procedure that uses a test agent to verify that it fits the user. This can be performed qualitatively through detecting the wearer’s sense of taste, smell, or involuntary cough (irritant smoke). The other option is to quantitatively measure the fit by an instrument, to verify the respirator’s fit.

 

How do I perform a respirator fit test?

1. Once you have chosen a size and type of respirator, have the test subject put on the respirator and perform both positive and negative fit checks. 2. It is important that the subject wear the respirator for at least five minutes before the fit test. 3. Place the collar and hood over the head of the test subject and have them put out their tongue. 4. Insert a nebulizer with a sensitivity or fit test solution and administer sprays in a timed fashion to see if the wearer can cough or taste the material. 5. Have the subject perform a series of exercises that would mimic their head position during a work day. 6. If they dont taste the material, the mask may be a good fit.

 

How long is a respirator fit test good for?

Some companies require a Medical evaluation: once, and then only when required by changing conditions or medical reasons. The subject may gain 10 pounds for example and need to be fitted again. Keep the record until the next medical evaluation or for 2 years. Respirator fit test should be done annually. Keep the record for 2 years.

 

Allstar Enviro Safety Registration Policies

AllstarEnviroSafety  greatly values your business. In order to provide consistency  and equality for all our students and clients, exceptions to the following  policies will not be offered.

COVID 19 Policy

Please do not attend the class if you have COVID 19 symptoms. Wearing masks is optional and at your own discretion.

Refund / Transfer and No Show Policies:

To be eligible for a full refund or to transfer to a new course, notification in writing, must be received no less than five (5)business days prior to the start date (excluding the day of the course).

If you are ill, a medical note can be sent for credit or course date transfer, upon our discretion. No shows without 5 days written notice or late arrivals (over 15 minutes) will not be refunded.

On-line Courses - All registrations are final and no Refunds are available.

AllstarEnviro Safety Course Cancellations:

AllstarEnviroSafety  reserves the right to cancel classes. Cancellation notices are via email or phone. In the unlikely event that your training course does not take place after your booking has been confirmed, we will make every effort to reschedule the course and you will be offered an alternative date to take the course issued.

Blended first aid courses can not be refunded. Once the link is sent to a client, we cannot obtain a refund from the First aid institution.

Prerequisite Policy:

A course prerequisite:  any requirement a program identifies as necessary for a student to have successfully completed before taking the course. For example, H2S Alive, Common Safety Orientation  and Ground Disturbance require that you bring government issued picture i.d. to the class.  For recertification of CPR and First Aid, H2S Alive Blended Renewal. It is a requirement to send us the ticket to prove  that the card has not expired yet.

It is the right of AllstarEnviro Safety and/or the instructor to cancel a student's registration in a course if the student has not satisfied the published prerequisites for the course. Failure to provide proof of prerequisites on the day of the training will result in a full forfeit of course fees. Students are ultimately responsible for knowing and adhering to course prerequisites.

Third Party Registrations and Payments (companies, parents, spouses, friend, etc.)

As a third-party registrant, you agree to these policies on behalf of the student. It is the third party’s responsibility to ensure that all communication for the program  is received by the  student. AllstarEnviroSafety  will not release any of the Student’s personal information, to the third party without the Student’s prior written consent including  grades, or copies of tickets.

Inherent Risk

Some risk is inherent in all courses.  Many programs include lifting, hanging from a tripod, putting on breathing apparatus, rescuing and doing compressions repeatedly. By enrolling and  participating in these courses, it is understood that you are aware of this element of risk and accept it as an integral part of the activity. For those of you with any limitations, please identify them at the time of registration so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

Cell phones, Cameras and Electronic devices

For the protections of our student’s privacy, the use of personal electronic devices for recording, photographing and video purposes is strictly prohibited. Please use electronic devices respectfully in all areas.

Literacy

Our programs require a certain level of literacy and a grasp of the English language to pass. Most programs do not accommodate an oral exam.  In addition, please bring your necessary hearing aids and glasses so that the student can grasp the program being delivered.

Behavior Policy

AllstarEnviroSafety  strives to provide our students with a safe and appropriate environment to facilitate learning. If AllstarEnviro Safety staff determine that a student’s behavior is disruptive or threatening, the staff may take any action he or she deems prudent to protect themselves. This can include discussing the matter with the student, asking the student to leave or calling the police.

 

 

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