1. Do I have to provide respirator fit testing?

Yes—if your employees are required to wear tight-fitting respirators (e.g., N95, half-mask, full-face). OSHA mandates fit testing before first use, annually, and whenever a different respirator model or size is used.

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2. What types of respirators require fit testing?

Fit testing is required for all tight-fitting facepieces, including:

• N95 filtering facepiece respirators

• Elastomeric half-mask respirators

• Full-face respirators

• Tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs)

Loose-fitting hoods and helmets do not require fit testing.

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3. How often do employees need to be fit tested?

• Annually (must be repeated every 12 months)

• After any change that could affect face seal: weight change, dental surgery, facial scarring, facial hair restrictions, etc.

• When switching to a different make, model, style, or size of respirator.

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4. Can employees have facial hair?

Employees required to wear tight-fitting respirators cannot have facial hair that interferes with the seal (beards, stubble, long mustaches).
Short, well-trimmed mustaches that don’t cross the seal area are allowed.

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5. What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing?

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)

• Pass/fail test

• Uses taste, smell, or irritation (e.g., saccharin, Bitrex, irritant smoke)

• Suitable only for N95 and other negative pressure respirators requiring a fit factor of 100 or less

Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)

• Uses instrumentation (e.g., PortaCount)

• Provides numerical fit factor

• Required for full-face respirators and anything needing a fit factor >100

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6. Do I need a medical evaluation before fit testing?

Yes.
OSHA requires employees to complete a Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire before fit testing or use.
A licensed healthcare provider must review it and clear the employee.

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7. Can we fit test employees in their normal work clothing?

Employees must be fit tested wearing any PPE that could affect the seal, such as:

• Safety glasses

• Face shields

• Hard hats

• Other items worn near the respirator

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8. What documentation is required?

Employers must keep:

• Fit test records (valid for 12 months)

• Medical clearance documentation

• Training records

• The written Respiratory Protection Program

Fit test records must include:

• Employee name

• Type, model, and size of respirator

• Date of the test

• Method used

• Pass/fail (or fit factor, if quantitative)

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9. Who can perform fit testing?

OSHA allows any qualified person to conduct fit testing—no license required.
However, the tester must be trained and follow OSHA-approved methods.

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10. What happens if an employee fails a fit test?

They must:

• Try a different size or model

• Try a different respirator type

• Address any seal issues (e.g., facial hair, PPE interference)

They may not perform duties requiring respirator use until passing.

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11. Do voluntary respirator users need fit testing?

No—if respirator use is truly voluntary and the employer has verified the workplace does not require respirators.
However, employers must provide:

• Appendix D information

• Medical clearance for elastomeric respirators (not required for N95s)