RESPIRATOR MASK FIT TESTING & TRAIN THE TRAINER

Respirator Mask Fit Testing from Safety First Training meets CSA Standard Z94.4 Respiratory Regulations that certifies N95, half mask and full face mask fit tests. This Respirator Protection Training session is focused on the importance of proper respirator protection, the selection of the appropriate mask for the workplace, inspection of the mask, proper mask fit and seal test, cleaning and storage of the masks. If you are a healthcare worker, a proper N95 Mask Fit Testing program is required when treating patients with diseases like COVID-19 or when you are trying to reduce the risk of exposure to airborne viral transmissions. Our trainers are 3M Certified for Respiratory Mask Fit Testing.

Respirator Mask Fit Testing is offered exclusively at our client’s locations for their employees. We do not offer walk-in mask fit testing for individuals.

We also offer Respirator Mask Fit Testing – Train the Trainer courses.

Request More Info Testing Requirements Pricing

Note – We do not conduct mask fit testing at our location.

Description

Respirator Mask Fit Testing & Respiratory Protection Training

Before you can be tested for Respirator Mask Fit Testing:

  • You must not smoke, eat, chew gum, drink any liquids (except water) at least 20 minutes prior to the test, to ensure an accurate, successful respirator mask fit test (All types of masks).
  • You must be clean shaven for the Respirator Protection Training testing procedure (see above picture for more details).

Note – As per Ontario Ministry of Labour rules, you must be re-certified for respirator 3M mask fit testing every 24 months.

Respirator mask fit testing is an essential component of respiratory protection programs in Ontario, as it ensures that the respirator being used by a worker fits properly and provides adequate protection against airborne hazards. The primary goal of fit testing is to identify the best respirator model and size for an individual worker and to ensure that the respirator forms a tight seal around their face, minimizing the risk of inhaling harmful substances.

In Ontario, fit testing is mandatory for all workers who are required to wear a respirator to perform their job duties. Employers are responsible for providing workers with the appropriate respirator and ensuring that it fits properly through fit testing. Fit testing is also required to be conducted at least once a year, or whenever a worker changes their respirator model or size.

Proper fit of a respirator is critical to protect against respiratory hazards like airborne pathogens, chemical vapors, and dusts. Poorly fitting respirators can leak, allowing contaminants to enter the worker’s breathing zone, which can lead to health problems. Respirator fit testing helps ensure that the respirator forms a tight seal around the worker’s face, minimizing the risk of inhaling harmful substances.

Respirator Mask Fit Testing is essential in Ontario to ensure the safety and protection of workers who are exposed to airborne hazards. Employers must provide appropriate respiratory protection equipment and conduct fit testing to ensure that the respirator fits properly and is effective in protecting the worker’s respiratory system.

 

N95 Respirator Fit Testing

The respiratory protection device known as the N95 respirator mask is designed to have a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The edges of the N95 respirator are designed to form a tight-fitting seal around the nose and mouth. N95 masks are commonly used in healthcare settings. N95 Mask Fit Testing is required to be done very 24 months as per the OHSA. We can assist your company if you require N95 Mask Fit Testing in Toronto or N95 Mask Fit Testing in Mississauga or any other areas in the GTA.

Half Mask Respirator Fit Testing or Full Mask Respirator Fit Testing

Half Mask Respirators and Full Mask Respirators are designed to provide protection from many types of dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors. In order to gain this protection, it is important that you have a proper fitting mask. Employees will only wear the same make, size, and model of respirator that they have been successfully fitted with during their mask fit test. This model will be chosen during the fit test, depending on comfort, facial structure, and size. Respirator Fit Testing in Ontario is required to be done very 24 months as per the OHSA. We can assist your company if you require Half Mask Respirator or Full Mask Respirator Fit Testing in Toronto or Half Mask Respirator or Full Face Respirator Fit Testing in Mississauga or any other areas in the GTA.
Cartridge selection will also be determined based on the employee’s specific protection needs. Typically, cartridges should be changed out when you feel a higher resistance in breathing or after approximately 8 hours of use.
Before wearing your respirator, inspect the unit for cracks, dents, deformations, heavy usage or loss of elasticity on the straps, old or brittle exhalation/inhalation valves, or any area that looks to be compromised. If there is a problem with the respirator, do not attempt to fix it; bring it to your manager to be repaired or replaced.
The respirator needs to be stored in a plastic bag, out of sunlight, and kept from temperature extremes. Also, this equipment should be maintained under your control, so that no one else uses or takes it. The respirator needs to be cleaned as often as necessary in order to be maintained in a sanitary condition. The most common way to clean it is by using either a warm, mild soapy solution, or alcohol wipes. Clean the inside of the mask first and work your way to the outside of the mask in order to minimize contaminating the inside of your respirator.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour-Prevention Division recently posted changes to workplace masking guidance to include additional information about mask fit and filtration. As of August 22, 2022, the document offers practical and technical information to:
• enable employers to better assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of different types and uses of masks
• help workplaces make the actions they choose more effective
• support businesses to be prepared to respond quickly, appropriately and with minimal disruption to any/all future waves of COVID-19

Click here to learn more

 

N95 Respirator Mask Fit Testing program

TRAIN THE TRAINER: MASK FIT TESTING 

The emergence of new infectious diseases like Covid-19, potential re-emergence of past diseases and ongoing threat of other respiratory hazards has highlighted the need for healthcare and other industries to develop and implement formal respiratory protection programs to protect workers from infectious agents. Our Train The Trainer program provides participants with the knowledge and skills required to conduct their own qualitative fit testing (QLFT) as required by the legislation, and as outlined by the CSA Standard Z94.4-18. The course includes a practical component where participants can apply and practice their newly acquired skills in small groups.

