California Code of Regulations › Title 8 - Industrial Relations › Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations › Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety › Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders › Group 16 - Control of Hazardous Substances › Article 107 - Dusts, Fumes, Mists, Vapors and Gases › Appendix A to Section 5144 - Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory)

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 28, July 12, 2024
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.
1. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most
						  acceptable respirator from a sufficient number of respirator models and sizes
						  so that the respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.
2. Prior to the selection process, the test subject
						  shall be shown how to put on a respirator, how it should be positioned on the
						  face, how to set strap tension and how to determine an acceptable fit. A mirror
						  shall be available to assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning
						  of the respirator. This instruction may not constitute the subject's formal
						  training on respirator use, because it is only a review.
3. The test subject shall be informed that he/she is
						  being asked to select the respirator that provides the most acceptable fit.
						  Each respirator represents a different size and shape, and if fitted and used
						  properly, will provide adequate protection.
4. The test subject shall be instructed to hold each
						  chosen facepiece up to the face and eliminate those that obviously do not give
						  an acceptable fit.
5. The more acceptable facepieces are noted in case the
						  one selected proves unacceptable; the most comfortable mask is donned and worn
						  at least five minutes to assess comfort. Assistance in assessing comfort can be
						  given by discussing the points in the following item A.6. If the test subject
						  is not familiar with using a particular respirator, the test subject shall be
						  directed to don the mask several times and to adjust the straps each time to
						  become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.
6. Assessment of comfort shall include a review of the
						  following points with the test subject and allowing the test subject adequate
						  time to determine the comfort of the respirator.
(a) Position of the mask on the nose
(b) Room for eye protection
(c) Room to talk
(d) Position of mask on face and cheeks
7. The following criteria shall be used to help
						  determine the adequacy of the respirator fit:
(a) Chin properly placed;
(b) Adequate strap tension, not overly
						  tightened;
(c) Fit across nose bridge;
(d) Respirator of proper size to span distance from
						  nose to chin;
(e) Tendency of respirator to slip;
(f) Self-observation in mirror to evaluate fit and
						  respirator position.
8. The test subject shall conduct a user seal check,
						  either the negative and positive pressure seal checks described in Appendix B-1
						  or those recommended by the respirator manufacturer which provide equivalent
						  protection to the procedures in Appendix B-1. Before conducting the negative
						  and positive pressure checks, the subject shall be told to seat the mask on the
						  face by moving the head from side-to-side and up and down slowly while taking
						  in a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece shall be selected and retested if
						  the test subject fails the user seal check tests.
9. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair
						  growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface, such as stubble
						  beard growth, beard, mustache or sideburns which cross the respirator sealing
						  surface. Any type of apparel which interferes with a satisfactory fit shall be
						  altered or removed.
10. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing
						  during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician or other licensed
						  health care professional, as appropriate, to determine whether the test subject
						  can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.
11. If the employee finds the fit of the respirator
						  unacceptable, the test subject shall be given the opportunity to select a
						  different respirator and to be retested.
12. Exercise regimen. Prior to the commencement of the
						  fit test, the test subject shall be given a description of the fit test and the
						  test subject's responsibilities during the test procedure. The description of
						  the process shall include a description of the test exercises that the subject
						  will be performing. The respirator to be tested shall be worn for at least 5
						  minutes before the start of the fit test.
13. The fit test shall be performed while the test
						  subject is wearing any applicable safety equipment that may be worn during
						  actual respirator use which would interfere with respirator fit.
14. Test Exercises.
(a) Employers must perform the following test exercises
						  for all fit testing methods prescribed in this appendix, except for the CNP
						  quantitative fit testing protocol and the CNP REDON quantitative fit testing
						  protocol. For these two protocols, employers must ensure that the test subjects
						  (i.e., employees) perform the exercise procedure specified in section I.C.4(b)
						  of this appendix for the CNP quantitative fit testing protocol, or the exercise
						  procedure described in section I.C.5(b) of this appendix for the CNP REDON
						  quantitative fit-testing protocol. For the remaining fit testing methods,
						  employers must ensure that employees perform the test exercises in the
						  appropriate test environment in the following manner:
(1) Normal breathing. In a normal standing position,
						  without talking, the subject shall breathe normally.
(2) Deep breathing. In a normal standing position, the
						  subject shall breathe slowly and deeply, taking caution so as not to
						  hyperventilate.
(3) Turning head side to side. Standing in place, the
						  subject shall slowly turn his/her head from side to side between the extreme
						  positions on each side. The head shall be held at each extreme momentarily so
						  the subject can inhale at each side.
(4) Moving head up and down. Standing in place, the
						  subject shall slowly move his/her head up and down. The subject shall be
						  instructed to inhale in the up position (i.e., when looking toward the
						  ceiling).
(5) Talking. The subject shall talk out loud slowly and
						  loud enough so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor. The subject can
						  read from a prepared text such as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100,
						  or recite a memorized poem or song.Rainbow Passage
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they
						  act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light
						  into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its
						  path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is,
						  according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one
						  ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he
						  is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
(6) Grimace. The test subject shall grimace by smiling
						  or frowning. (This applies only to QNFT testing; it is not performed for
						  QLFT)
(7) Bending over. The test subject shall bend at the
						  waist as if he/she were to touch his/her toes. Jogging in place shall be
						  substituted for this exercise in those test environments such as shroud type
						  QNFT or QLFT units that do not permit bending over at the waist.
(8) Normal breathing. Same as exercise (1).
(b) Each test exercise shall be performed for one
						  minute except for the grimace exercise which shall be performed for 15 seconds.
						  The test subject shall be questioned by the test conductor regarding the
						  comfort of the respirator upon completion of the protocol. If it has become
						  unacceptable, another model of respirator shall be tried. The respirator shall
						  not be adjusted once the fit test exercises begin. Any adjustment voids the
						  test, and the fit test must be repeated.
B. Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) Protocols
1. General
(a) The employer shall ensure that persons
						  administering QLFT are able to prepare test solutions, calibrate equipment and
						  perform tests properly, recognize invalid tests, and ensure that test equipment
						  is in proper working order.
(b) The employer shall ensure that QLFT equipment is
						  kept clean and well maintained so as to operate within the parameters for which
						  it was designed.
2. Isoamyl Acetate Protocol
NOTE: This protocol is not appropriate to use for the
						  fit testing of particulate respirators. If used to fit test particulate
						  respirators, the respirator must be equipped with an organic vapor
						  filter.
(a) Odor Threshold Screening. Odor threshold screening,
						  performed without wearing a respirator, is intended to determine if the
						  individual tested can detect the odor of isoamyl acetate at low levels.
(1) Three 1 liter glass jars with metal lids are
						  required.
(2) Odor-free water (e.g., distilled or spring water)
						  at approximately 25 deg. C (77 deg. F) shall be used for the solutions.
(3) The isoamyl acetate (IAA) (also known at isopentyl
						  acetate) stock solution is prepared by adding 1 ml of pure IAA to 800 ml of
						  odor-free water in a 1 liter jar, closing the lid and shaking for 30 seconds. A
						  new solution shall be prepared at least weekly.
(4) The screening test shall be conducted in a room
						  separate from the room used for actual fit testing. The two rooms shall be
						  well-ventilated to prevent the odor of IAA from becoming evident in the general
						  room air where testing takes place.
(5) The odor test solution is prepared in a second jar
						  by placing 0.4 ml of the stock solution into 500 ml of odor-free water using a
						  clean dropper or pipette. The solution shall be shaken for 30 seconds and
						  allowed to stand for two to three minutes so that the IAA concentration above
						  the liquid may reach equilibrium. This solution shall be used for only one
						  day.
(6) A test blank shall by prepared in a third jar by
						  adding 500 cc of odor-free water.
(7) The odor test and test blank jar lids shall be
						  labeled (e.g., 1 and 2) for jar identification. Labels shall be placed on the
						  lids so that they can be peeled off periodically and switched to maintain the
						  integrity of the test.
(8) The following instruction shall be typed on a card
						  and placed on the table in front of the two test jars (i.e., 1 and 2): "The
						  purpose of this test is to determine if you can smell banana oil at a low
						  concentration. The two bottles in front of you contain water. One of these
						  bottles also contains a small amount of banana oil. Be sure the covers are on
						  tight, then shake each bottle for two seconds. Unscrew the lid of each bottle,
						  one at a time, and sniff at the mouth of the bottle. Indicate to the test
						  conductor which bottle contains banana oil."
(9) The mixtures used in the IAA odor detection test
						  shall be prepared in an area separate from where the test is performed, in
						  order to prevent olfactory fatigue in the subject.
(10) If the test subject is unable to correctly
						  identify the jar containing the odor test solution, the IAA qualitative fit
						  test shall not be performed.
(11) If the test subject correctly identifies the jar
						  containing the odor test solution, the test subject may proceed to respirator
						  selection and fit testing.
(b) Isoamyl Acetate Fit Test
(1) The fit test chamber shall be a clear 55-gallon
						  drum liner suspended inverted over a 2-foot diameter frame so that the top of
						  the chamber is about 6 inches above the test subject's head. If no drum liner
						  is available, a similar chamber shall be constructed using plastic sheeting.
						  The inside top center of the chamber shall have a small hook attached.
(2) Each respirator used for the fitting and fit
						  testing shall be equipped with organic vapor cartridges or offer protection
						  against organic vapors.
(3) After selecting, donning, and properly adjusting a
						  respirator, the test subject shall wear it to the fit testing room. This room
						  shall be separate from the room used for odor threshold screening and
						  respirator selection, and shall be well-ventilated, as by an exhaust fan or lab
						  hood, to prevent general room contamination.
(4) A copy of the test exercises and any prepared text
						  from which the subject is to read shall be taped to the inside of the test
						  chamber.
(5) Upon entering the test chamber, the test subject
						  shall be given a 6-inch by 5-inch piece of paper towel, or other porous,
						  absorbent, single-ply material, folded in half and wetted with 0.75 ml of pure
						  IAA. The test subject shall hang the wet towel on the hook at the top of the
						  chamber. An IAA test swab or ampule may be substituted for the IAA wetted paper
						  towel provided it has been demonstrated that the alternative IAA source will
						  generate an IAA test atmosphere with a concentration equivalent to that
						  generated by the paper towel method.
(6) Allow two minutes for the IAA test concentration to
						  stabilize before starting the fit test exercises. This would be an appropriate
						  time to talk with the test subject; to explain the fit test, the importance of
						  his/her cooperation, and the purpose for the test exercises; or to demonstrate
						  some of the exercises.
(7) If at any time during the test, the subject detects
						  the banana-like odor of IAA, the test is failed. The subject shall quickly exit
						  from the test chamber and leave the test area to avoid olfactory
						  fatigue.
(8) If the test is failed, the subject shall return to
						  the selection room and remove the respirator. The test subject shall repeat the
						  odor sensitivity test, select and put on another respirator, return to the test
						  area and again begin the fit test procedure described in (b) (1) through (7)
						  above. The process continues until a respirator that fits well has been found.
						  Should the odor sensitivity test be failed, the subject shall wait at least 5
						  minutes before retesting. Odor sensitivity will usually have returned by this
						  time.
(9) If the subject passes the test, the efficiency of
						  the test procedure shall be demonstrated by having the subject break the
						  respirator face seal and take a breath before exiting the chamber.
(10) When the test subject leaves the chamber, the
						  subject shall remove the saturated towel and return it to the person conducting
						  the test, so that there is no significant IAA concentration buildup in the
						  chamber during subsequent tests. The used towels shall be kept in a
						  self-sealing plastic bag to keep the test area from being contaminated.
