Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who needs a respirator fit test?
OSHA requires a respirator fit test to be performed for any worker with an occupational risk of exposure to airborne hazards.
Q: What happens during a respirator fit test?
A quantitative fit test uses a machine to numerically count the number of particles that can enter the respirator when worn by the user. The individual “passes” if the numerically calculated fit factor, measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator, is above the accepted limit. During the fit test, you will be asked to perform a series of five exercises meant to imitate motions they would make daily. This respirator fit test is only valid for the exact mask make, model, and size used during the respirator fit test.
Q: How long is respirator clearance valid?
Under OSHA regulations, respirator fit testing must be completed annually, and sooner if a worker requires a different respirator. Further, individuals who gain or lose weight, such as during pregnancy, or experience other facial changes, require refitting. Any of these changes can affect proper respirator fit.
Q: What is an OSHA fit testing medical evaluation?
Medical evaluations are an OSHA-compliant screening protocol to ensure that you are medically able to be fit tested and don a respirator. Secure Alliance PS PLHCPs will evaluate each worker and clear them for fit testing. Workers requiring further review will be contacted directly by our medical professionals.
Q: What if I fail my fit test?
A failed test shows the importance of fit testing! Technically, it’s the respirator that did not pass the test, not you. You must then try other respirator makes, models or sizes until one is found to fit properly and passes the respirator fit test. If one is not found, WSH will be notified that you were unable to pass the fit test.
Q: Once I am cleared to wear an N95 respirator, can I then use any respirator?
No. Only your tested respirator has passed the ‘inspection.’ Not all respirators are appropriate for every worker’s facial configuration. OSHA requires workers to be fit tested on EVERY respirator assigned for work.
Q: How long is respirator clearance valid?
Under OSHA regulations, respirator fit testing should be completed annually, and sooner if a worker requires a different respirator. Further, individuals who gain or lose weight, such as during pregnancy, or experience other facial changes, require refitting. Any of these changes can affect the proper fit.
Q: How Long Does a Respirator Fit Test Take?
A respirator fit test takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Q: Why do I need an online medical evaluation?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires a medical evaluation as an element of the written respiratory protection program. The purpose of the medical evaluation is to determine whether it is safe for each individual to use a respirator in the workplace. This evaluation is reviewed by a PLHCP (physician or other licensed healthcare professional) to ensure the wearer meets all requirements to wear the respirator. Should a concern arise from the evaluation, the PLHCP will discuss the results and recommend appropriate action.
Q: How long does the medical evaluation take?
Medical evaluations can be completed in a few short minutes. You will receive a link to complete your questionnaire from any device to answer a simple series of questions, and the Secure Alliance PS PLHCP provides clearance for testing.
Q: Is a Medical Evaluation Required?
Yes, OSHA requires all employees to complete a medical evaluation before fit testing.
Q: Can a Medical Evaluation Be Completed Online?
Yes, Secure Alliance PS provides online medical evaluations that can be completed online on any device.
Q: What Do You Need to Complete an Online Medical Evaluation?
To complete an online medical evaluation, you need a device with a connection to the internet.
Q: Can quantitative fit testing be used for all respirators?
Yes! Quantitative fit testing can be used for all NIOSH-approved full-face and tight-fitting half-face respirators.
OSHA requires a respirator fit test to be performed for any worker with an occupational risk of exposure to airborne hazards.
Q: What happens during a respirator fit test?
A quantitative fit test uses a machine to numerically count the number of particles that can enter the respirator when worn by the user. The individual “passes” if the numerically calculated fit factor, measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator, is above the accepted limit. During the fit test, you will be asked to perform a series of five exercises meant to imitate motions they would make daily. This respirator fit test is only valid for the exact mask make, model, and size used during the respirator fit test.
Q: How long is respirator clearance valid?
Under OSHA regulations, respirator fit testing must be completed annually, and sooner if a worker requires a different respirator. Further, individuals who gain or lose weight, such as during pregnancy, or experience other facial changes, require refitting. Any of these changes can affect proper respirator fit.
Q: What is an OSHA fit testing medical evaluation?
Medical evaluations are an OSHA-compliant screening protocol to ensure that you are medically able to be fit tested and don a respirator. Secure Alliance PS PLHCPs will evaluate each worker and clear them for fit testing. Workers requiring further review will be contacted directly by our medical professionals.
Q: What if I fail my fit test?
A failed test shows the importance of fit testing! Technically, it’s the respirator that did not pass the test, not you. You must then try other respirator makes, models or sizes until one is found to fit properly and passes the respirator fit test. If one is not found, WSH will be notified that you were unable to pass the fit test.
Q: Once I am cleared to wear an N95 respirator, can I then use any respirator?
No. Only your tested respirator has passed the ‘inspection.’ Not all respirators are appropriate for every worker’s facial configuration. OSHA requires workers to be fit tested on EVERY respirator assigned for work.
Q: How long is respirator clearance valid?
Under OSHA regulations, respirator fit testing should be completed annually, and sooner if a worker requires a different respirator. Further, individuals who gain or lose weight, such as during pregnancy, or experience other facial changes, require refitting. Any of these changes can affect the proper fit.
Q: How Long Does a Respirator Fit Test Take?
A respirator fit test takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Q: Why do I need an online medical evaluation?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires a medical evaluation as an element of the written respiratory protection program. The purpose of the medical evaluation is to determine whether it is safe for each individual to use a respirator in the workplace. This evaluation is reviewed by a PLHCP (physician or other licensed healthcare professional) to ensure the wearer meets all requirements to wear the respirator. Should a concern arise from the evaluation, the PLHCP will discuss the results and recommend appropriate action.
Q: How long does the medical evaluation take?
Medical evaluations can be completed in a few short minutes. You will receive a link to complete your questionnaire from any device to answer a simple series of questions, and the Secure Alliance PS PLHCP provides clearance for testing.
Q: Is a Medical Evaluation Required?
Yes, OSHA requires all employees to complete a medical evaluation before fit testing.
Q: Can a Medical Evaluation Be Completed Online?
Yes, Secure Alliance PS provides online medical evaluations that can be completed online on any device.
Q: What Do You Need to Complete an Online Medical Evaluation?
To complete an online medical evaluation, you need a device with a connection to the internet.
Q: Can quantitative fit testing be used for all respirators?
Yes! Quantitative fit testing can be used for all NIOSH-approved full-face and tight-fitting half-face respirators.
Beth Schubert BSN RN PCCN
beth@secureallianceps.com
All sales are final. Kindly give 48 hours notice for rescheduling. Materials are purchased prior to the event specifically for the customer and cannot be returned.
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