This Train the Trainer Mask Fit Testing program is designed to educate and prepare workers for the testing and use of respiratory protection devices. This training is applicable to the healthcare sector, as well as to other sectors where respiratory protection is required. By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain why respiratory protection programs and fit testing are important
  • Explain the implications of the routes of transmission
  • Outline the main legislative requirements and standards related to infectious diseases and respiratory protection programs
  • Describe types of particulate respirators and their selection, use, care and limitations
  • Describe the required elements of an effective respiratory protection program
  • Perform qualitative fit testing

Respiratory Mask Fit Testing

Respirator Mask Fit Testing FAQ’s

1. Why is Respirator Mask Fit Testing required?
Respirator mask fit testing and Respirator Protection Training is required in quite a few different fields of work. The most common field that requires fit testing is the medical sector. The reason being is if there is ever an outbreak of any sort, nurses and doctors should be able to grab a mask and go to work. They are exposed to a wide variety of viruses, sicknesses where masks help to protect them against anything that may be airborne.

In other fields of work, usually something construction related, mask fit tests are required to protect employees from dirt, dust, sand, toxic chemicals etc. Employees could experience serious health issues if they are exposed to contamination and do not have a way to properly protect themselves.

To watch a video on what to expect for a respirator mask fit testing & training session, click here.

2. What is an N95 mask?
An N95 mask is a disposable mask. So, any type of mask that can be used for only one time is considered to be a N95 mask. This type of mask also must be NIOSH-approved and be clearly labeled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a surgical mask.

N95 Respirator Mask

3. What is the difference between Qualitative Fit Testing and Quantitative fit testing?
A Qualitative fit test is the most common type of test and covers most of the regularly used workplace masks such as N95, Half Face and Full Face respirators. The test involves the taste sensitivity of the person being tested and can be applied to any type of mask that does not have its own separate air supply.

The Quantitative fit test requires the use of a Portacount machine to measure the safety of the mask via the fixed air supply. It does not rely on the test sensitivity of a subject but rather it provides a fit factor safety measurement.

Both types of tests must be conducted at least every 2 years and should be done sooner if the wearer has gained weight, lost weight or has grown facial hair since their previous test. The tests can only be performed by a qualified instructor.

4. I need Respirator Protection Training and a mask fit test, what do I do?
Plan to have a qualified trainer come to your location to conduct the test. If your company does not want to hire a trainer, get a group of your friends together, secure a location and book a session by calling 905-672-3600 or click here for more information.

Certified Respiratory Mask Fit Test

5. Is there anything I need to do before I have my mask fit test?
Yes! There is no eating, smoking or drinking allowed for 20 minutes prior to the test. When it is time for your test, you will be required to fill out a short medical form consenting to the fit test and after that the trainer will take care of the rest. Unfortunately if you have any facial hair you will have to shave. This is because when you have facial hair the N95 mask cannot properly secure to the skin on your face and you will fail the test.

6. Can I have a fit test if I am pregnant?
Yes, you can. The solution we use is a nontoxic and completely digestible. We currently use Bitrex FT-31 and FT-32. Click here to read the MSDS sheet for FT-31 or Click here to read the MSDS sheet for FT-32.

7. I lost my card! Help!
If your employer had us provide your mask fit testing, we should be able to reissue you a card for a small fee. As long as you know your company’s name and when the respirator mask fit testing & training was conducted (even an approximate date) we will be able track the original documentation and reissue a certificate based on the information found.

Just remember, your mask fit test card will expiry every 24 months. If your card has expired and it is lost, we will not be able to issue you a new card unless you get a current up to date fit test.

8. I was fit tested on one mask, but my company does not have a stock of it. What can I do?
If your company is out of stock of the type of masks you are fit tested to use, you cannot supplement one type with another. For example, if you are fit tested to wear a 3M 8210 and there is only 3M 8110S, you will be unable to wear a mask because that other size might not fit you correctly. If you choose to wear the mask that you are not fit tested for, this could result in serious consequences.

9. What is the Ontario government regulation on Respirator Protection and Mask Fit Testing & Training?
Click here to be connected to the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s website for explanations regarding Respirators and what you need to know.

  • Duration:

    Respirator Mask Fit Testing & Training takes approximately 10-15 minutes per person

  • Assessment:

    In order to receive a certificate, the participant must be able to successfully pass the administered taste test and demonstrate proper donning and doffing of the mask

  • Completion:

    Upon successful completion, participants will receive a PDF wallet card for their records


Contact us today to learn more about the course and the topics covered.

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