3. Saccharin Solution Aerosol Protocol. The entire
						  screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the test subject prior to
						  the conduct of the screening test.
(a) Taste threshold screening. The saccharin taste
						  threshold screening, performed without wearing a respirator, is intended to
						  determine whether the individual being tested can detect the taste of
						  saccharin.
(1) During threshold screening as well as during fit
						  testing, subjects shall wear an enclosure about the head and shoulders that is
						  approximately 12 inches in diameter by 14 inches tall with at least the front
						  portion clear and that allows free movements of the head when a respirator is
						  worn. An enclosure substantially similar to the 3M hood assembly, parts # FT 14
						  and # FT 15 combined, is adequate.
(2) The test enclosure shall have a ¾ -inch (1.9
						  cm) hole in front of the test subject's nose and mouth area to accommodate the
						  nebulizer nozzle.
(3) The test subject shall don the test enclosure.
						  Throughout the threshold screening test, the test subject shall breathe through
						  his/her slightly open mouth with tongue extended. The subject is instructed to
						  report when he/she detects a sweet taste.
(4) Using a DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication
						  Nebulizer or equivalent, the test conductor shall spray the threshold check
						  solution into the enclosure. The nozzle is directed away from the nose and
						  mouth of the person. This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it
						  from the fit test solution nebulizer.
(5) The threshold check solution is prepared by
						  dissolving 0.83 gram of sodium saccharin USP in 100 ml of warm water. It can be
						  prepared by putting 1 ml of the fit test solution (see (b)(5) below) in 100 ml
						  of distilled water.
(6) To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is
						  firmly squeezed so that it collapses completely, then released and allowed to
						  fully expand.
(7) Ten squeezes are repeated rapidly and then the test
						  subject is asked whether the saccharin can be tasted. If the test subject
						  reports tasting the sweet taste during the ten squeezes, the screening test is
						  completed. The taste threshold is noted as ten regardless of the number of
						  squeezes actually completed.
(8) If the first response is negative, ten more
						  squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the
						  saccharin is tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the sweet taste during
						  the second ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste threshold
						  is noted as twenty regardless of the number of squeezes actually
						  completed.
(9) If the second response is negative, ten more
						  squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the
						  saccharin is tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the sweet taste during
						  the third set of ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste
						  threshold is noted as thirty regardless of the number of squeezes actually
						  completed.
(10) The test conductor will take note of the number of
						  squeezes required to solicit a taste response.
(11) If the saccharin is not tasted after 30 squeezes
						  (step 10), the test subject is unable to taste saccharin and may not perform
						  the saccharin fit test.
Note to subsection
						  3. (a): If the test subject eats or
						  drinks something sweet before the screening test, he/she may be unable to taste
						  the weak saccharin solution.
(12) If a taste response is elicited, the test subject
						  shall be asked to take note of the taste for reference in the fit test.
(13) Correct use of the nebulizer means that
						  approximately 1 ml of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer body.
(14) The nebulizer shall ge thoroughly rinsed in water,
						  shaken dry, and refilled at least each morning and afternoon or at least every
						  four hours.
(b) Saccharin solution aerosol fit test
						  procedure.
(1) The test subject may not eat, drink (except for
						  plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 minutes before the test.
(2) The fit test uses the same enclosure described in
						  3. (a) above.
(3) The test subject shall don the enclosure while
						  wearing the respirator selected in section I. A. of this appendix. The
						  respirator shall be properly adjusted and equipped with a particulate
						  filter(s).
(4) A second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication
						  Nebulizer or equivalent is used to spray the fit test solution into the
						  enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the
						  screening test solution nebulizer.
(5) The fit test solution is prepared by adding 83
						  grams of sodium saccharin to 100 ml of warm water.
(6) As before, the test subject shall breathe through
						  the slightly open mouth with the tongue extended, and report if he/she tastes
						  the sweet taste of saccharin.
(7) The nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the
						  front of the enclosure and an initial concentration of saccharin fit test
						  solution is sprayed into the enclosure using the same number of squeezes
						  (either 10, 20 or 30 squeezes) based on the number of squeezes required to
						  elicit a taste response as noted during the screening test. A minimum of 10
						  squeezes is required.
(8) After generating the aerosol, the test subject
						  shall be instructed to perform the exercises in section I. A. 14. of this
						  appendix.
(9) Every 30 seconds the aerosol concentration shall be
						  replenished using one half the original number of squeezes used initially
						  (e.g., 5, 10, or 15).
(10) The test subject shall indicate to the test
						  conductor if at any time during the fit test the taste of saccharin is
						  detected. If the test subject does not report tasting the saccharin, the test
						  is passed.
(11) If the taste of saccharin is detected, the fit is
						  deemed unsatisfactory and the test is failed. A different respirator shall be
						  tried and the entire test procedure is repeated (taste threshold screening and
						  fit testing).
(12) Since the nebulizer has a tendency to clog during
						  use, the test operator must make periodic checks of the nebulizer to ensure
						  that it is not clogged. If clogging is found at the end of the test session,
						  the test is invalid.
4. BitrexTM (Denatonium
						  Benzoate) Solution Aerosol Qualitative Fit Test Protocol. The
						  BitrexTM (Denatonium benzoate) solution aerosol QLFT
						  protocol uses the published saccharin test protocol because that protocol is
						  widely accepted. Bitrex is routinely used as a taste aversion agent in
						  household liquids which children should not be drinking and is endorsed by the
						  American Medical Association, the National Safety Council, and the American
						  Association of Poison Control Centers. The entire screening and testing
						  procedure shall be explained to the test subject prior to the conduct of the
						  screening test.
(a) Taste Threshold Screening. The Bitrex taste
						  threshold screening, performed without wearing a respirator, is intended to
						  determine whether the individual being tested can detect the taste of
						  Bitrex.
