['Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHA']
['Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHA', 'Asbestos']
12/12/2023
Copyright 2024 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
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Employers must perform fit testing in accordance with the fit-testing requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134(f) and the qualitative and quantitative fit-testing protocols and procedures specified in Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.134.
Qualitative Fit Test Protocols
I. Isoamyl Acetate Protocol
A. Odor threshold screening.
1. Three 1-liter glass jars with metal lids (e.g. Mason or Bell jars) are required.
2. Odor-free water (e.g. distilled or spring water) at approximately 25°C shall be used for the solutions.
3. The isoamyl acetate (IAA)(also known as isopentyl acetate) stock solution is prepared by adding 1 cc of pure IAA to 800 cc of odor free water in a 1-liter jar and shaking for 30 seconds. This solution shall be prepared new at least weekly.
4. The screening test shall be conducted in a room separate from the room used for actual fit testing. The two rooms shall be well ventilated but shall not be connected to the same recirculating ventilation system.
5. The odor test solution is prepared in a second jar by placing 0.4 cc of the stock solution into 500 cc of odor free water using a clean dropper or pipette. Shake for 30 seconds and allow to stand for two to three minutes so that the IAA concentration above the liquid may reach equilibrium. This solution may be used for only one day.
6. A test blank is prepared in a third jar by adding 500 cc of odor free water.
7. The odor test and test blank jars shall be labelled 1 and 2 for jar identification. If the labels are put on the lids they can be periodically peeled, dried off and switched to maintain the integrity of the test.
8. The following instructions shall be typed on a card and placed on the table in front of the two test jars (i.e. 1 and 2): "The purpose of this test is to determine if you can smell banana oil at a low concentration. The two bottles in front of you contain water. One of these bottles also contains a small amount of banana oil. Be sure the covers are on tight, then shake each bottle for two seconds. Unscrew the lid of each bottle, one at a time, and sniff at the mouth of the bottle. Indicate to the test conductor which bottle contains banana oil."
9. The mixtures used in the IAA odor detection test shall be prepared in an area separate from where the test is performed, in order to prevent olfactory fatigue in the subject.
10. If the test subject is unable to correctly identify the jar containing the odor test solution, the IAA qualitative fit test may not be used.
11. If the test subject correctly identifies the jar containing the odor test solution, the test subject may proceed to respirator selection and fit testing.
B. Respirator Selection.
1. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most comfortable respirator from a selection including respirators of various sizes from different manufacturers. The selection shall include at least five sizes of elastomeric half facepieces, from at least two manufacturers.
2. The selection process shall be conducted in a room separate from the fit-test chamber to prevent odor fatigue. Prior to the selection process, the test subject shall be shown how to put on a respirator, how it should be positioned on the face, how to set strap tension and how to determine a "comfortable" respirator. A mirror shall be available to assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. This instruction may not constitute the subject's formal training on respirator use, as it is only a review.
3. The test subject should understand that the employee is being asked to select the respirator which provides the most comfortable fit. Each respirator represents a different size and shape and, if fit properly and used properly will provide adequate protection.
4. The test subject holds each facepiece up to the face and eliminates those which obviously do not give a comfortable fit. Normally, selection will begin with a half-mask and if a good fit cannot be found, the subject will be asked to test the full facepiece respirators. (A small percentage of users will not be able to wear any half-mask.)
5. The more comfortable facepieces are noted; the most comfortable mask is donned and worn at least five minutes to assess comfort. All donning and adjustments of the facepiece shall be performed by the test subject without assistance from the test conductor or other person. Assistance in assessing comfort can be given by discussing the points in #6 below. If the test subject is not familiar with using a particular respirator, the test subject shall be directed to don the mask several times and to adjust the straps each time to become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.
6. Assessment of comfort shall include reviewing the following points with the test subject and allowing the test subject adequate time to determine the comfort of the respirator:
- Positioning of mask on nose.
- Room for eye protection.
- Room to talk
- Positioning mask on face and cheeks
7. The following criteria shall be used to help determine the adequacy of the respirator fit:
- Chin properly placed.
- Strap tension.
