Fit Testing Made Simple
Appointments available at our Westerville office or at your site — quick, compliant, and people-focused.
OSHA-Required Training
If your employees wear respirators, OSHA requires both annual fit testing and training. Safex makes it simple with flexible options: complete the quick online training at any time and pair it with your fit test, either in our office or right at your workplace, for full compliance in one step.
Why Fit Testing Matters
Respirators only work if they fit properly. A small gap can mean big exposure to harmful dusts, vapors, or infectious agents. Fit testing ensures that:
- The respirator seals correctly against the face
- Employees are protected in real-world conditions
- Everyone has peace of mind knowing their equipment works the way it should
Types of Fit Testing
At Safex, we offer both types of OSHA-accepted fit testing. Not sure which you need? We’ll guide you.
Qualitative Fit Testing
Uses challenge agents (like saccharin, Bitrex, or banana oil) and relies on the wearer’s sense of taste or smell. Best for half-mask respirators.
Quantitative Fit Testing
Uses specialized equipment (TSI PortaCount) to measure leakage into the respirator. Provides a precise, numeric result and is required for tight-fitting full-face respirators.
Beyond Fit Testing
We can also support your workplace with:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) assessments
Occupational exposure assessments
Health and safety program oversight
OSHA Requirements & Respiratory Protection Plans
OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires employers to have a written plan whenever respirators are required, even voluntarily. This plan should be regularly reviewed by someone outside the program (that’s where we come in). Safex can help you develop, review, and maintain a program that works and keeps you compliant.
Medical Clearance
Before any employee uses a respirator, OSHA requires a medical evaluation. Safex makes this easy through our online medical clearance process. Employees answer a short health questionnaire, a licensed physician reviews it, and clearance is provided online with no waiting rooms, no hassle.
Facial Hair
A good seal is critical. Too much facial hair interferes with fit, so employees must come clean-shaven, defined as within 24 hours.. (We’ll provide a chart if you’re unsure.) If someone arrives unshaven, a $10 shaving fee will apply.
Please note: If you are sick, we'll ask you to reschedule for everyone's safety.
All participants must have medical clearance before testing.
Why Choose Safex
for Fit Testing
Convenient:
Monthly testing appointments available
Experienced:
Professionals with decades of safety expertise
Comprehensive:
Training, medical clearance, and program support all in one place
People-First:
We make the process quick, easy, and worker-focused
FAQ
Who needs a fit test?
All employees who are required to wear a tight-fitting respirator are required to have a fit test. The type of fit test, i.e., qualitative vs. quantitative, required depends on the type of respirator worn. Qualitative fit tests are acceptable for filtering facepiece, ½ mask elastomeric, respirators, and full-face elastomeric respirators used for positive pressure supplied air. Quantitative fit tests are required for all tight-fitting full-face respirators. Loose fitting powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) do not require a fit test.
How often is respirator fit testing required?
Annually, or anytime an employee’s facial features change significantly (e.g., weight change, surgery, scarring).
What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing?
Qualitative testing is based on taste/smell response, while quantitative testing uses equipment to measure leakage.
Who needs medical clearance?
Any employee required to wear a respirator is required to have a medical evaluation and clearance prior to wearing a respirator. When voluntary use of respirators is allowed, a medical evaluation and clearance is required for all respirators except for filtering facepiece respirators.
What happens if an employee fails a fit test?
We’ll work with them to adjust fit, try another size or model, and repeat the test until they pass.
Ready to protect your people and simplify compliance?
Let’s build a safer workplace together.