(1) During threshold screening as well as during fit
						  testing, subjects shall wear an enclosure about the head and shoulders that is
						  approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter by 14 inches (35.6 cm) tall. The
						  front portion of the enclosure shall be clear from the respirator and allow
						  free movement of the head when a respirator is worn. An enclosure substantially
						  similar to the 3M hood assembly, parts #14 and #15 combined, is
						  adequate.
(2) The test enclosure shall have a ¾ inch (1.9
						  cm) hole in front of the test subject's nose and mouth area to accommodate the
						  nebulizer nozzle.
(3) The test subject shall don the test enclosure.
						  Throughout the threshold screening test, the test subject shall breathe through
						  his or her slightly open mouth with tongue extended. The subject is instructed
						  to report when he/she detects a bitter taste.
(4) Using a DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication
						  Nebulizer or equivalent, the test conductor shall spray the Threshold Check
						  Solution into the enclosure. This Nebulizer shall be clearly marked to
						  distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.
(5) The Threshold Check Solution is prepared by adding
						  13.5 milligrams of Bitrex to 100 ml of 5% salt (NaCl) solution in distilled
						  water.
(6) To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is
						  firmly squeezed so that the bulb collapses completely, and is then released and
						  allowed to fully expand.
(7) An initial ten squeezes are repeated rapidly and
						  then the test subject is asked whether the Bitrex can be tasted. If the test
						  subject reports tasting the bitter taste during the ten squeezes, the screening
						  test is completed. The taste threshold is noted as ten regardless of the number
						  of squeezes actually completed.
(8) If the first response is negative, ten more
						  squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the
						  Bitrex is tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the bitter taste during
						  the second ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste threshold
						  is noted as twenty regardless of the number of squeezes actually
						  completed.
(9) If the second response is negative, ten more
						  squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the
						  Bitrex is tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the bitter taste during
						  the third set of ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste
						  threshold is noted as thirty regardless of the number of squeezes actually
						  completed.
(10) The test conductor will take note of the number of
						  squeezes required to solicit a taste response.
(11) If the Bitrex is not tasted after 30 squeezes
						  (step 10), the test subject is unable to taste Bitrex and may not perform the
						  Bitrex fit test.
(12) If a taste response is elicited, the test subject
						  shall be asked to take note of the taste for reference in the fit test.
(13) Correct use of the nebulizer means that
						  approximately 1 ml of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer body.
(14) The nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in water,
						  shaken to dry, and refilled at least each morning and afternoon or at least
						  every four hours.
(b) Bitrex Solution Aerosol Fit Test Procedure.
(1) The test subject may not eat, drink (except plain
						  water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 minutes before the test.
(2) The fit test uses the same enclosure as that
						  described in 4. (a) above.
(3) The test subject shall don the enclosure while
						  wearing the respirator selected according to section I. A. of this appendix.
						  The respirator shall be properly adjusted and equipped with any type
						  particulate filter(s).
(4) A second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication
						  Nebulizer or equivalent is used to spray the fit test solution into the
						  enclosure. This nebulizer shall not be clearly marked to distinguish it from
						  the screening test solution nebulizer.
(5) The fit test solution is prepared by adding 337.5
						  mg of Bitrex to 200 ml of a 5% salt (NaCl) solution in warm water.
(6) As before, the test subject shall breathe through
						  his or her slightly open mouth with tongue extended, and be instructed to
						  report if he/she tastes the bitter taste of Bitrex.
(7) The nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the
						  front of the enclosure and an initial concentration of the fit test solution is
						  sprayed into the enclosure using the same number of squeezes (either 10, 20 or
						  30 squeezes) based on the number of squeezes required to elicit a taste
						  response as noted during the screening test.
(8) After generating the aerosol, the test subject
						  shall be instructed to perform the exercises in section I. A. 14. of this
						  appendix.
(9) Every 30 seconds the aerosol concentration shall be
						  replenished using one half the number of squeezes used initially (e.g., 5, 10
						  or 15).
(10) The test subject shall indicate to the test
						  conductor if at any time during the fit test the taste of Bitrex is detected.
						  If the test subject does not report tasting the Bitrex, the test is
						  passed.
(11) If the taste of Bitrex is detected, the fit is
						  deemed unsatisfactory and the test is failed. A different respirator shall be
						  tried and the entire test procedure is repeated (taste threshold screening and
						  fit testing).
5. Irritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride) Protocol. This
						  qualitative fit test uses a person's response to the irritating chemicals
						  released in the "smoke" produced by a stannic chloride ventilation smoke tube
						  to detect leakage into the respirator.
(a) General Requirements and Precautions.
(1) The respirator to be tested shall be equipped with
						  high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or P100 series filter(s).
(2) Only stannic chloride smoke tubes shall be used for
						  this protocol.
(3) No form of test enclosure or hood for the test
						  subject shall be used.
(4) The smoke can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and
						  nasal passages. The test conductor shall take precautions to minimize the test
						  subject's exposure to irritant smoke. Sensitivity varies, and certain
						  individuals may respond to a greater degree to irritant smoke. Care shall be
						  taken when performing the sensitivity screening checks that determine whether
						  the test subject can detect irritant smoke to use only the minimum amount of
						  smoke necessary to elicit a response from the test subject.
(5) The fit test shall be performed in an area with
						  adequate ventilation to prevent exposure of the person conducting the fit test
						  or the build-up of irritant smoke in the general atmosphere.
(b) Sensitivity Screening Check. The person to be
						  tested must demonstrate his or her ability to detect a weak concentration of
						  the irritant smoke.
(1) The test operator shall break both ends of a
						  ventilation smoke tube containing stannic chloride, and attach one end of the
						  smoke tube to a low flow air pump set to deliver 200 milliliters per minute, or
						  an aspirator squeeze bulb. The test operator shall cover the other end of the
						  smoke tube with a short piece of tubing to prevent potential injury from the
						  jagged end of the smoke tube.
(2) The test operator shall advise the test subject
						  that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and nasal passages and
						  instruct the subject to keep his/her eyes closed while the test is
						  performed.
