The purpose of a Respiratory Protection Plan is to ensure adequate protection of employees from respiratory hazards and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state standards.

Respiratory Protection Plans are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under its Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) whenever an employer requires an employee, or they voluntarily choose, to wear a respirator.

The plan should be periodically audited by a knowledgeable person not directly associated with the program to ensure that the written procedures are being followed and that the requirements are being met.

Respirator fit-testing helps ensure that filtering face pieces and negative-pressure respirators fit employees correctly.

Quantitative Fit-test
Quantitative respirator fit-testing uses the TSI PortaCount to measure leakage into the breathing zone of the respirator face piece.

Qualitative Fit-test
Qualitative fit-testing uses a challenge agent such as banana oil, saccharin or Bitrex.  The test is subjective and relies on the worker's sense of taste or smell.

Medical Clearance
The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee’s ability to use the respirator, before the employee is fit-tested or required to use the respirator in the work place.
Frequency of Fit-testing
Fit-tests must be performed annually. More frequent fit testing is necessary if the respirator use changes or if the employee’s physical condition is altered.

On the first Friday of each month Safex offers a special promotion on Fit Testing NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! Just come to the Safex offices on the First Friday of the month between 9am - 4pm & get fit-tested for only $55! (normally $65)   Medical Clearance Medical Clearances are required for all fit-tests.  Safex offers an on-line medical clearance for $35. (normally $40) If you have any questions or woud like to talk with a fit-test representative, contact: Rob Adams 614-890-0800 x212 or by email: radams@safex.us

Scheduled Dates for Fit Test Fridays: 2012 January 6th February 3rd March 2nd April 6th May 4th