Safety Tidbit 3.07 – Retesting Respirator Users

Safety Tidbit 3.07 – Retesting Respirator Users

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.134

An interesting question came my way this week. “If a worker has been fit-tested on one size respirator but now wants a different size facepiece, do they need to be fit-tested?” The easy answer is YES!  However, it wouldn’t be a very good Safety Tidbit if we didn’t dig a little deeper and look at the regulatory reason for the quick YES.

First, 1910.134(c)(1)(viii) requires training in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance. So, not quite the answer we’re looking for yet. More specifically, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used [1910.134(f)]. And to drill down a bit more, the employer shall ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit-tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used [1910.134(f)(2)].

Additionally, the employer shall conduct an additional fit-test whenever the employee reports (or, the employer, healthcare provider, supervisor, or program administrator makes visual observations of) changes in the employee's physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Conditions can include: facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight [1910.134(f)(3)].

So why is this so important? For facepiece seal protection, of course. A tight-fitting air-purifying respirator doesn’t do much good if it doesn’t seal to the face. Ultimately, the employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting face pieces to be worn by employees who have:

·       facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the face piece and the face or that interferes with valve function [1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A)]

·       any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function [1910.134(g)(1)(i)(B)]

·       corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment that may interfere with the face seal [1910.134(g)(1)(ii)]

Reminder: For all tight-fitting respirators, the employer shall ensure that employees perform a user seal check each time they put on the respirator [1910.134(g)(1)(iii)].

One last thing: Appropriate surveillance shall be maintained of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress. When there is a change in work area conditions or degree of employee exposure or stress that may affect respirator effectiveness, the employer shall reevaluate the continued effectiveness of the respirator [1910.134(g)(2)(i)].

Hope this was helpful and thanks for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

P.S. If you have an interesting safety or health question please let me know.