- Fit across nose bridge.
- Distance from nose to chin.
- Tendency to slip.
- Self-observation in mirror.
8. The test subject shall conduct the conventional negative and positive-pressure fit checks (e.g. see ANSI Z88.2-1980). Before conducting the negative- or positive-pressure test the subject shall be told to "seat" the mask by rapidly moving the head from side-to-side and up and down, while taking a few deep breaths.
9. The test subject is now ready for fit testing.
10. After passing the fit test, the test subject shall be questioned again regarding the comfort of the respirator. If it has become uncomfortable, another model of respirator shall be tried.
11. The employee shall be given the opportunity to select a different facepiece and be retested if the chosen facepiece becomes increasingly uncomfortable at any time.
C. Fit test.
1. The fit test chamber shall be similar to a clear 55 gal drum liner suspended inverted over a 2 foot diameter frame, so that the top of the chamber is about 6 inches above the test subject's head. The inside top center of the chamber shall have a small hook attached.
2. Each respirator used for the fitting and fit testing shall be equipped with organic vapor cartridges or offer protection against organic vapors. The cartridges or masks shall be changed at least weekly.
3. After selecting, donning, and properly adjusting a respirator, the test subject shall wear it to the fit testing room. This room shall be separate from the room used for odor threshold screening and respirator selection, and shall be well ventilated, as by an exhaust fan or lab hood, to prevent general room contamination.
4. A copy of the following test exercises and rainbow passage shall be taped to the inside of the test chamber:
Test Exercises
i. Breathe normally.
ii. Breathe deeply. Be certain breaths are deep and regular.
iii. Turn head all the way from one side to the other. Inhale on each side. Be certain movement is complete. Do not bump the respirator against the shoulders.
iv. Nod head up-and-down. Inhale when head is in the full up position (looking toward ceiling). Be certain motions are complete and made about every second. Do not bump the respirator on the chest.
v. Talking. Talk aloud and slowly for several minutes. The following paragraph is called the Rainbow Passage. Reading it will result in a wide range of facial movements, and thus be useful to satisfy this requirement. Alternative passages which serve the same purpose may also be used.
vi. Jogging in place.
vii. Breathe normally.
Rainbow Passage
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
5. Each test subject shall wear the respirator for at a least 10 minutes before starting the fit test.
6. Upon entering the test chamber, the test subject shall be given a 6 inch by 5 inch piece of paper towel or other porous absorbent single ply material, folded in half and wetted with three-quarters of one cc of pure IAA. The test subject shall hang the wet towel on the hook at the top of the chamber.
7. Allow two minutes for the IAA test concentration to be reached before starting the fit-test exercises. This would be an appropriate time to talk with the test subject, to explain the fit test, the importance of cooperation, the purpose for the head exercises, or to demonstrate some of the exercises.
8. Each exercise described in #4 above shall be performed for at least one minute.
9. If at any time during the test, the subject detects the banana-like odor of IAA, the test has failed. The subject shall quickly exit from the test chamber and leave the test area to avoid olfactory fatigue.
10. If the test is failed, the subject shall return to the selection room and remove the respirator, repeat the odor sensitivity test, select and put on another respirator, return to the test chamber, and again begin the procedure described in the c(4) through c(8) above. The process continues until a respirator that fits well has been found. Should the odor sensitivity test be failed, the subject shall wait about 5 minutes before retesting. Odor sensitivity will usually have returned by this time.
11. If a person cannot pass the fit test described above wearing a half-mask respirator from the available selection, full facepiece models must be used.
12. When a respirator is found that passes the test, the subject breaks the faceseal and takes a breath before exiting the chamber. This is to assure that the reason the test subject is not smelling the IAA is the good fit of the respirator facepiece seal and not olfactory fatigue.
13. When the test subject leaves the chamber, the subject shall remove the saturated towel and return it to the person conducting the test. To keep the area from becoming contaminated, the used towels shall be kept in a self-sealing bag so there is no significant IAA concentration buildup in the test chamber during subsequent tests.
