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By Becky Sherek-EMT/RN, Northern Health and Fitness Plus
Confused about the fit testing requirement in the OSHA Respiratory Protection
Standard (CFR 1910.134)? This standard requires that before any firefighter uses any
respirator with a tight fitting face-piece, which covers the self contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA), the firefighter must be fit tested with the same make, model, style,
and size respirator that he or she will be wearing. In addition, firefighters must be fit
tested on an annual basis. Another requirement says that fit testing must be performed
whenever the firefighter’s physical condition could affect respirator fit. This would
include such things as scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious
change in body weight. A medical evaluation must be completed prior to fit testing to
ensure fire fighter is medically and physically able to wear a respirator.
Northern Health & Fitness Plus can assist you in facilitating a medical evaluation for
firefighters, plus we can help you with the yearly fit testing requirements. In fit testing,
we use one of two procedures, qualitative (Irritant Smoke or Saccharin) or quantitative
CNP (Controlled Negative Pressure) methods. Northern Health and Fitness Plus
recently purchased the Fit Tester 3000 that utilizes the scientifically proven and
patented Controlled Negative Pressure Technology, which directly measures leakage.
If your department also operates an ambulance service, your N95 respirator will also
have to be fit tested. Emergency medical response personnel use N95 respirators
when transporting patients in a closed vehicle, with suspected or confirmed infectious
tuberculosis or the recent concern for SARS.