QUANTITATIVE SCBA FIT TESTING
Professional, objective fit testing built around the facepieces and operations of the fire service.
UNDERSTANDING RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING
Respirator fit testing is the process used to determine whether a specific make, model, style, and size of tight-fitting respirator facepiece provides an acceptable fit for an individual wearer. A tight-fitting respirator depends on an effective seal between the facepiece and the wearer's face — without that seal, the respiratory protection the facepiece is designed to provide may be compromised.
Fit testing is a requirement under applicable OSHA respiratory protection standards for workers who use tight-fitting respirators, including firefighters who use SCBA. It is also addressed in NFPA standards related to fire department respiratory protection programs.
QUALITATIVE VS. QUANTITATIVE FIT TESTING
QUALITATIVE FIT TESTING
Qualitative fit testing is a pass/fail method that relies on the wearer's subjective response to a test agent — typically a sweet or bitter aerosol, or an irritant smoke. If the wearer detects the agent inside the facepiece, the test fails. Because the result depends on the wearer's perception, qualitative testing is considered a less objective method.
QUANTITATIVE FIT TESTING
Quantitative fit testing uses specialized equipment to measure the actual concentration of a test agent both inside and outside the facepiece simultaneously. The result is a numerical fit factor — an objective, measurable value that indicates how well the facepiece seals to the individual's face.
WHAT IS A FIT FACTOR?
A fit factor is the numerical ratio of the concentration of a test agent outside the facepiece to the concentration inside the facepiece during a fit test. A higher fit factor indicates a better seal between the facepiece and the wearer's face.
Applicable OSHA standards specify minimum fit factor requirements for different respirator types. For tight-fitting full-facepiece respirators — such as the SCBA facepieces used by firefighters — the required minimum fit factor is higher than for half-facepiece respirators.
SCBA FACEPIECE FIT TESTING FOR THE FIRE SERVICE
Fire Fit Solutions focuses specifically on the tight-fitting SCBA facepieces used by fire-service personnel. SCBA facepieces are full-facepiece respirators — they cover the nose, mouth, and eyes — and are used by firefighters in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres, including interior structural firefighting.
- Full-facepiece SCBA used in IDLH atmospheres require quantitative fit testing under applicable OSHA standards.
- Fit testing must be performed with the specific make, model, style, and size of facepiece the firefighter will use in service.
- Fit testing is required when a respirator is initially assigned and periodically thereafter — often annually.
- Facial hair at the sealing surface of the facepiece can prevent an acceptable fit and must be addressed prior to testing.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TESTING
Quantitative fit testing using the PortaCount method involves a series of exercises performed while wearing the facepiece. The test measures the fit factor achieved during each exercise and produces an overall fit factor result.
Normal Breathing
The firefighter breathes normally while the instrument measures the fit factor.
Deep Breathing
The firefighter breathes deeply to simulate increased respiratory demand.
Head Side to Side
The firefighter turns their head slowly from side to side to test the seal during movement.
Head Up and Down
The firefighter moves their head up and down to evaluate the seal during vertical movement.
Talking
The firefighter speaks during the test to assess the seal during facial movement associated with speech.
Normal Breathing (Final)
A final normal breathing exercise is performed to complete the test protocol.
At the conclusion of the test, an overall fit factor is calculated. If the fit factor meets or exceeds the applicable minimum, the test is passed. Results are documented for the department's respiratory protection program records.
ON-SITE TESTING AT YOUR STATION
Fire Fit Solutions is a mobile service — we bring the fit-testing equipment directly to your fire station. There is no need for firefighters to travel to an outside facility. Testing is conducted at your station, on your schedule, using the SCBA facepieces your department uses in service.
- No travel required for department personnel
- Testing conducted with your department's actual facepieces
- Scheduling coordinated around your department's operations
- Organized documentation provided to the department
READY TO SCHEDULE FIT TESTING FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT?
Contact Fire Fit Solutions to discuss your department's fit-testing needs and schedule on-site testing.