14. At least two facepieces shall be selected for the IAA test protocol. The test subject shall be given the opportunity to wear them for one week to choose the one which is more comfortable to wear.
15. Persons who have successfully passed this fit test with a half-mask respirator may be assigned the use of the test respirator in atmospheres with up to 10 times the PEL of airborne asbestos. In atmospheres greater than 10 times, and less than 100 times the PEL (up to 100 ppm), the subject must pass the IAA test using a full face negative pressure respirator. (The concentration of the 1AA inside the test chamber must be increased by ten times for QLFT of the full facepiece.)
16. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin the facepiece sealing surface.
17. If hair growth or apparel interfere with a satisfactory fit, then they shall be altered or removed so as to eliminate interference and allow a satisfactory fit. If a satisfactory fit is still not attained, the test subject must use a positive-pressure respirator such as powered air-purifying respirators, supplied air respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus.
18. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician trained in respirator diseases or pulmonary medicine to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.
19. Qualitative fit testing shall be repeated at least every six months.
20. In addition, because the sealing of the respirator may be affected, qualitative fit testing shall be repeated immediately when the test subject has a:
(1) Weight change of 20 pounds or more,
(2) Significant facial scarring in the area of the facepiece seal,
(3) Significant dental changes; i.e.; multiple extractions without prothesis, or acquiring dentures,
(4) Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, or (5) Any other condition that may interfere with facepiece sealing.
D. Recordkeeping. A summary of all test results shall be maintained in each office for 3 years. The summary shall include:
(1) Name of test subject.
(2) Date of testing.
(3) Name of the test conductor.
(4) Respirators selected (indicate manufacturer, model, size and approval number).
(5) Testing agent.
II. Saccharin Solution Aerosol Protocol
A. Respirator selection. Respirators shall be selected as described in section IB (respirator selection) above, except that each respirator shall be equipped with a particulate filter.
B. Taste Threshold Screening
1. An enclosure about head and shoulders shall be used for threshold screening (to determine if the individual can taste saccharin) and for fit testing. The enclosure shall be approximately 12 inches in diameter by 14 inches tall with at least the front clear to allow free movement of the head when a respirator is worn.
2. The test enclosure shall have a three-quarter inch hole in front of the test subject's nose and mouth area to accommodate the nebulizer nozzle.
3. The entire screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the test subject prior to conducting the screening test.
4. During the threshold screening test, the test subject shall don the test enclosure and breathe with open mouth with tongue extended.
5. Using a DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent, the test conductor shall spray the threshold check solution into the enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.
6. The threshold check solution consists of 0.83 grams of sodium saccharin, USP in water. It can be prepared by putting 1 cc of the test solution (see C 7 below) in 100 cc of water.
7. To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is firmly squeezed so that it collapses completely, then is released and allowed to fully expand.
8. Ten squeezes of the nebulizer bulb are repeated rapidly and then the test subject is asked whether the saccharin can be tasted.
9. If the first response is negative, ten more squeezes of the nebulizer bulb are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the saccharin can be tasted.
10. If the second response is negative ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the saccharin can be tasted.
11. The test conductor will take note of the number of squeezes required to elicit a taste response.
12. If the saccharin is not tasted after 30 squeezes (Step 10), the saccharin fit test cannot be performed on the test subject.
13. If a taste response is elicited, the test subject shall be asked to take note of the taste for reference in the fit test.
14. Correct use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 cc of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer body.
15. The nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken dry, and refilled at least every four hours.
C. Fit test.
1. The test subject shall don and adjust the respirator without the assistance from any person.
2. The fit test uses the same enclosure described in IIB above.
3. Each test subject shall wear the respirator for a least 10 minutes before starting the fit test.
4. The test subject shall don the enclosure while wearing the respirator selected in section IB above. This respirator shall be properly adjusted and equipped with a particulate filter.
5. The test subject may not eat, drink (except plain water), or chew gum for 15 minutes before the test.
6. A second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer is used to spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.
7. The fit test solution is prepared by adding 83 grams of sodium saccharin to 100 cc of warm water.
8. As before, the test subject shall breathe with mouth open and tongue extended.
9. The nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the front of the enclosure and the fit test solution is sprayed into the enclosure using the same technique as for the taste threshold screening and the same number of squeezes required to elicit a taste response in the screening. (See B8 through B10 above).
