Respirator Fit Testing

On the job site, you should always use a well-fitting half mask respirator with appropriate cartridges if it is recommended on a product's SDS sheet or if you are using a technique that puts fumes or nanoparticles in the air, such as sanding or spraying. USA 829 has partnered with the Mount Sinai-Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine to provide respirator usage evaluation and fit testing to members. Fit testing ensures that a selected respirator provides an adequate seal between a person's face and the respirator's surface. It is for the make, model, and size of respirator that an individual seeks to use on the job site. These tests should be performed once every year, whenever a different brand, type, style, or size of respirator is being used, and whenever any facial changes occur that could affect fit (such as dental work or significant weight fluctuation).

To engage in USA 829's Respirator Fit Testing program, fill out this form to give us more information about your respirator fit testing needs. After you submit it, Safety Representative Sandy Phillips will follow up with details on completing the Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (to be evaluated by one of our PLHCPs) and the process for the physical fit testing event.

To engage in physical fit testing, participants must:

• Have medical clearance provided by the Selikoff Center
• Have the actual respirator in brand and size that they plan to use
• Be clean shaven
• Refrain from smoking, eating, chewing gum or tobacco, or drinking sweetened beverages (including diet soda or drinks) for at least 25 minutes before the fit test

If you have any questions, you can email Business Representative for Safety Sandy Phillips at sphillips@usa829.org.