Fit-Testing Practical Workshop – Train the Trainer

The International Safety and Health Specialists
Fit-Testing Practical Workshop – Train the Trainer

Course Description:

Managing A Respiratory Protection Program – The employer shall designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluation of the program effectiveness.   The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires annual fit-testing for most respirators. The proper fit-testing  of  respirators is one  the most important elements of  your  respiratory protection program. Fit-testers must be able to  apply and 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. We will explore the OSHA and ANSI Z88.10 fit-tester requirements and the limitations of fit-testing technologies.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the specific OSHA and Z88.10 fit-testing requirements that are necessary to conduct proper fit testing using all OSHA-accepted fit test methods both Qualitative and Quantitative. Appendix A , 29 CFR 1910.134: Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory)
• Demonstrate knowledge of the fit test methods, Purpose of fit testing, Fit test procedures, Limitations of the fit testing
• Demonstrate ability to set up fit test equipment, Selection of proper cartridges or filters, Preparation of required equipment and materials, Perform daily operational checks.
• Demonstrate fit-testing procedures using both Qualitative and Quantitative using OSHA-Accepted Fit Test Protocols.

Additional Topics:

• Selection of respirators based on hazards that will be encountered on job specific workplace.
• Fit Testing must be provided to all employees using a negative or positive pressure tight- respirator must pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT) procedure.
• The correct use of respirators based on site-specific job hazards.
• Maintenance and Care of Respirators based on the procedures in Appendix B-2, or equally effective or greater manufacturer’s procedures.
• Breathing Air Quality and User shall meet the requirements for Type 1-Grade D breathing air as described in ANSI/CGA Commodity Specification for Air, G-7.1-1989.
• Identification of Filters, Cartridges, and Canisters, All filters, cartridges, and canisters used in the workplace must be labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label.
• Training and Information must include: why the respirator is necessary, how improper fit, use, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator, limitations and capabilities of the respirator, use in emergency situations, how to inspect, donning and doffing respirators, seal checks, procedures for maintenance and storage, recognition of medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use of the general requirements of this standard.
• A Respiratory Protection Program Evaluation must conduct evaluations of the site-specific workplace as necessary to ensure proper implementation of the program and consult with employees to ensure proper use.
• Record keeping, Records of medical evaluations must be retained and made available per 29 CFR 1910.1020. Also a record of fit tests must be established and retained until the next fit test and a written copy of the current program must be retained.

Your Instructor: – Dennis Terpin – ASSE Hawaii Local Chapter Member – ASTM International Technical Committee F23 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 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.

This year Dr. Terpin will be presenting Technical Session and Professional Development Sessions on Respiratory Protection at the National Conferences of the American Society of Safety Professionals  (ASSE), The Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA), The College & University Hazardous Material Management Conference (CUHMMC), The 15th Biennial Pacific Rim Safety & Health Conference and The Illinois Occupational Health Nurses Conference.
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.