OSHA Fit Test Requirements

An OSHA fit test is a procedure used to verify that a specific respirator fits an employee properly and provides an adequate seal. OSHA requires fit testing for all employees who wear tight-fitting respirators under 29 CFR 1910.134. The fit test must be performed before initial use, when changing respirator type or size, and annually thereafter.

Yes. OSHA requires that employees receive a medical evaluation and be cleared by a PLHCP before fit testing. The medical evaluation determines if you are physically able to wear a respirator. You cannot be fit tested without first being medically cleared. RespiratorTest.com provides the required medical evaluation online for $22.

Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) is a pass/fail test that relies on the wearer detecting a test agent (sweet, bitter, smoke, or banana oil) that enters a leaking respirator. Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) uses instruments to measure actual leakage and provides a numerical fit factor. QNFT is required for full-facepiece respirators and provides more precise results.

OSHA requires fit testing annually (every 12 months) for employees who use tight-fitting respirators. Additional fit testing is required when employees change to a different respirator type, size, or model, or when physical changes (such as significant weight change, dental work, or facial scarring) could affect the respirator fit.

No, the actual fit test must be done in person because it requires physically testing the seal between your face and the respirator. However, the required medical evaluation that must happen BEFORE fit testing can be done online. RespiratorTest.com provides the online medical evaluation. Once you have your clearance certificate, you can proceed to in-person fit testing.

All tight-fitting respirators require fit testing, including: N95 filtering facepiece respirators (when required by employer), half-mask elastomeric respirators, full-facepiece respirators, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Loose-fitting respirators like PAPRs with loose-fitting hoods do not require fit testing.

The cost of OSHA fit testing varies by provider and method. Qualitative fit testing typically costs $25-75 per test. Quantitative fit testing costs $50-150 per test. Additionally, you need the required medical evaluation before fit testing, which costs $22 at RespiratorTest.com versus $75-150 at traditional clinics.

If you fail a fit test, you cannot use that particular respirator model and size. Your employer should try a different size or model of the same respirator type, or try a different respirator type altogether. You may also need to address factors affecting the seal, such as facial hair or weight changes. Another fit test is required with the new respirator.