Respirator Fit Testing Services for Employers 

Before a worker wears a tight-fitting respirator, you need to make sure it seals properly to their face. Respirator fit testing checks this seal, and employers must have it done before workers use these masks on the job.  

Your Safety Department makes the process easy by coming to your workplace. During one visit, we handle the medical questionnaire, respirator training, and fit test.  

Whether your team uses N95s, half masks, or full facepieces, we can test everyone without sending workers off-site. 

What Respirator Fit Testing Is and Why It Matters 

A respirator protects a worker only when the air they breathe passes through the filter instead of leaking around the mask's edges. A respirator fit test checks whether the facepiece seals properly against the wearer's face. 

Every face is different. A mask that fits one worker well may not fit another. That's why we test each worker using the exact make, model, style, and size they will wear on the job. This is the main part of our mask fit testing services, and it helps make sure the results match the equipment workers use.  

Want to learn more?  

Read what respirator fit testing involves. 

OSHA Respirator Fit Testing Requirements 

OSHA respirator fit testing requirements are covered under 29 CFR 1910.134, the Respiratory Protection Standard. If your workers must wear respirators, your respiratory protection program needs to include the following: 

• Medical Evaluation First: Before a worker takes a fit test or uses a respirator, the employer must provide a medical evaluation to make sure the worker can safely wear one. 
• Fit Test Before First Use: Workers must be tested before using a respirator and again whenever they change to a different facepiece. 
• Retest At Least Once a Year: Fit testing is not a one-time task. 
• Keep The Records: Fit test results must be kept until the next fit test. 

OSHA does not require a medical review every year. However, a worker may need another evaluation if, for example, they report symptoms linked to wearing a respirator. 

If your crews also work around silica dust, take a look at our respirable silica training. 

When Workers Need to Be Retested 

Annual fit testing is the minimum requirement, but some workers may need another test sooner. Plan a new test when: 

12 months have passed since the last fit test 

The respirator changes, including its make, model, style, or size 

The worker has a noticeable change in weight 

New dental work changes how the facepiece fits 

Changes to the worker's face could affect the seal 

If a supervisor notices that a worker is having trouble getting a proper seal, do not wait until the next annual test. Arrange another fit test. 

Qualitative vs Quantitative Fit Testing 

There are two ways to test a respirator's seal, and OSHA accepts both. In a qualitative fit test, the worker wears the respirator and is exposed to a test agent. If they cannot taste, smell, or react to the agent, they pass. 

The second method uses an instrument to measure how much air leaks into the respirator. This means the result does not depend on what the worker can taste, smell, or feel. Some OSHA rules require this instrument-based method for certain full facepiece respirators. It’s the method we use at your site, and our page on quantitative fit testing explains how it works in more detail.  

Our Fit Testing Process 

Our onsite respirator fit testing service has three simple steps: 

1. Medical Evaluation: Each employee completes a respirator medical evaluation questionnaire online. A physician reviews the answers and either approves the worker or places limits on respirator use. 
2. Training: We explain how to use the respirator, its limits, and the requirements of your respiratory protection program. 
3. Fit Test: We test the worker using the exact respirator they will wear. A TSI PortaCount checks whether the mask fits properly. 

All three steps take place at your workplace, so your crew can stay close to the job. 

Respirators We Can Fit Test 

We provide N95 fit testing, half mask fit testing, and full face respirator fit testing. For the models listed in the middle column, we bring the respirators. For the models listed in the last column, we have the right adapters, so workers can bring their own. 

Using a different mask?  

Let us know, and we will arrange the right adapters if you give us enough notice. 

Onsite Fit Testing and Scheduling 

We provide onsite respirator fit testing every day from 8:00 to 5:00. If your crew needs an evening or weekend appointment, we can arrange that too. 

Call 888-859-5653 and tell us how many workers need testing and which respirators they use. We will help you plan your visit. 

Related Service: Spirometry Testing 

Some workers also need lung function tests as part of their medical monitoring. Spirometry is different from a respirator fit test, so it is important to understand the difference. If your crew needs this service, read about occupational spirometry testing and ask about it during your free initial consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How often do employees need a respirator fit test? 

At least once every 12 months. Workers also need a test before first using a respirator and whenever they switch to a different facepiece. 

2. Do N95 respirators require fit testing? 

Yes, when an employer requires workers to wear them. If workers must use N95s for protection, OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard requires a fit test before use and at least once a year. 

3. Do I need a medical evaluation before a fit test? 

Yes. OSHA requires a medical evaluation before fit testing and before a worker uses a respirator. With our service, the process starts with an online questionnaire reviewed by a physician. 

4. What disqualifies someone from wearing a respirator? 

The physician who reviews the questionnaire makes this decision. They may approve the worker or limit respirator use because some medical conditions can make wearing a respirator unsafe. 

5. Does facial hair affect a fit test? 

Yes. Facial hair between the mask's sealing surface and the skin can break the seal. OSHA does not allow workers to wear tight-fitting respirators when facial hair affects this seal. 

6. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing? 

A qualitative test gives a pass or fail result based on whether the worker reacts to a test agent. A quantitative test uses an instrument to measure how much air leaks into the mask. OSHA accepts both methods when they follow approved testing procedures. 

7. When does an employee need to be retested before 12 months? 

A worker may need another test sooner if they change respirators, have a noticeable change in weight, get dental work, or experience facial changes that could affect the seal. 

8. Can fit testing be done at our jobsite? 

Yes. We bring respirator fit testing and training to your workplace every day from 8:00 to 5:00. Evening and weekend appointments are also available by arrangement. 

9. Which respirator brands and models can you test? 

We test N-, R-, and P-Series filtering facepieces, as well as Scott, MSA, 3M, and Draeger respirators. The table above shows the models we supply and the adapters available for your own equipment. 

10. What records do we receive after fit testing? 

OSHA requires employers to keep each worker's fit test results until the next fit test. Ask us about the records we provide when you schedule your visit. 

Ready to Schedule? 

Ready to have your crew fit tested?  

Start with the online medical questionnaire, then call 888-859-5653 or send us a message through our contact form. We will arrange respirator fit testing at your workplace any day from 8:00 to 5:00, with evening and weekend appointments available by arrangement.