FAQ — Fire Fit Solutions

Question 1

What is respirator fit testing?

Accepted Answer

Respirator fit testing is a process that verifies a specific facepiece creates an adequate seal on an individual wearer's face. It confirms that the respirator — when properly donned — will protect the wearer from airborne hazards. Fit testing is required before initial use of a tight-fitting respirator and must be repeated annually.

Question 2

What's the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative fit testing relies on the wearer's subjective response to a test agent — typically a bitter or sweet aerosol — to determine pass or fail. Quantitative fit testing uses instrumentation (like a PortaCount machine) to measure the actual concentration of particles inside and outside the facepiece, producing a numerical fit factor. Quantitative testing is objective, more accurate, and required for SCBA facepieces used in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres.

Question 3

Why does quantitative fit testing matter for firefighters?

Accepted Answer

Firefighters operate in IDLH atmospheres where facepiece seal integrity is critical. A facepiece that doesn't seal properly — even slightly — can allow toxic combustion products, hydrogen cyanide, or other hazardous gases to enter the breathing zone. Quantitative fit testing gives you a real number confirming the seal meets the required standard, not just a subjective impression.

Question 4

What is a fit factor?

Accepted Answer

A fit factor is the numerical ratio of the particle concentration outside the facepiece to the concentration inside. A higher fit factor means a better seal. For SCBA facepieces used in IDLH environments, a minimum fit factor of 500 is required. Our PortaCount testing measures fit factors up to 200,000+, giving you precise data on each facepiece-wearer combination.

Question 5

How often does fit testing need to be done?

Accepted Answer

Fit testing must be performed at least annually for each respirator user. It must also be repeated whenever a firefighter reports that the facepiece no longer fits properly, when there are changes in the firefighter's physical condition that could affect fit (such as significant weight change, dental work, or facial surgery), or when a different facepiece model or size is issued.

Question 6

How long does fit testing take per person?

Accepted Answer

Each individual test typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, including donning the facepiece, completing the eight-exercise PortaCount protocol, and recording results. For a station of 20 personnel, plan on approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on scheduling flow and any retests needed.

Question 7

Can you test multiple facepiece models in one visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your department uses multiple SCBA facepiece models or sizes, we can test each firefighter on all applicable facepieces during the same visit. We recommend scheduling additional time when multiple models are being tested.

Question 8

Do you test at the station or do we come to you?

Accepted Answer

We come to you. Fire Fit Solutions provides fully mobile on-site fit testing. We bring all necessary equipment — including the PortaCount machine, aerosol generator, and documentation tools — directly to your station. Your personnel don't need to travel anywhere.

Question 9

Does facial hair affect fit testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Facial hair that passes through the facepiece sealing surface will prevent an adequate seal and result in a failed fit test. Personnel must be clean-shaven in the area where the facepiece seals against the face before testing. Mustaches that don't interfere with the sealing surface are generally acceptable, but any stubble or beard growth in the seal area will cause a failure.

Question 10

What should personnel bring to their fit test?

Accepted Answer

Each firefighter should bring their own SCBA facepiece — the specific model and size they are assigned and will use in service. Testing is performed on the actual facepiece the individual will wear, not a generic test unit. If your department is evaluating new facepiece models, bring those as well.

Question 11

What space do you need at the station?

Accepted Answer

We need a reasonably clean, enclosed space — a conference room, training room, or even a cleared area in the apparatus bay works well. The space should be away from running apparatus or other sources of exhaust that could affect ambient particle counts. We'll work with whatever your station has available.

Question 12

Do personnel need to do anything before the test?

Accepted Answer

Personnel should avoid eating, drinking (except water), smoking, or chewing gum for at least 15 minutes before their test. They should be clean-shaven in the facepiece seal area. Beyond that, no special preparation is required — just show up with their facepiece.

Question 13

What documentation do we receive after testing?

Accepted Answer

After each testing session, Fire Fit Solutions provides complete written records for every individual tested. Documentation includes the firefighter's name, the facepiece model and size tested, the fit factor achieved, pass/fail status, the date of testing, and the next required testing date. Records are formatted for easy filing and retention.

Question 14

What happens if someone fails their fit test?

Accepted Answer

If a firefighter fails a fit test with their assigned facepiece, we'll work through the issue on-site. This may include checking donning technique, trying a different size of the same model, or testing an alternative facepiece model if available. We document all attempts and results. If a passing fit cannot be achieved during the visit, the department will need to address facepiece selection before the individual can be cleared for SCBA use.

Question 15

How long are fit test records valid?

Accepted Answer

Fit test records are valid for one year from the date of testing. After that, the individual must be retested. We recommend scheduling annual testing on a consistent cycle so records don't lapse — we can help you set up a recurring schedule that keeps your department current.

ANSWERS ABOUT FIT TESTING.

The Basics

Scheduling & Process

Preparation & Requirements

Results & Documentation

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