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Qualitative Fit Testing

An OSHA-permitted method for half-face respirators. Here is what it involves and where it fits within a respiratory protection program.

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What is Qualitative Fit Testing?

Qualitative fit testing is a pass or fail method permitted by OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.134 for half-face respirators, including disposable filtering facepieces. It works by introducing a challenge agent into a hood placed over the test subject’s head and asking whether they can detect it. No instrumentation is required and no numerical fit factor is produced.

When to Use It

Programs testing half-face elastomeric or disposable respirators where quantitative testing is not required

Organizations in the early stages of building a respiratory protection program

Lower-volume programs where the time and equipment investment of quantitative testing is not yet practical

Note: Qualitative testing cannot be legally used for full-face respirators

How It Works at a Glance

test tube

Sensitivity Screening

Perform sensitivity screening to confirm the test subject can detect the challenge agent

gas mask

Respirator Donning

The test subject dons the respirator
helmet

Hood & Challenge Agent

A hood is placed over the subject’s head and the challenge agent is introduced
testing

Exercise Protocol

The subject performs fit test exercises while the agent is present
wall clock

Test Duration

A legal qualitative fit test that fully adheres to the protocol outlined in 29 CFR 1910.134 requires approximately 20 to 25 minutes per person from start to finish.
check list

Manual Documentation

Results are subjective and must be manually recorded.

book

Full Instructions

For complete setup and testing instructions, refer to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix B and your qualitative fit test kit guidelines.

What You Need

OSHA-approved qualitative fit test kit (saccharin or Bitrex)

Fit test hood and enclosure

Sensitivity and test solutions

Nebulizer

Trained operator

Recommended Quantitative Devices

AccuFit PRO™ quantitative fit tester
AccuFit PRO™ product logo
  • Quantitative testing for every tight-fitting respirator including N95s and elastomerics
  • Objective, documented fit factors automatically saved to your records
  • The right choice for mixed respirator programs requiring full quantitative coverage
More Info
AccuFit™ quantitative fit tester
AccuFit™ product logo
  • Quantitative testing for elastomeric respirator programs of all sizes
  • Fast, accurate results with a defensible fit factor on every test
  • The right choice for programs ready to move beyond qualitative methods
More Info

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is quantitative fit testing?

    Quantitative fit testing uses a machine to measure the actual amount of leakage into the respirator facepiece, producing a numerical fit factor. This objective measurement removes the subjectivity of taste or smell-based methods.

  • Is quantitative fit testing required by OSHA?

    Currently, OSHA accepts both quantitative and qualitative methods for half face respirators.  However, quantitative testing is required for full face respirators and SCBA face pieces.

  • How long does a quantitative fit test take?

    A typical quantitative fit test takes approximately 2.5 minutes using the OSHA 2019 protocol, making it faster than many qualitative methods while providing more reliable results.

  • What types of respirators can be tested quantitatively?

    Quantitative fit testing can be performed on all tight-fitting respirators, including full-face, half-face elastomeric respirators, and depending on the instrument, filtering facepiece respirators like N95s.

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