Full-Face Respirators offer the maximum personal protection against organic vapors, acid gases, and other gases. Cole-Parmer's Full-Face Respirators are NIOSH approved to help meet OSHA CFR 1910.134. According to CFR 1910.134(d), employers are required to select and provide an appropriate respirator based on an employer evaluation of the respiratory hazard(s) to which the worker is exposed, and on workplace and user factors that affect respirator performance and reliability. All full-face respirators should be NIOSH-certified and must be used in compliance with the conditions of certification.
Respirator Fit Testing: CFR 1910.134(f)
Fit testing is required for all employees using negative or positive pressure tight-fitting full face respirators, where such respirators are required by OSHA or where the employer requires the use of such a respirator. A fit test is not required for voluntary users or escape-only full face respirators.
The fit test must be performed before the respirator is used in the workplace. It must be repeated at least annually and whenever a different full-face respirator facepiece is used or a change in the employee's physical condition could affect respirator fit. If the full face respirator subsequently becomes unacceptable (i.e., causes irritation or pain) to the employee, the employee must be given the opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece and be retested.
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Fit Testing
Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT) may be used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators if they will only be used in atmospheres less than ten times the permissible exposure limit(PEL). Existing evience only validates current QLFT protocols to identify respirators that achieve a fit factor of 100 or less.
Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT) must be used if respirators are to be used in atmospheres with substance concentrations greater that ten times the PEL. When QNFT is used, all full-facepiece respirators must meet or exceed a fit factor of 500, while quarter- and half-mask respirators must meet or exceed 100.