Ask the expert: Trainer qualifications for fit testing

By: John Palmer July 23rd, 2009

Q: Who would be qualified to do N95 respirator fit testing in our practice?

A: OSHA does not have a certification requirement for fit test training, only that the person be familiar with one of the two acceptable fit test methods as well as the limitations of the models of respirators being tested:

Fit test trainer requirements, according to OSHA’s Fit Testing Procedures—1910.134 App A:

Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)	Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)
1. Calibrate equipment.	1. Prepare test solutions.
2. Perform tests properly.	2. Calibrate equipment.
3. Recognize an invalid test.	3. Perform tests properly.
4. Calculate fit factors properly.	4. Recognize an invalid test.
5. Ensure equipment is in working order.	5. Ensure equipment is in working order.

This month’s Medical Environment Update looks at just-in-time fit testing for healthcare facilities.

Comments(12) Ask the expert—General OSHA, Respiratory Protection

Comments

By Mary Porter on August 13th, 2009 at 9:23 am

Is there a mecical evaluation questionnaire JUST for n95 mask?

By Grace Moyer on September 7th, 2012 at 3:27 pm

Is there an update to OSHA’s requirements for a trainer to conduct fit testing in oil field or hospital settings?

2009 It looks like there is not a certification required.

By Theresa on February 13th, 2013 at 3:16 pm

Does the person have to be a medically qualified or can training be completed by a person who has a medical background to a person who works in a human resource department?

By MARY PEREZ on September 7th, 2016 at 11:56 am

need a tech rep for safety

By stephen fekishazy on October 29th, 2017 at 6:47 pm

I would like to learn about fit testing the squad I belong to.
Lt.Steve Fekishazy
Marbletown First Aid Unit

By Megan on November 13th, 2017 at 9:36 am

I am trying to find out what I need to do to get certified to fit masks for the facility I work for.

By Peter Giunchini on January 20th, 2018 at 3:15 pm

We have been using the OHD mask fitting testing machine for years to test our fire company members. My question is to train new officers to do the mask fitting do they need to be certified or what are the requirements for them. Thank you

By Dhar Jabouri on February 13th, 2018 at 11:01 am

“only that the person be familiar with one of the two acceptable fit test methods”

Would you, please, define “familiar”? Is watching the fit test video qualify as being familiar?

Thank you

By Judith Quintana on November 28th, 2018 at 3:23 pm

1) We would like to have one of our employees who is not a physician or a medical employee but has been working in healthcare and medical education for 35 years conduct the Respirator Mask Fit Testing to our medical students. Would she be able to do this?

2) Can you suggest any online training for this individual?

Thank you.

By Chelsi Akina on January 11th, 2019 at 6:58 am

My sister does the fit testing where she works. On some days she fit tests at least 10-12 people a day. She wears a respirator when administering the smoke test. Does she need to get fit tested herself since she’s wearing a mask too? Her company says no, I’ve read OSHAs rules. is this a gray area?

By Katrina Diwa on May 13th, 2020 at 12:31 pm

Looking for some suggestions on where a medical professional can get proper training for Mask fitting.

Would the manufacture be the best place to start?