PDFWAC 296-307-60605
Conduct fit testing.
(1) The employer must provide, at no cost to the employee, fit tests for all tight fitting respirators on the following schedule:
(a) Before employees are assigned duties that may require the use of respirators;
(b) At least every twelve months after initial testing;
(c) Whenever any of the following occurs:
(i) A different respirator facepiece is chosen such as a different type, model, style, or size;
(ii) The employer becomes aware of a physical change in an employee that could affect respirator fit. For example, the employer may observe, or be told about, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or obvious weight changes;
(iii) An employee notifies the employer, or the employer's LHCP, that the respirator fit is unacceptable. During the retest, the employer must give an employee reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece (size, model, etc.).
Note: | The employer may accept a fit test completed by a previous employer IF: |
1. The employer obtain written documentation of the fit test; | |
AND | |
2. The results of the fit test are not more than twelve months old; | |
AND | |
3. The employee will use the same respirator (the same type, model, style, and size); | |
AND | |
4. The fit test was conducted in a way that meets the requirements of WAC 296-307-606 and 296-307-62010. |
(2) The employer must select an appropriate fit-testing procedure from WAC 296-307-62010 of this part and:
(a) Use quantitative fit-test methods when a negative pressure respirator will be used in concentrations requiring a protection factor greater than 10. This includes:
(i) Full facepiece air-purifying respirators;
(ii) SCBAs operated in demand (negative pressure) mode;
(iii) Air-line respirators operated in demand mode.
(b) Make sure PAPRs, SCBAs, or air-line respirators are fit tested in negative-pressure mode.
(3) The employer must make sure the person conducting fit testing is able to do all of the following:
(a) Prepare test solutions if required;
(b) Make sure equipment works properly;
(c) Perform tests properly;
(d) Recognize invalid tests;
(e) Calculate fit factors properly if required.
Notes: | 1. No specific training program or certification is required for those who conduct fit tests. |
2. The employer should consider evaluating these individuals to determine their proficiency in the fit-testing method to be used. | |
3. The employer can use an evaluation form such as the form included in the American National Standard for Respirator Fit Testing Methods, ANSI/AIHA Z88.10-2001 to determine if the individual meets these requirements. Visit www.ansi.org or www.aiha.org. |