10. After generation of the aerosol read the following instructions to the test subject. The test subject shall perform the exercises for one minute each.
i. Breathe normally.
ii. Breathe deeply. Be certain breaths are deep and regular.
iii. Turn head all the way from one side to the other. Be certain movement is complete. Inhale on each side. Do not bump the respirator against the shoulders.
iv. Nod head up-and-down. Be certain motions are complete. Inhale when head is in the full up position (when looking toward the ceiling). Do not to bump the respirator on the chest.
v. Talking. Talk aloud and slowly for several minutes. The following paragraph is called the Rainbow Passage. Reading it will result in a wide range of facial movements, and thus be useful to satisfy this requirement. Alternative passages which serve the same purpose may also be used.
vi. Jogging in place.
vii. Breathe normally.
Rainbow Passage
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond his reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
11. At the beginning of each exercise, the aerosol concentration shall be replenished using one-half the number of squeezes as initially described in C9.
12. The test subject shall indicate to the test conductor if at any time during the fit test the taste of saccharin is detected.
13. If the saccharin is detected the fit is deemed unsatisfactory and a different respirator shall be tried.
14. At least two facepieces shall be selected by the IAA test protocol. The test subject shall be given the opportunity to wear them for one week to choose the one which is more comfortable to wear.
15. Successful completion of the test protocol shall allow the use of the half mask tested respirator in contaminated atmospheres up to 10 times the PEL of asbestos. In other words this protocol may be used to assign protection factors no higher than ten.
16. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface.
17. If hair growth or apparel interfere with a satisfactory fit, then they shall be altered or removed so as to eliminate interference and allow a satisfactory fit. If a satisfactory fit is still not attained, the test subject must use a positive-pressure respirator such as powered air-purifying respirators, supplied air respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus.
18. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician trained in respirator diseases or pulmonary medicine to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.
19. Qualitative fit testing shall be repeated at least every six months.
20. In addition, because the sealing of the respirator may be affected, qualitative fit testing shall be repeated immediately when the test subject has a:
(1) Weight change of 20 pounds or more,
(2) Significant facial scarring in the area of the facepiece seal,
(3) Significant dental changes; i.e.; multiple extractions without prothesis, or acquiring dentures,
(4) Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, or (5) Any other condition that may interfere with facepiece sealing.
D. Recordkeeping. A summary of all test results shall be maintained in each office for 3 years. The summary shall include:
(1) Name of test subject
(2) Date of testing.
(3) Name of test conductor.
(4) Respirators selected (indicate manufacturer, model, size and approval number).
(5) Testing agent.
III. Irritant Fume Protocol
A. Respirator selection. Respirators shall be selected as described in section IB above, except that each respirator shall be equipped with a combination of high-efficiency and acid-gas cartridges.
B. Fit test.
1. The test subject shall be allowed to smell a weak concentration of the irritant smoke to familiarize the subject with the characteristic odor.
2. The test subject shall properly don the respirator selected as above, and wear it for at least 10 minutes before starting the fit test.
3. The test conductor shall review this protocol with the test subject before testing.
4. The test subject shall perform the conventional positive pressure and negative pressure fit checks (see ANSI Z88.2 1980). Failure of either check shall be cause to select an alternate respirator.
5. Break both ends of a ventilation smoke tube containing stannic oxychloride, such as the MSA part #5645, or equivalent. Attach a short length of tubing to one end of the smoke tube. Attach the other end of the smoke tube to a low pressure air pump set to deliver 200 milliliters per minute.
6. Advise the test subject that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes and instruct the subject to keep the eyes closed while the test is performed.
7. The test conductor shall direct the stream of irritant smoke from the tube towards the faceseal area of the test subject. The person conducting the test shall begin with the tube at least 12 inches from the facepiece and gradually move to within one inch, moving around the whole perimeter of the mask.
