According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are nearly 5 million workers in the US who must wear respirators while performing their jobs. These respirators safeguard the workers against harmful dust, gases, mists, smokes, sprays, vapors, and even insufficient oxygen environments. 

Exposure to these dangerous substances is known to cause cancer, lung diseases, and even death. But simply putting on a respirator is not enough (or effective). It is critical that the respirator fits the worker correctly in a way that no harmful particulates can enter through their nose or mouth. 

To ensure a proper fit, OSHA fit testing is a mandatory industry requirement before the initial use of a respirator and at least once a year thereafter. OSHA fit testing is the most efficient way to make sure the chosen respirators properly fit the faces of your workers, and offer them maximum protection from contaminants in the air.

OSHA Fit Testing Training

But who can perform this respirator fit test? In order to be able to perform a fit test, you have to undergo specific training first. Let’s see what OSHA says about this: according to 29 CFR 1910.134, the employer or the organization shall maintain a record of the quantitative or qualitative fit tests administered to an employee.

While the regulations don’t specifically mention the requirements for the person who has to perform the fit test, they do state the specific procedures that must be undertaken.

As long as the person you choose to perform the fit test can follow the procedure properly and document the results, you will be considered compliant. It’s recommended to ensure the person you select to perform the OSHA fit testing is familiar with your company’s respiratory protection program.

Join An OSHA Fit Testing “Train the Trainer” Program

Professional Fit Testing Services offers a respiratory protection and train-the-trainer program to train employees in the proper selection, use, storage, and sanitation of respirators. At the end of this course, students need to pass an exam for certification. Once they have successfully completed the program, students receive a certificate of completion.

If you have an employee who will be responsible for the delivery and maintenance of an in-house respiratory protection safety program, you should enroll them in a train-the-trainer program first. At the completion of Professional Fit Testing Services’ train-the-trainer class, your employees will be trained to perform the following:

• Identify and recognize respiratory hazards in the work environment 
• Understand the features, capabilities, and limitation of respirators
• Choose the correct size, style, and type of respirator and cartridge
• Perform and document OSHA fit testing for your other employees
• Clean, disinfect, sanitize, and store respirators in a proper manner

Our team will also provide the right model of respirator, and make sure your employee is well prepared to undergo the training and fit testing themselves. This includes providing them medical clearance.

Call Us For More Information

You can now have your staff trained and qualified to administer your organization’s respirator protection program. Our meticulously designed train-the-trainer program takes about 4 hours and will help your company meet OSHA’s respirator standards.

We will guide through each step and also help with all the necessary documentation. Call us today at (336) 802-1759 to schedule an appointment or contact us online.