Fit Testing

There are two types of fit tests that you can complete to determine whether a respirator fits: a qualitative fit test or a quantitative fit test.

A qualitative fit test relies on your senses to determine if there is a gap in the seal of your respirator. The test is a pass/fail test that determines whether you can detect a test agent, such as through taste, smell, or an involuntary cough.

The OSHA-accepted fit test protocols provide complete instructions for conducting qualitative fit tests with the accepted test agents. NIOSH does not endorse or recommend the use of the irritant smoke fit test.

Instances may arise in which there is a shortage in supply of fit testing solutions. NIOSH and OSHA created a document with information on preparing solutions for qualitative fit testing.

A quantitative fit test uses a fit testing instrument(s) to provide quantitative, or numerical, measurements of the amount of face seal leakage present when you wear a respirator. During a quantitative fit test, you perform a series of simple exercises that help ensure that the respirator seals well to your face even when you are speaking or moving.

Quantitative fit testing requires a hole punched in the respirator to perform the test. Therefore, the fit tester must dispose of the respirator after the test.