(3) The test subject shall be allowed to smell a weak
						  concentration of the irritant smoke before the respirator is donned to become
						  familiar with its irritating properties and to determine if he/she can detect
						  the irritating properties of the smoke. The test operator shall carefully
						  direct a small amount of the irritant smoke in the test subject's direction to
						  determine that he/she can detect it.
(c) Irritant Smoke Fit Test Procedure
(1) The person being fit tested shall don the
						  respirator without assistance, and perform the required user seal
						  check(s).
(2) The test subject shall be instructed to keep
						  his/her eyes closed.
(3) The test operator shall direct the stream of
						  irritant smoke from the smoke tube toward the faceseal area of the test
						  subject, using the low flow pump or the squeeze bulb. The test operator shall
						  begin at least 12 inches from the facepiece and move the smoke stream around
						  the whole perimeter of the mask. The operator shall gradually make two more
						  passes around the perimeter of the mask, moving to within six inches of the
						  respirator.
(4) If the person being tested has not had an
						  involuntary response and/or detected the irritant smoke, proceed with the test
						  exercises.
(5) The exercises identified in section I.A. 14. of
						  this appendix shall be performed by the test subject while the respirator seal
						  is being continually challenged by the smoke, directed around the perimeter of
						  the respirator at a distance of six inches.
(6) If the person being fit tested reports detecting
						  the irritant smoke at any time, the test is failed. The person being retested
						  must repeat the entire sensitivity check and fit test procedure.
(7) Each test subject passing the irritant smoke test
						  without evidence of a response (involuntary cough, irritation) shall be given a
						  second sensitivity screening check, with the smoke from the same smoke tube
						  used during the fit test, once the respirator has been removed, to determine
						  whether he/she still reacts to the smoke. Failure to evoke a response shall
						  void the fit test.
(8) If a response is produced during this second
						  sensitivity check, then the fit test is passed.
C. Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT) Protocols. The
						  following quantitative fit testing procedures have been demonstrated to be
						  acceptable: Quantitative fit testing using a non-hazardous test aerosol (such
						  as corn oil, polyethylene glycol 400 [PEG 400], di-2-ethyl hexyl sebacate
						  [DEHS], or sodium chloride) generated in a test chamber, and employing
						  instrumentation to quantify the fit of the respirator; Quantitative fit testing
						  using ambient aerosol as the test agent and appropriate instrumentation
						  (condensation nuclei counter) to quantify the respirator fit; Quantitative fit
						  testing using controlled negative pressure and appropriate instrumentation to
						  measure the volumetric leak rate of a facepiece to quantify the respirator
						  fit.
1. General
(a) The employer shall ensure that persons
						  administering QNFT are able to calibrate equipment and perform tests properly,
						  recognize invalid tests, calculate fit factors properly and ensure that test
						  equipment is in proper working order.
(b) The employer shall ensure that QNFT equipment is
						  kept clean, and is maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer's
						  instructions so as to operate at the parameters for which it was
						  designed.
2. Generated Aerosol Quantitative Fit Testing
						  Protocol
(a) Apparatus.
(1) Instrumentation. Aerosol generation, dilution, and
						  measurement systems using particulates (corn oil, polyethylene glycol 400 [PEG
						  400], di-2-ethyl hexyl sebacate [DEHS] or sodium chloride) as test aerosols
						  shall be used for quantitative fit testing.
(2) Test chamber. The test chamber shall be large
						  enough to permit all test subjects to perform freely all required exercises
						  without disturbing the test agent concentration or the measurement apparatus.
						  The test chamber shall be equipped and constructed so that the test agent is
						  effectively isolated from the ambient air, yet uniform in concentration
						  throughout the chamber.
(3) When testing air-purifying respirators, the normal
						  filter or cartridge element shall be replaced with a high efficiency
						  particulate air (HEPA) or P100 series filter supplied by the same
						  manufacturer.
(4) The sampling instrument shall be selected so that a
						  computer record or strip chart record may be made of the test showing the rise
						  and fall of the test agent concentration with each inspiration and expiration
						  at fit factors of at least 2,000. Integrators or computers that integrate the
						  amount of test agent penetration leakage into the respirator for each exercise
						  may be used provided a record of the readings is made.
(5) The combination of substitute air-purifying
						  elements, test agent and test agent concentration shall be such that the test
						  subject is not exposed in excess of an established exposure limit for the test
						  agent at any time during the testing process, based upon the length of the
						  exposure and the exposure limit duration.
(6) The sampling port on the test specimen respirator
						  shall be placed and constructed so that no leakage occurs around the port
						  (e.g., where the respirator is probed), a free air flow is allowed into the
						  sampling line at all times, and there is no interference with the fit or
						  performance of the respirator. The in-mask sampling device (probe) shall be
						  designed and used to that the air sample is drawn from the breathing zone of
						  the test subject, midway between the nose and mouth and with the probe
						  extending into the facepiece cavity at least ¼ inch.
(7) The test setup shall permit the person
						  administering the test to observe the test subject inside the chamber during
						  the test.
(8) The equipment generating the test atmosphere shall
						  maintain the concentration of test agent constant to within a 10 percent
						  variation for the duration of the test.
(9) The time lag (interval between an event and the
						  recording of the event on the strip chart or computer or integrator) shall be
						  kept to a minimum. There shall be a clear association between the occurrence of
						  an event and its being recorded.
(10) The sampling line tubing for the test chamber
						  atmosphere and for the respirator sampling port shall be of equal diameter and
						  of the same material. The length of the two lines shall be equal.
(11) The exhaust flow from the test chamber shall pass
						  through an appropriate filter (i.e., high efficiency particulate filter) before
						  release.
(12) When sodium chloride aerosol is used, the relative
						  humidity inside the test chamber shall not exceed 50 percent.
(13) The limitations of instrument detection shall be
						  taken into account when determining the fit factor.
