Fit testing, respirators

Medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators Fit-testing procedures... 

Supplied-air respirators supply fresh air to the face piece of the respirator at a pressure high enough to cause a slight buildup relative to atmospheric pressure. As a result, the supplied air flows outward from the mask, and contaminated air from the work environment cannot readily enter the mask. This characteristic renders face-to-face piece fit less important than with other types of respirators. Fit testing is, however, required before selection and use. 

All respirators other than some of the hood-type PAPRs require a respirator fit test. All persons wearing a respirator should attend a medical surveillance program to quality them to wear the device. In some Instances, this will necessitate a physical examination and pulmonary function tests. An annual fit test and medical examination Is required. Many health care facilities elect to use the hood-type PAPR because It requires no fit test and It allows greater mobility and excellent visibility without a substantial workload (Figure 1.11). 

Recordkeeping No specific respirator training documentation is required. The employer is required to maintain records of employee medical evaluations and respirator fit testing results. 

Respiratory Protection — An Overview Respiratory Protection — Respirator Fit Testing Respiratory Protection — Respirator Use Respiratory Protection — Dust Masks (Voluntary-Use)... 

Personal Protective Equipment — Respiratory Protection — Respirator Fit Testing... 

Talk with your supervisor if you have questions on respirator fit testing. 

This sign-off sheet documents the employees who have taken part in a training session on PPE — Respiratory Protection — Respirator Fit Testing at this company,. ... 

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Respirator fit testing, (i) The employer shall establish and maintain accurate records for employees subject to negative pressure respirator fit testing required by this standard. 

The Respiratory Protection Program provides standards for respirator fit-testing. The goals of respirator fit-testing are to (1) provide the employee with a face seal on a respirator that exhibits the greatest protective and comfortable fit, and (2) to instruct the employee on the proper use of respirators and their limitations. The three levels of fit testing are Initial, Armual, and Pre-Use Self-Testing. 

Comfort of the facepiece is also important. If the face-piece does not fit comfortably, the user may resist wearing respiratory protection, may become distracted and less attentive on the job, or may need to take additional breaks to find relief fiom the discomfort. The respirator fit test should always include a comfort assessment, especially when evaluating a facepiece the user has not worn in the past When performing the comfort assessment, consider the use of other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses to ensure these can be worn properly and effectively with the selected facepiece. 

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