8. The test subject shall be instructed to do the following exercises while the respirator is being challenged by the smoke. Each exercise shall be performed for one minute.
i. Breathe normally.
ii. Breathe deeply. Be certain breaths are deep and regular.
iii. Turn head all the way from one side to the other. Be certain movement is complete. Inhale on each side. Do not bump the respirator against the shoulders.
iv. Nod head up-and-down. Be certain motions are complete and made every second. Inhale when head is in the full up position (looking toward ceiling). Do not bump the respirator against the chest.
v. Talking. Talk aloud and slowly for several minutes. The following paragraph is called the Rainbow Passage. Reading it will result in a wide range of facial movements, and thus be useful to satisfy this requirement. Alternative passages which serve the same purpose may also be used.
Rainbow Passage
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two end apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond his reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
vi. Jogging in Place.
vii. Breathe normally.
9. The test subject shall indicate to the test conductor if the irritant smoke is detected. If smoke is detected, the test conductor shall stop the test. In this case, the tested respirator is rejected and another respirator shall be selected.
10. Each test subject passing the smoke test (i.e. without detecting the smoke) shall be given a sensitivity check of smoke from the same tube to determine if the test subject reacts to the smoke. Failure to evoke a response shall void the fit test.
11. Steps B4, B9, B10 of this fit test protocol shall be performed in a location with exhaust ventilation sufficient to prevent general contamination of the testing area by the test agents.
12. At least two facepieces shall be selected by the IAA test protocol. The test subject shall be given the opportunity to wear them for one week to choose the one which is more comfortable to wear.
13. Respirators successfully tested by the protocol may be used in contaminated atmospheres up to ten times the PEL of asbestos.
14. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface.
15. If hair growth or apparel interfere with a satisfactory fit, then they shall be altered or removed so as to eliminate interference and allow a satisfactory fit. If a satisfactory fit is still not attained, the test subject must use a positive-pressure respirator such as powered air-purifying respirators, supplied air respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus.
16. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician trained in respirator diseases or pulmonary medicine to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.
17. Qualitative fit testing shall be repeated at least every six months.
18. In addition, because the sealing of the respirator may be affected, qualitative fit testing shall be repeated immediately when the test subject has a:
(1) Weight change of 20 pounds or more,
(2) Significant facial scarring in the area of the facepiece seal,
(3) Significant dental changes; i.e.; multiple extractions without prothesis, or acquiring dentures,
(4) Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, or
(5) Any other condition that may interfere with facepiece sealing.
D. Recordkeeping. A summary of all test results shall be maintained in each office for 3 years. The summary shall include:
(1) Name of test subject
(2) Date of testing.
(3) Name of test conductor.
(4) Respirators selected (indicate manufacturer, model, size and approval number).
(5) Testing agent
Quantitative Fit Test Procedures
1. General
a. The method applies to negative-pressure non-powered air-purifying respirators only.
b. The employer shall assign one individual who shall assume the full responsibility for implementing the respirator quantitative fit test program.
2. Definitions.
a. Quantitative Fit Test
means the measurement of the effectiveness of a respirator seal in excluding the ambient atmosphere. The test is performed by dividing the measured concentration of challenge agent in a test chamber by the measured concentration of the challenge agent inside the respirator facepiece when the normal air purifying element has been replaced by an essentially perfect purifying element.
b. Challenge Agentmeans the air contaminant introduced into a test chamber so that its concentration inside and outside the respirator may be compared.
c. Test Subjectmeans the person wearing the respirator for quantitative fit testing.
d. Normal Standing Positionmeans standing erect and straight with arms down along the sides and looking straight ahead.
e. Fit Factormeans the ratio of challenge agent concentration outside with respect to the inside of a respirator inlet covering (facepiece or enclosure).
