Before any employee is allowed to use a respirator that has a negative or positive pressure face piece that fits tightly, they must undergo certain tests with the particular respirator they are going to be using. It must be the exact same make, model, style, and size that the employee is going to be using in the workplace. This is extremely important, because if a job requires that one of these devices be worn, it must fit correctly in order for it to be effective. If it does not fit correctly, the employee could end up breathing in hazardous toxins that could lead to health issues. Basically, the test will show how much of a substance in the air is actually in the breathed in by those who are wearing respirators.
There are two types of Respirator Fit Testing. One way is to have the mask converted to a negative pressure respirator. The mask is fitted with filters that are proper for the particular protocol of the test being done. The other method is to use a negative pressure respirator that is identical to the one that the employee will be using. It must have the same type of sealing surface as the positive pressure respirator to be used for this respiratory fit testing in Charleston, WV.
Employers can choose between a quantitative or a qualitative fit test. There is no special training required to administer these tests, but the person doing it must know how to calibrate the equipment, do the tests properly, know when tests are invalid, know that the equipment is working properly, and prepare the solutions used in the testing. If an employee passes the test, but later finds that the unit they use doesn’t fit properly, they can opt for a new unit, and they will need to have new respiratory fit testing in Charleston, WV.
This is just one of many tests that are performed at Physical Exams, Inc. Other testing for employees includes drug and alcohol screening, such as breath alcohol testing, as well as general physical exams, lab studies, and more.
