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CHAPTER 6
Fit Testing
Precautions for Fit Testing
The following is a discussion of several precautions to consider prior
to conducting a fit test:
Fit Testing
People Who
Smoke
Cigarettes or
Cigars
Smokers exhale particles for at least 30 minutes
after they have smoked a cigarette or cigar. The
PortaCount Fit Tester can count these particles
and will interpret them as if they were caused by
face seal leakage. It is very important to instruct
individuals not to smoke for at least 30 minutes
prior to fit testing. Fit factors for anyone who has
smoked recently will be lower than that individual
deserves and may even cause him or her to fail
the fit test entirely.
Fit Testing with
Generated
Aerosols
The PortaCount Fit Tester is designed to operate
using the microscopic particles in the ambient
air. It can measure particle concentrations and fit
factors when generated aerosols (like corn oil,
salt or DOP) are used; however, these aerosols
may cause the PortaCount Fit Tester to need
more frequent cleaning and calibration.
Fit Testing Near
Irritant Smoke
DO NOT conduct fit tests in close proximity to
sources of irritant smoke like those used for
qualitative fit testing. The irritant smoke is
corrosive and can damage the PortaCount Fit
Tester. Fit testing near sources of amyl-acetate
(banana oil) is not a problem.
The measurement provided by the PortaCount
Respirator Fit Testers are an assessment of
respirator fit during a fit test only. Respirator fit at
other times will vary. The fit factor value is not
intended for use in calculating an individual's actual
exposure to hazardous substances.
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