(14) Test respirators shall be maintained in proper
						  working order and be inspected regularly for deficiencies such as cracks or
						  missing valves and gaskets.
(b) Procedural Requirements.
(1) When performing the initial user seal check using a
						  positive or negative pressure check, the sampling line shall be crimped closed
						  in order to avoid air pressure leakage during either of these pressure
						  checks.
(2) The use of an abbreviated screening QLFT test is
						  optional. Such a test may be utilized in order to quickly identify poor fitting
						  respirators that passed the positive and/or negative pressure test and reduce
						  the amount of QNFT time. The use of the CNC QNFT instrument in the count mode
						  is another optional method to obtain a quick estimate of fit and eliminate poor
						  fitting respirators before going on to perform a full QNFT.
(3) A reasonably stable test agent concentration shall
						  be measured in the test chamber prior to testing. For canopy or shower curtain
						  types of test units, the determination of the test agent's stability may be
						  established after the test subject has entered the test environment.
(4) Immediately after the subject enters the test
						  chamber, the test agent concentration inside the respirator shall be measured
						  to ensure that the peak penetration does not exceed 5 percent for a half mask
						  or 1 percent for a full facepiece respirator.
(5) A stable test agent concentration shall be obtained
						  prior to the actual start of testing.
(6) Respirator restraining straps shall not be
						  over-tightened for testing. The straps shall be adjusted by the wearer without
						  assistance from other persons to give a reasonably comfortable fit typical of
						  normal use. The respirator shall not be adjusted once the fit test exercises
						  begin.
(7) The test shall be terminated whenever any single
						  peak penetration exceeds 5 percent for half masks and 1 percent for full
						  facepiece respirators. The test subject shall be refitted and retested.
(8) Calculation of fit factors.
(i) The fit factor shall be determined for the
						  quantitative fit test by taking the ratio of the average chamber concentration
						  to the concentration measured inside the respirator for each test exercise
						  except the grimace exercise.
(ii) The average test chamber concentration shall be
						  calculated as the arithmetic average of the concentration measured before and
						  after each test (i.e., 7 exercises) or the arithmetic average of the
						  concentration measured before and after each exercise or the true average
						  measured continuously during the respirator sample.
(iii) The concentration of the challenge agent inside
						  the respirator shall be determined by one of the following methods:
(A) Average peak penetration method means the method of
						  determining test agent penetration into the respirator utilizing a strip chart
						  recorder, integrator, or computer. The agent penetration is determined by an
						  average of the peak heights on the graph or by computer integration, for each
						  exercise except the grimace exercise. Integrators or computers that calculate
						  the actual test agent penetration into the respirator for each exercise will
						  also be considered to meet the requirements of the average peak penetration
						  method.
(B) Maximum peak penetration method means the method of
						  determining test agent penetration in the respirator as determined by strip
						  chart recordings of the test. The highest peak penetration for a given exercise
						  is taken to be representative of average penetration into the respirator for
						  that exercise.
(C) Integration by calculation of the area under the
						  individual peak for each exercise except the grimace exercise. This includes
						  computerized integration.
(D) The calculation of the overall fit factor using
						  individual exercise fit factors involves first converting the exercise fit
						  factors to penetration values, determining the average, and then converting
						  that result back to a fit factor. This procedure is described in the following
						  equation:
Overall Fit Factor =
Number of
								  exercises
1/ff1 +
								  1/ff2 + 1/ff3 +
								  1/ff4 + 1/ff5 +
								  1/ff6 + 1/ff7 +
								  1/ff8
Where ff1,
						  ff2, ff3, etc. are the fit
						  factors for exercises 1, 2, 3, etc.
(9) 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, or a full facepiece respirator unless a minimum fit factor of 500 is
						  obtained.
(10) Filters used for quantitative fit testing shall be
						  replaced whenever increased breathing resistance is encountered, or when the
						  test agent has altered the integrity of the filter media.
3. Ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter (CNC)
						  quantitative fit testing protocol. The ambient aerosol condensation nuclei
						  counter (CNC) quantitative fit testing (Portacount 
						  TM) protocol quantitatively fit
						  tests respirators with the use of a probe. The probed respirator is only used
						  for quantitative fit tests. A probed respirator has a special sampling device,
						  installed on the respirator, that allows the probe to sample the air from
						  inside the mask. A probed respirator is required for each make, style, model,
						  and size that the employer uses and can be obtained from the respirator
						  manufacturer or distributor. The CNC instrument manufacturer, TSI Inc., also
						  provides probe attachments (TSI sampling adapters) that permit fit testing in
						  an employee's own respirator. A minimum fit factor pass level of at least 100
						  is necessary for a half-mask respirator and a minimum fit factor pass level of
						  at least 500 is required for a full facepiece negative pressure respirator. The
						  entire screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the test subject
						  prior to the conduct of the screening test.
(a) Portacount Fit Test Requirements.
(1) Check the respirator to make sure the sampling
						  probe and line are properly attached to the facepiece and that the respirator
						  is fitted with a particulate filter capable of preventing significant
						  penetration by the ambient particles used by the fit test (e.g. NIOSH
						  42 CFR
						  84 series 100, 99 or 95 particulate filter)
						  per manufacturer's instruction.
(2) Instruct the person to be tested to don the
						  respirator for five minutes before the fit test starts. This purges the ambient
						  particles trapped inside the respirator and permits the wearer to make certain
						  the respirator is comfortable. This individual shall already have been trained
						  on how to wear the respirator properly.
(3) Check the following conditions for the adequacy of
						  the respirator fit: Chin properly placed; Adequate strap tension, not overly
						  tightened; Fit across nose bridge; Respirator of proper size to span distance
						  from nose to chin; Tendency of the respirator to slip; Self-observation in a
						  mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.
(4) Have the person wearing the respirator do a user
						  seal check. If leakage is detected, determine the cause. If leakage is from a
						  poorly fitting facepiece, try another size of the same model respirator, or
						  another model of respirator.
