50 Chapter 6
About Respirators and Fit Testing
The conventional way to quantitatively fit test is through the use of
probed test respirators, but fit tests can also be performed on
disposable respirators and positive pressure respirators. This chapter
discusses the types of respirators and provides instructions on
installing a sampling port to a disposable filtering-facepiece.
These PortaCount Fit Testers provide fit testing compliant with OSHA
29CFR1910.134, ANSI/ASTM Z88.10-2001, CSA Z94.4-2011, and
HSE 282/28.
Probed Test Respirators
A probed respirator has a fitting (probe) installed that allows air from
inside the respirator to be sampled by an instrument like the
PortaCount Respirator Fit Testers. The probed respirator is
considered to be modified from its original design and as such can
only be used for fit testing and cannot legally be used in a potentially
hazardous workplace environment. You will need at least one
respirator of each make, model and size your company issues. After
the fit test, issue the individual a respirator with the identical
facepiece, only without the permanent probe.
Most probed respirators are obtained from the respirator
manufacturer or distributor. You should be able to buy probed
versions of most, if not all, models. Be sure to buy class-100 or class-
99 filters also if you do not already stock them. Class-100, class-99,
or P3 filters must be used for fit testing even if you use another type
of cartridge in the workplace.
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