Respirator: Facts and Myths

Fit Testing Facts and Myths

OSHA, requires fit testing for all tight fitting respirators, including single use filtering facepieces (ie, dust masks) when required to be worn?

The sweetener fit test method (saccharin) is accepted as a validated fit test method, without the need to determine the wearer's level of sensitivity to the sweetener first?

Fit testing with hand held banana oil ampules, is an OSHA accepted (ie, validated) method for fit testing respirators?

Fit testing with amyl acetate (banana oil) using validated techniques such as those recommended by ANSI, requires testing to be performed in at least two (2) rooms, having separate ventilation systems?

OSHA, ANSI, and NIOSH recommend fit testing for ALL tight fitting respirators, including positive pressure respirators such as; SCBA's, air-line, PAPR's, etc. when required to be worn?

If a full face air purifying respirator is needed for compliance with the OSHA asbestos standard, fit testing using a qualitative technique such as the sweetener (saccharin) method is permitted?

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	OSHA, requires fit testing for all tight fitting respirators, including single use filtering facepieces (ie, dust masks) when required to be worn?
	The sweetener fit test method (saccharin) is accepted as a validated fit test method, without the need to determine the wearer's level of sensitivity to the sweetener first?
	Fit testing with hand held banana oil ampules, is an OSHA accepted (ie, validated) method for fit testing respirators?
	Fit testing with amyl acetate (banana oil) using validated techniques such as those recommended by ANSI, requires testing to be performed in at least two (2) rooms, having separate ventilation systems?
	OSHA, ANSI, and NIOSH recommend fit testing for ALL tight fitting respirators, including positive pressure respirators such as; SCBA's, air-line, PAPR's, etc. when required to be worn?
	If a full face air purifying respirator is needed for compliance with the OSHA asbestos standard, fit testing using a qualitative technique such as the sweetener (saccharin) method is permitted?