(5) Follow the manufacturer's instruction for operating
						  the Portacount and proceed with the test.
(6) the test subject shall be instructed to perform the
						  exercises in section I. A. 14. of this appendix.
(7) After the test exercises, the test subject shall be
						  questioned by the test conductor regarding the comfort of the respirator upon
						  completion of the protocol. If it has become unacceptable, another model of
						  respirator shall be tried.
(b) Portacount Test Instrument.
(1) The Portacount will automatically stop and
						  calculate the overall fit factor for the entire set of exercises. The overall
						  fit factor is what counts. The Pass or Fail message will indicate whether or
						  not the test was successful. If the test was a Pass, the fit test is
						  over.
(2) Since the pass or fail criterion of the Portacount
						  is user programmable, the test operator shall ensure that the pass or fail
						  criterion meet the requirements for minimum respirator performance in this
						  Appendix.
(3) A record of the test needs to be kept on file,
						  assuming the fit test was successful. The record must contain the test
						  subject's name; overall fit factor; make, model, style, and size of respirator
						  used; and date tested.
4. Controlled negative pressure (CNP) quantitative fit
						  testing protocol. The CNP protocol provides an alternative to aerosol fit test
						  methods. The CNP fit test method technology is based on exhausting air from a
						  temporarily sealed respirator facepiece to generate and then maintain a
						  constant negative pressure inside the facepiece. The rate of air exhaust is
						  controlled so that a constant negative pressure is maintained in the respirator
						  during the fit test. The level of pressure is selected to replicate the mean
						  inspiratory pressure that causes leakage into the respirator under normal use
						  conditions. With pressure held constant, air flow out of the respirator is
						  equal to air flow into the respirator. Therefore, measurement of the exhaust
						  stream that is required to hold the pressure in the temporarily sealed
						  respirator constant yields a direct measure of leakage air flow into the
						  respirator. The CNP fit test method measures leak rates through the facepiece
						  as a method for determining the facepiece fit for negative pressure
						  respirators. The CNP instrument manufacturer Occupational Health Dynamics of
						  Birmingham, Alabama also provides attachments (sampling manifolds) that replace
						  the filter cartridges to permit fit testing in an employee's own respirator. To
						  perform the test, the test subject closes his or her mouth and holds his/her
						  breath, after which an air pump removes air from the respirator facepiece at a
						  pre-selected constant pressure. The facepiece fit is expressed as the leak rate
						  through the facepiece, expressed as milliliters per minute. The quality and
						  validity of the CNP fit tests are determined by the degree to which the in-mask
						  pressure tracks the test pressure during the system measurement time of
						  approximately five seconds. Instantaneous feedback in the form of a real-time
						  pressure trace of the in-mask pressure is provided and used to determine test
						  validity and quality. A minimum fit factor pass level of 100 is necessary for a
						  half-mask respirator and a minimum fit factor of at least 500 is required for a
						  full facepiece respirator. The entire screening and testing procedure shall be
						  explained to the test subject prior to conduct of the screening test.
(a) CNP Fit Test Requirements.
(1) The instrument shall have a non-adjustable test
						  pressure of 15.0 mm water pressure.
(2) The CNP system defaults selected for test pressure
						  shall be set at -15 mm of water (-0.58 inches of water) and the modeled
						  inspiratory flow rate shall be 53.8 liters per minute for performing fit
						  tests.
(Note: CNP systems have built-in capability to conduct
						  fit testing that is specific to unique work rate, mask, and gender situations
						  that might apply in a specific workplace. Use of system default values, which
						  were selected to represent respirator wear with medium cartridge resistance at
						  a low-moderate work rate, will allow inter-test comparison of the respirator
						  fit.)
(3) The individual who conducts the CNP fit testing
						  shall be thoroughly trained to perform the test.
(4) The respirator filter or cartridge needs to be
						  replaced with the CNP test manifold. The inhalation valve downstream from the
						  manifold either needs to be temporarily removed or propped open.
(5) The employer must train the test subject to hold
						  his or her breath for at least 10 seconds.
(6) The test subject must don the test respirator
						  without any assistance from the test administrator who is conducting the CNP
						  fit test. The respirator must not be adjusted once the fit-test exercises
						  begin. Any adjustment voids the test, and the test subject must repeat the fit
						  test.
(7) The QNFT protocol shall be followed according to
						  section I. C. 1. of this appendix.
(b) CNP Test Exercises.
(1) Normal breathing. In a normal standing position,
						  without talking, the subject shall breathe normally for 1 minute. After the
						  normal breathing exercise, the subject needs to hold head straight ahead and
						  hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during the test measurement.
(2) Deep breathing. In a normal standing position, the
						  subject shall breathe slowly and deeply for 1 minute, being careful not to
						  hyperventilate. After the deep breathing exercise, the subject shall hold his
						  or her head straight ahead and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during
						  test measurement.
(3) Turning head side to side. Standing in place, the
						  subject shall slowly turn his or her head from side to side between the extreme
						  positions on each side for 1 minute. The head shall be held at each extreme
						  momentarily so the subject can inhale at each side. After the turning head side
						  to side exercise, the subject needs to hold head full left and hold his or her
						  breath for 10 seconds during test measurement. Next, the subject needs to hold
						  head full right and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during test
						  measurement.
(4) Moving head up and down. Standing in place, the
						  subject shall slowly move his or her head up and down for 1 minute. The subject
						  shall be instructed to inhale in the up position (i.e., when looking toward the
						  ceiling). After the moving head up and down exercise, the subject shall hold
						  his or her head full up and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during test
						  measurement. Next, the subject shall hold his or her head full down and hold
						  his or her breath for 10 seconds during test measurement.
(5) Talking. The subject shall talk out loud slowly and
						  loud enough so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor. The subject can
						  read from a prepared text such as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100,
						  or recite a memorized poem or song for 1 minute. After the talking exercise,
						  the subject shall hold his or her head straight ahead and hold his or her
						  breath for 10 seconds during the test measurement.