3. Apparatusa. Instrumentation.
Corn oil, sodium chloride or other appropriate aerosol generation, dilution, and measurement systems shall be used for quantitative fit test.
b. Test chamber. The test chamber shall be large enough to permit all test subjects to freely perform all required exercises without distributing the challenge agent concentration or the measurement apparatus. The test chamber shall be equipped and constructed so that the challenge agent is effectively isolated from the ambient air yet uniform in concentration throughout the chamber.
c. When testing air-purifying respirators, the normal filter or cartridge element shall be replaced with a high-efficiency particular filter supplied by the same manufacturer.
d. The sampling instrument shall be selected so that a strip chart record may be made of the test showing the rise and fall of challenge agent concentration with each inspiration and expiration at fit factors of at least 2,000.
e. The combination of substitute air-purifying elements (if any), challenge agent, and challenge agent concentration in the test chamber shall be such that the test subject is not exposed in excess of PEL to the challenge agent at any time during the testing process.
f. The sampling port on the test specimen respirator shall be placed and constructed so that there is no detectable leak around the port, a free air flow is allowed into the sampling line at all times and so there is no interference with the fit or performance of the respirator.
g. The test chamber and test set-up shall permit the person administering the test to observe one test subject inside the chamber during the test.
h. The equipment generating the challenge atmosphere shall maintain the concentration of challenge agent constant within a 10 percent variation for the duration of the test.
i. The time lag (interval between an event and its being recorded on the strip chart) of the instrumentation may not exceed 2 seconds.
j. The tubing for the test chamber atmosphere and for the respirator sampling port shall be the same diameter, length and material. It shall be kept as short as possible. The smallest diameter tubing recommended by the manufacturer shall be used.
k. The exhaust flow from the test chamber shall pass through a high-efficiency filter before release to the room.
l. When sodium chloride aerosol is used, the relative humidity inside the test chamber shall not exceed 50 percent.
4. Procedural Requirements
a. The fitting of half-mask respirators should be started with those having multiple sizes and a variety of interchangeable cartridges and canisters such as the MSA Comfo II-M, Norton M, Survivair M, A-O M, or Scott-M. Use either of the tests outlined below to assure that the facepiece is properly adjusted.
(1) Positive pressure test. With the exhaust port(s) blocked, the negative pressure of slight inhalation should remain constant for several seconds.
(2) Negative pressure test. With the intake port(s) blocked, the negative pressure slight inhalation should remain constant for several seconds.
b. After a facepiece is adjusted, the test subject shall wear the facepiece for at least 5 minutes before conducting a qualitative test by using either of the methods described below and using the exercise regime described in 5.a., b., c., d. and e.
(1) Isoamyl acetate test. When using organic vapor cartridges, the test subject who can smell the odor should be unable to detect the odor of isoamyl acetate squirted into the air near the most vulnerable portions of the facepiece seal. In a location which is separated from the test area, the test subject shall be instructed to close her/his eyes during the test period. A combination cartridge or canister with organic vapor and high-efficiency filters shall be used when available for the particular mask being tested. The test subject shall be given an opportunity to smell the odor of isoamyl acetate before the test is conducted.
(2) Irritant fume test. When using high-efficiency filters, the test subject should be unable to detect the odor of irritant fume (stannic chloride or titanium tetrachloride ventilation smoke tubes) squirted into the air near the most vulnerable portions of the facepiece seal. The test subject shall be instructed to close her/ his eyes during the test period.
c. The test subject may enter the quantitative testing chamber only if she or he has obtained a satisfactory fit as stated in 4.b. of this Appendix.
d. Before the subject enters the test chamber, a reasonably stable challenge agent concentration shall be measured in the test chamber.
e. Immediately after the subject enters the test chamber, the challenge agent concentration inside the respirator shall be measured to ensure that the peak penetration does not exceed 5 percent for a half-mask and 1 percent for a full facepiece.
f. A stable challenge agent concentration shall be obtained prior to the actual start of testing.
1. Respirator restraining straps may not be over-tightened for testing. The straps shall be adjusted by the wearer to give a reasonably comfortable fit typical of normal use.
