Fit Testing
A fit test tests the seal a respirator’s face piece makes on your face. This test takes 15-20 minutes and should be performed annually.
There are two types of fit tests: qualitative and quantitative. However, EPR staff only conduct quantitative fit testing at this time. More information about the tests is located online through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
Qualitative fit testing is a pass/fail test that uses your taste or smell reaction to an irritant to test leakage into a face piece.
Quantitative fit testing uses a PortaCount machine to measure the actual amount of particulate leakage into the face piece, and does not rely on an individual’s sense of taste, smell or irritation.
Not everyone can get a good fit with one specific respirator. Upon completing the fit testing, each individual will need to know which make, model, style and size respirator works best with their face. These factors could change due to a variety of conditions:
- Large weight gain/loss;
- Major dental work;
- Facial surgery;
- Significant scarring in the area of the seal.
Facial hair such as a beard or mustache likely will affect your respirator’s ability to protect you. Anything that serves as a barrier between your face and a respirator’s seal, or gets into the respirator’s valves, can allow contaminated air to leak into the respirator face piece.
Additional Resources
How to Wear a Respirator Handout
OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire
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Crystalynn Kuntz
Emergency Preparedness Regional CoordinatorPhone: 701-355-1540
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Kalen Ost
Emergency Preparedness Information SpecialistPhone: 701-355-1556
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Public Health
Physical Address
500 E. Front Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58504
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5503
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: 701-355-1540Fax: 701-221-6883