(6) Grimace. The test subject shall grimace by smiling
						  or frowning for 15 seconds.
(7) Bending Over. The test subject shall bend at the
						  waist as if he or she were to touch his or her toes for 1 minute. Jogging in
						  place shall be substituted for this exercise in those test environments such as
						  shroud-type QNFT units that prohibit bending at the waist. After the bending
						  over exercise, the subject shall hold his or her head straight ahead and hold
						  his or her breath for 10 seconds during the test measurement.
(8) Normal Breathing. The test subject shall remove and
						  re-don the respirator within a one-minute period. Then, in a normal standing
						  position, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally for 1 minute.
						  After the normal breathing exercise, the subject shall hold his or her head
						  straight ahead and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during the test
						  measurement. After the test exercises, the test subject shall be questioned by
						  the test conductor regarding the comfort of the respirator upon completion of
						  the protocol. If it has become unacceptable, another model of a respirator
						  shall be tried.
(c) CNP Test Instrument.
(1) The test instrument must have an effective audio
						  warning device, or a visual-warning device in the form of a screen tracing,
						  that indicates when the test subject fails to hold his or her breath during the
						  test. The test shall be terminated and restarted from the beginning when the
						  test subject fails to hold his or her breath during the test. The test subject
						  then may be refitted and retested.
(2) A record of the test shall be kept on file,
						  assuming the fit test was successful. The record must contain the test
						  subject's name; overall fit factor; make, model, style and size of respirator
						  used; and date tested.
5. Controlled negative pressure (CNP) REDON
						  quantitative fit testing protocol.
(a) CNP REDON Fit Test Requirements. When administering
						  the CNP REDON protocol to test subjects, employers must comply with the CNP fit
						  test requirements specified in section I.C.4.(a) of this appendix.
(b) CNP REDON Test Exercises.
(1) Employers must ensure that each test subject being
						  fit tested using this protocol follows the exercise and measurement procedures,
						  including the order of administration, described below in Table A-1 of this
						  appendix.
Table A-1. -- CNP REDON Quantitative Fit Testing
						  Protocol
Exercises
(1)
Exercise
								  procedure
Measurement
								  procedure
Facing Forward
Stand and breathe
								  normally, without talking, for 30 seconds.
Face forward, while holding
								  breath for 10 seconds.
Bending Over
Bend at the waist, as if
								  going to touch his or her toes, for 30 seconds.
Face parallel to the
								  floor, while holding breath for 10 seconds.
Head Shaking
For about three seconds,
								  shake head back and forth vigorously several times while shouting.
Face
								  forward, while holding breath for 10 seconds.
REDON 1
Remove the respirator mask,
								  loosen all facepiece straps, and then redon the respirator mask.
Face
								  forward, while holding breath for 10 seconds.
REDON 2
Remove the respirator mask,
								  loosen all facepiece straps, and then redon the respirator mask
								  again.
Face forward, while holding breath for 10 seconds.
1 Exercises are listed in the order in which they are
						  to be administered.
(2) After completing the test exercises, the test
						  administrator must question each test subject regarding the comfort of the
						  respirator. When a test subject states that the respirator is unacceptable, the
						  employer must ensure that the test administrator repeats the protocol using
						  another respirator model.
(3) Employers must determine the overall fit factor for
						  each test subject by calculating the harmonic mean of the fit testing exercise
						  as follows:
Overall Fit Factor
								  =
N
[1/FF1
								  + 1/FF2 + ... 1/FFN]
Where:
N = The number of exercises;
FF1 = The fit factor for the first exercise;
FF2 = The fit factor for the second exercise;
						  and
FFN = The fit factor for the nth exercise.
(c) CNP REDON Test Instrument. When administering the
						  CNP REDON protocol to test subjects, employers must comply with the CNP test
						  instrument requirements specified in section I.C.4.(c) of this appendix.
Part II. New Fit Test Protocols
A. Any person may submit to OSHA an application for
						  approval of a new fit test protocol. If the application meets the following
						  criteria, OSHA will initiate a rulemaking proceeding under section
						  6(b)(7) of the OSH
						  Act to determine whether to list the new protocol as an approved protocol in
						  this Appendix A.
B. The application must include a detailed description
						  of the proposed new fit test protocol. This application must be supported by
						  either:
1. A test report prepared by an independent government
						  research laboratory (e.g., Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos
						  National Laboratory, the National Institute for Standards and Technology)
						  stating that the laboratory has tested the protocol and had found it to be
						  accurate and reliable; or
2. An article that has been published in a
						  peer-reviewed industrial hygiene journal describing the protocol and explaining
						  how test data support the protocol's accuracy and reliability.
C. If OSHA determines that additional information is
						  required before the Agency commences a rulemaking proceeding under this
						  section, OSHA will so notify the applicant and afford the applicant the
						  opportunity to submit the supplemental information. Initiation of a rulemaking
						  proceeding will be deferred until OSHA has received and evaluated the
						  supplemental information.
1. New
						  appendix A to section
						  5144 filed 8-25-98; operative
						  11-23-98 (Register 98, No. 35).
2. Editorial correction amending
						  subsection B.5.(a)(1) (Register 99, No. 8).
3. Amendment of
						  subsections I.A.14., I.C.4., I.C.4.(a)(5)-(7) and I.C.4.(c)(1) and new
						  subsections I.C.5.-I.C.5.c. filed 1-26-2005; operative 1-26-2005. Submitted to
						  OAL for printing only pursuant to Labor Code
						  142.3(a)(3)
						  (Register 2005, No. 4).
Note: Authority cited: Section
							 142.3, Labor
							 Code. Reference: Section
							 142.3, Labor
							 Code.
The amended version of this section by
						  Register
						  2024, No. 25, effective
						  6/24/2024 is not yet
						  available.