The International Safety and Health Specialists – Respirator Fit Testing Workshop

Course Description:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires annual fit-testing for most respirators. The proper fit-testing of respirators is one be the most important elements of your respiratory protection program. Fit-testers must be able to apply understand the logic and theory behind Fit-Testing. Because fit-testing can appear to be routine and repetitive, it is important that Fit-Testing is done correctly.

Fit test trainer requirements, according to OSHA’s Fit Testing Procedures—1910.134 Appendix A Mandatory:

Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT) Calibrate equipment Perform tests properly Recognize an invalid test Calculate fit factors properly Ensure equipment is in working order

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) Prepare test solutions Calibrate equipment Perform tests properly Recognize an invalid test Ensure equipment is in working order

This fit-testing course reviews the 8 Respirator Program elements required in the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134), clarifies when fit-testing is needed and when Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT) and Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) are necessary,. It also reviews the ASTM F23, AIHA/ANSI Z88.10-2010 “Respirator Fit Testing Methods”. Dr. Terpin is a ASTM F23, Z88 and ANSI Z88.10 committee member.

Mandatory Appendix A, 29 CFR 1910.134: Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory), Part I. OSHA-Accepted Fit Test Protocols, A. Fit Testing Procedures — General Requirements – The employer shall conduct fit testing using the following procedures. The requirements in this appendix apply to all OSHA-accepted fit test methods, both QLFT and QNFT

American National Standard Respirator Fit Testing Methods – ANSI Z88.10-2010
ANSI Z88.10-Annex A1: Evaluation for Fit Test Operators
Can Your Fit Testers:

Demonstrates knowledge of respirators to be fit tested:

• Respirator components and their
• Respirator inspection, cleaning, and
• Different make, model, style, & size
• Respirator capabilities and limitations as related to respirator fit
• Proper donning and doffing procedures including user seal

 Demonstrates knowledge of the fit test method:

• Purpose of respirator fit testing.
• Fit test procedures.
• Limitations of the fit testing
• Questionable fit test
• Health and safety hazards associated with the chemicals and equipment used in the fit

 Demonstrates ability to set up fit test equipment:

• Selection of proper cartridges or filters for the fit test
• Preparation of required equipment and
• Performance of operational
• Proper installation of probes or fit test adapters used in quantitative fit test methods.

 Demonstrates the ability to conduct the respirator fit test:

• When to refuse to conduct a fit
• Explanation of fit test purpose and procedures to person being fit
• Observation and evaluation of unassisted donning
• Observation that user seal checks are performed according to manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
• Observes the person being fit tested throughout the entire fit test procedure to ensure fit test is conducted
• Conducts the fit test method according to ANSI 288.10.
• Properly interprets and records
• Performs respirator cleaning, sanitizing, or disposal

Identifies likely causes of fit test

 

Program Topics:

The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, Appendix A, B-2, C and D. How to Inspect Respirators, General Fit Testing Comments and Procedures,  Donning/Doffing procedures, Fitting Tips, Strap Adjustment, User Seal Checks, Saccharin & Bitrex, Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Test Fit Testing Procedures & Demonstration, General Principles, Pass/Fail Criteria, Fit Test Adapters, Calculating Pass/Fail criteria for fit testing, Improving Testing Techniques, Interpretation of Test Results, Common Testing Mistakes Pitfalls, False Positive and False Negative Tests, Disassembly and Assembly Special Respirator Problems and Solutions.

Your Instructor: – Dennis Terpin – ASSE Hawaii Local Chapter Member – ASTM International Technical Committee F23.65 on Personal Protective Clothing Equipment and Respiratory Protection (ANSI Z88-Z88.10 Committee Member.

Dennis A. Terpin, PhD, O.H.S.T. Dr. Terpin is the Retired, Senior Industrial Hygienist/Emergency Manager for the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Terpin is a Certified Master Level Instructor for FEMA/Department of Homeland Security teaching at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) CORBRA live agent training center specializing in respiratory protection. Dennis has over 49 years of experience in the Occupational Safety and Health, Laboratory Safety and Emergency Management fields.

Last summer Dr. Terpin presented Technical Session and Professional Development Sessions on Respiratory Protection at the National Conferences of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), The Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA), ISRP (International Society for Respiratory Protection and College & University Hazardous Material Management Conference (CUHMMC) annual conferences.

Dr. Terpin has provided safety training to organizations such as the FEMA/DHS, Ford Motor Company (3 Counties), General Dynamics, United States Navy, United States Army, United States Air Force, Amoco, BP, Exxon, General Dynamics, Motorola, Google, GlaxoSmithKline, University of Hawaii, Lawson Safety, Pineridge Farms Inc., Hawaii Electric, Abhe & Svoboda Inc. Grace Pacific, KING & NEEL, Kamehameha Schools, MIT, Georgetown University, Virginia Tech. University of Colorado- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Penn State University, Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Kamehameha Schools, Georgia Institute of Technology, Kent State University Geauga Campus, University of Washington Tacoma Campus, Bemidji State University, Dartmouth College, National Institute of Standards and Technology, University of Central Florida, University of Illinois at Chicago, Northern Illinois University, University of Toronto Scarborough, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ecology Services, Inc., University of Hawaii, Whitman College, Brigham Young University, Loma Linda University,  Texas A & M University – Corpus Christi, Université de Montréal, Oklahoma State, University of Houston–Downtown, Western Washington University, Washington State University Tri-Cities,  Heritage University, Community Colleges of Spokane, Central Washington University, Seattle University, Columbia Basin College, University of Idaho, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Walla Walla University,  The National Safety Council, OSHA Training Institute, and governmental agencies throughout the United States and 10 counties.