- The US rule states that QLFT may only be used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less, according to Legal Information Institute.
- Do not treat this fit factor as a universal requirement for every country or every type of respirator, as it is restricted to the specific US regulatory text provided.
- The New Zealand guidance advises businesses to repeat fit testing at least yearly or if there is a significant change in the wearer’s facial characteristics, such as a change in weight or substantial dental work, according to WorkSafe New Zealand.
- This yearly repeat is a distinct rule from the US fit factor number and should be tracked separately in your records.
A tight-fitting facepiece respirator must be fit tested for the specific wearer before initial use, as required by the US rule.
Key takeaways for check the respirator fit test before the tech wears it
The direct answer: a tight respirator has to be fit-tested for the person who will wear it
The rule is specific to the individual employee. According to Legal Information Institute, the employer shall ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator. This applies whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, including changes in size, style, model, or make. The requirement also mandates that fit testing occurs at least annually thereafter.
Do not assume that a new mask is automatically safe for a new tech. If a tech switches from a half-mask to a full-face respirator, that is a different facepiece. If a tech changes from one brand to another, that is a different make. If a year has passed since the last test, the rule requires a new fit test.
What the US page requires before the first use and each year after
Before a technician wears a tight respirator, the US regulatory text requires a specific fit test for that individual. The respirator to be tested shall be worn for at least 5 minutes before the start of the fit test, according to Legal Information Institute. This initial wearing period is a mandatory step in the procedure before any testing begins. The test subject shall not be permitted to wear a half mask or quarter facepiece respirator unless a minimum fit factor of 100 is obtained, according to Legal Information Institute. If the technician is assigned a full facepiece respirator, the standard is higher; the rule states the subject shall not be permitted to wear it unless a minimum fit factor of 500 is obtained, according to Legal Information Institute. These numbers are the specific thresholds that determine whether a particular mask can be used by a particular person.
The method of testing also has limits. QLFT may only be used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less, according to Legal Information Institute. The employer shall provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee, according to Legal Information Institute.
What the New Zealand and British pages say about fit and faces
WorkSafe New Zealand advises businesses to repeat fit testing at least yearly or if there is a significant change in the wearer’s facial characteristics, such as a change in weight or substantial dental work, following recommendations in AS/NZS 1715:2009, according to WorkSafe New Zealand. This yearly cycle applies to the specific wearer and their current physical state. If a technician gains or loses weight or has dental work, the previous fit test no longer reflects their face. The page links this repeat requirement to the standard AS/NZS 1715:2009. Keep this yearly rule distinct from the US fit factor of 100, which is a separate sentence from a different page. The New Zealand guidance focuses on the timing of the test relative to physical changes.
The Health and Safety Executive states that a major cause of leaks is poor fit, and that tight-fitting facepieces need to fit the wearer's face to be effective, according to Health and Safety Executive. This sentence identifies poor fit as a primary source of leakage. It emphasizes the physical match between the mask and the individual.
The same HSE page notes that as people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, it is unlikely that one particular type or size of RPE facepiece will fit everyone, according to Health and Safety Executive. This observation supports the need for individual testing rather than assuming a standard size works for all staff. A mask that fits one technician may leak on another due to facial geometry.
Regarding facial hair, the HSE explains that if you are clean-shaven when wearing tight-fitting masks, which rely on a good seal to the face, this will help prevent leakage of contaminated air around the edges of the mask and into your lungs, according to Health and Safety Executive. This sentence links a clean-shaven state to the prevention of leakage. It positions shaving as a factor that helps the seal.
Filled reference table of respirator lines
Use this table to verify which rule applies to a specific mask before it is handed to a tech. Each row lists the publisher, the specific fit or seal rule, and when you use it.
| publisher | the fit or seal rule | when the reader uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Information Institute | QLFT may only be used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less. | When the respirator is a negative pressure air-purifying respirator that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less. |
| WorkSafe New Zealand | Repeat fit testing at least yearly or if there is a significant change in the wearer’s facial characteristics. | When scheduling annual re-tests or after weight or dental changes. |
| WorkSafeBC | Tests demonstrate that a respirator of that type has a protection factor of at least 1 000. | When verifying the protection factor for a specific respirator type. |
| WorkSafeBC | A respirator which requires an effective seal with the face for proper functioning must not be issued to a worker unless a fit test demonstrates that the facepiece forms an effective seal with the wearer's face. | When issuing any tight-fitting respirator to a worker. |
The first row cites the US regulation regarding QLFT. It states that QLFT may only be used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less, according to Legal Information Institute. This applies specifically to negative pressure air-purifying respirators.
