5 Reasons For A Respirator Fit Test Fail

Reasons for Failing a Respirator Fit Test

5 Reasons for a Respirator Fit Test Fail. "Yes, it happens". The reasons for failing a respirator fit test are simple. A failure can occur due to several factors. Even so, a failed fittest is a good result. Because then the fit tester can determine the exact reason why the failure occurred and correct the problem. Not conducting a test, and never seeing the failure would put that worker at severe risk. So never look at a failure in a negative way. Moreover, consider it a second chance during the dress rehearsal to correct any issues prior to the big show. Thereby protecting the workers health and safety.

Reasons for Failing a Respirator Fit Test

If you do not have the correct size respirator. A 100% perfect seal to your face will not be achieved, resulting in a fail.
Workers are required to be clean-shaven prior to testing. If they are not, the respirator won't have a perfect mask to face seal.
The proper filters for the testing method might not be used. With Verifit Irritant Smoke Generators, P100 HEPA filters are recommended. Lesser grades of filters might not stop the Irritant Smoke from penetrating. The same can be said for old or damaged HEPA filters as well.
Did you conduct a Pre-Use Inspection on your respirator? Damage to the facepiece and diaphragms or misaligned filters will produce a fail.
Not following Proper Procedures can cause a fail.

1. Correct Respirator Size

If the wrong size respirator is tested on a worker, a Failed Fit Test is almost a sure thing. If you wear one that's too big for the dimensions of your face, gaps will be present on each side of your nose. As well gaps will be present under your chin and at each corner of your mouth. This will result in an opening where Irritant Smoke will pass through causing the person to cough proving the respirator is too big resulting in a failure.

2. Must be Clean Shaven

Every worker must be clean-shaven. Not just for the respirator test, but when conducting tasks requiring the use of a respirator. Hair, essentially the male whiskers on a face creates a separation of a perfect seal to the face. Once again gaps are created resulting in particles passing right by and into a worker's lungs.

3. Using Proper HEPA Filters

As an avid proponent of the use of Verifit Irritant Smoke, performing a Respirator Fit Test with filters other than P100 has resulted in a failure. P100 filter will block 99.97% of particles .3 microns or larger. With smoke being 1 micron, an organic-only filter will allow the smoke to pass right through. This will result in a false failure. The mask didn't fail per se the filter did.

4. Damaged Respirators

Not seeing a little split or cut in the facepiece of a respirator will cause a Failed Fit Test as well. As the rubber section is tightened onto the face fractures cuts and splits can open wider. These will most certainly allow harmful substances to pass right through. Therefore, a Pre Use or Pre Shift respirator inspection is always prudent. In addition, a physical checklist can be downloaded for free here.

5. Proper Procedures

Respirator Fit Tests conducted in British Columbia Canada must follow the CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators. Failing to properly follow the standards might not afford the worker the correct instruction. There is only one way to conduct a respirator Fit test and that's the correct way. Missing critical information that needs to be conveyed to a worker during a fit test might not cause a failure then. However, down the road, it will result in a worker s failed health.

Other Reasons Causing a Respirator Fit Test Fail

Fit Tester Error

Other Reasons Causing a Respirator Fit Test Fail are, but very rarely happens is, Fit Tester Error. Like every other duty, or aspect in Safety, the professional safety person or Certified Fit Tester should be trained, and competent. In addition, throughout Canada, both the CSA standards as well as your provincial governing authorities' regulations should be followed to the letter. To merely conduct a service such as this for pure profit is entirely the wrong attitude and does not belong in the safety culture whatsoever. Yes, we do need to be paid for our services, however, safety is a passion, not a means to become rich.

The CSA Standard

Yet if a fit tester were to rush a Respirator Fit Testing omitting critical information and instruction that’s required under the CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators, a Failed Fit Test could be the result. This also would fall under Other Reasons Causing a Respirator Fit Test Fail.

Conflict of Personalities

Other Reasons Causing a Respirator Fit Test Fail and generally spoken about is a Conflict of Personalities. During a fit test, there are procedures that must be followed. They do take some time. This might on rare occasions cause a person who is being tested and who also might have some emotional issues at the time, to cause a conflict or problem with in the testing area.

All fit testers, instructors, teachers, or any person who is in charge of a group of people, has every right to ask that person to please remove themselves from the room. If for any reason a person is disruptive, displays aggression or causes a conflict will have their testing instantly halted and the test will be marked as a failure.

For More Information The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has an article worth the read. As well from the CDC, Respirator Trusted-Source Information