5. Exercise Regime. Prior to entering the test chamber, the test subject shall be given complete instructions as to her/his part in the test procedures. The test subject shall perform the following exercises, in the order given, for each independent test.
a. Normal Breathing (NB). In the normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally for at least one minute.
b. Deep Breathing (DB). In the normal standing position the subject shall do deep breathing for at least one minute pausing so as not to hyperventilate.
c. Turning head side to side (SS). Standing in place the subject shall slowly turn his/her head from side between the extreme positions to each side. The head shall be held at each extreme position for at least 5 seconds. Perform for at least three complete cycles.
d. Moving head up and down (UD). Standing in place, the subject shall slowly move his/her head up and down between the extreme position straight up and the extreme position straight down. The head shall be held at each extreme position for at least 5 seconds. Perform for at least three complete cycles.
e. Reading (R). The subject shall read out slowly and loud so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor or monitor. The test subject shall read the "rainbow passage" at the end of this section.
f. Grimace (G). The test subject shall grimace, smile, frown, and generally contort the face using the facial muscles. Continue for at least 15 seconds.
g. Bend over and touch toes (B). The test subject shall bend at the waist and touch toes and return to upright position. Repeat for at least 30 seconds.
h. Jogging in place (J). The test subject shall perform jog in place for at least 30 seconds.
i. Normal Breathing (NB). Same as exercise a.
Rainbow Passage
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
6. Test Termination.
The test shall be terminated whenever any single peak penetration exceeds 5 percent for half-masks and 1 percent for full facepieces. The test subject may be refitted and retested. If two of the three required tests are terminated, the fit shall be deemed inadequate. (See paragraph 4.h)
7. Calculation of Fit Factors
a. The fit factor determined by the quantitative fit test equals the average concentration inside the respirator.
b. The average test chamber concentration is the arithmetic average of the test chamber concentration at the beginning and of the end of the test.
c. The average peak concentration of the challenge agent inside the respirator shall be the arithmetic average peak concentrations for each of the nine exercises of the test which are computed as the arithmetic average of the peak concentrations found for each breath during the exercise.
d. The average peak concentration for an exercise may be determined graphically if there is not a great variation in the peak concentrations during a single exercise.
8. Interpretation of Test Results.
The fit factor measured by the quantitative fit testing shall be the lowest of the three protection factors resulting from three independent tests.
9. Other Requirements
a. The test subject shall not be permitted to wear a half-mask or full facepiece mask if the minimum fit factor of 100 or 1,000, respectively, cannot be obtained. If hair growth or apparel interfere with a satisfactory fit, then they shall be altered or removed so as to eliminate interference and allow a satisfactory fit. If a satisfactory fit is still not attained, the test subject must use a positive-pressure respirator such as powered air-purifying respirators, supplied air respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus.
b. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface.
c. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician trained in respirator diseases or pulmonary medicine to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.
d. The test subject shall be given the opportunity to wear the assigned respirator for one week. If the respirator does not provide a satisfactory fit during actual use, the test subject may request another QNFT which shall be performed immediately.
e. A respirator fit factor card shall be issued to the test subject with the following information:
(1) Name
(2) Date of fit test.
(3) Protection factors obtained through each manufacturer, model and approval number of respirator tested.
(4) Name and signature of the person that conducted the test.
f. Filters used for qualitative or quantitative fit testing shall be replaced weekly, whenever increased breathing resistance is encountered, or when the test agent has altered the integrity of the filter media.
Organic vapor cartridges/canisters shall be replaced daily or sooner if there is any indication of breakthrough by the test agent. Organic vapor cartridges/canisters shall be replaced daily or sooner if there is any indication of breakthrough by the test agent.
10. In addition, because the sealing of the respirator may be affected, quantitative fit testing shall be repeated immediately when the test subject has a:
(1) Weight change of 20 pounds or more,
(2) Significant facial scarring in the area of the facepiece seal,
(3) Significant dental changes; i.e.; multiple extractions without prothesis, or acquiring dentures,
(4) Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, or (5) Any other condition that may interfere with facepiece sealing.
11. Recordkeeping
A summary of all test results shall be maintained in for 3 years. The summary shall include:
(1) Name of test subject
(2) Date of testing.
(3) Name of the test conductor. (4) Fit factors obtained from every respirator tested (indicate manufacturer, model, size and approval number).
[67 FR 44546 July 3, 2002; 76 FR 33610 June 8, 2011]
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