The second row cites the New Zealand guidance on timing. It instructs to repeat fit testing at least yearly or if there is a significant change in the wearer’s facial characteristics, such as change in weight or substantial dental work, according to WorkSafe New Zealand. This follows recommendations in AS/NZS 1715:2009.
The third row cites the British Columbia regulation on protection factors. It states that tests demonstrate that a respirator of that type has a protection factor of at least 1 000, according to WorkSafeBC. This number refers to the protection factor of the respirator type, not the individual fit factor.
The fourth row cites the British Columbia regulation on issuance. It states that a respirator which requires an effective seal with the face for proper functioning must not be issued to a worker unless a fit test demonstrates that the facepiece forms an effective seal with the wearer's face, according to WorkSafeBC. This rule applies to any respirator requiring an effective seal.
The British Columbia seal and shave lines
WorkSafeBC sets specific conditions for when a respirator can be handed to a worker. The regulation states that a respirator requiring an effective seal with the face for proper functioning must not be issued to a worker unless a fit test demonstrates that the facepiece forms an effective seal with the wearer's face, according to WorkSafeBC. This rule applies directly to the moment of issue. You cannot give a tight-fitting mask to a technician until that specific individual has passed a fit test showing the seal works for their face. The requirement is tied to the function of the equipment; if the mask needs a seal to work, the fit test is the gatekeeper before it leaves the supply closet.
The physical condition of the worker is part of that seal check. A worker required to wear a respirator which requires an effective seal with the face for proper functioning must be clean shaven where the respirator seals with the face, according to WorkSafeBC. This is a hard requirement for the specific area where the mask makes contact. It is not a general grooming policy for the whole body; it is a condition for the seal line.
Illustrative example of one worker and one respirator
Picture one worker and one tight-fitting respirator before a job. The respirator to be tested is worn for 5 minutes before the fit test starts. The result is for that worker and that facepiece only. A half mask or quarter facepiece is not worn unless a minimum fit factor of 100 is obtained. A full facepiece is not worn unless a minimum fit factor of 500 is obtained. If the test is for a negative pressure air-purifying respirator and the needed fit factor is 100 or less, QLFT may be used. If a year has passed, or the facepiece size, style, model, or make changes, the fit test is done again before the respirator is worn on the job. This walk-through uses round figures only to show the order of checks.
Check the fit test record for the specific tech and mask today, before the job starts. If the record is missing, do not issue the mask. Read the Field Service Work Order Checklist for Dispatch Handoffs and Lockout checks before equipment is opened: 6 before the visit, and keep a safety note with Job injury log entry within 7 calendar days.
Respirator FAQ
When does the US page say to repeat a fit test?
The employer must ensure an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter, according to Legal Information Institute. The rule specifies that the different facepiece can vary in size, style, model, or make. This annual requirement applies specifically to tight-fitting facepiece respirators as defined in the cited section.
What fit factor does it name for a half mask?
A test subject shall not be permitted to wear a half mask or quarter facepiece respirator unless a minimum fit factor of 100 is obtained, according to Legal Information Institute. The same section states that a full facepiece respirator requires a minimum fit factor of 500. The fit factor of 100 is the specific threshold for half masks or quarter facepieces.
What does the New Zealand page say about a yearly repeat?
WorkSafe New Zealand advises to repeat fit testing at least yearly or if there is a significant change in the wearer’s facial characteristics, according to WorkSafe New Zealand. Examples of significant changes include a change in weight or substantial dental work. This recommendation aligns with AS/NZS 1715:2009 guidelines.
Why will one mask not fit every face?
The Health and Safety Executive notes that as people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, it is unlikely that one particular type or size of RPE facepiece will fit everyone, according to Health and Safety Executive. This variation in facial structure means individual fit testing is necessary. The guidance emphasizes that a single size does not accommodate all users.
What has to be clean-shaven where the mask seals?
The worker must be clean shaven where the respirator seals with the face, according to WorkSafeBC.