Respirator Fit Testing

Qualitative and quantitative respirator fit-test kits, adapters, hoods, and replacement test solutions. Everything needed to run the fit tests OSHA requires before an employee wears a tight-fitting respirator, and again every twelve months after that.

Qualitative or quantitative

Qualitative testing is pass/fail and relies on the wearer detecting a test agent: Bitrex (denatonium benzoate, bitter) or isoamyl acetate (banana oil). It is accepted for negative-pressure respirators up to an assigned protection factor of 10. Quantitative testing measures leakage instrumentally and produces a numeric fit factor, which is required above APF 10 and for full-facepiece respirators used in that range.

Consumables are the recurring part

Test solutions, sensitivity ampules, nebulizers, and hoods are consumed each testing cycle. A program testing an annual population runs through them predictably, which is why these are stocked as replenishment items rather than one-time purchases.

Compliance context

OSHA 1910.134 requires fit testing before initial use, whenever a different facepiece is used, and at least annually, using one of the protocols in the standard's Appendix A. A fit test is specific to the exact make, model, style, and size of respirator, so a passing test does not transfer to a different facepiece. See also cartridges and filters and respirators.