Fit Testing Resources for N95 Respirators

Whenever the use of a respirator, such as an N95 respirator, is required, employers must implement a written, worksite-specific respiratory protection program (RPP) as specified in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). The RPP must include medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and other elements, and the employer must be able to demonstrate that the program is enforced and updated as necessary.

A fit test is required before a respirator can be worn, yearly, and after any physical changes that may affect the fit. A successful fit test only qualifies an employee to use the specific brand/make/model and size of respirator that they wore during that test, and respirator sizing is not standardized across models or brands. For example, a medium in one model may fit differently that another manufacturer’s medium model. (A list of N95 respirators approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is available here.)

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) operates an Occupational Health Clinic Network that has nine sites throughout the state. These clinics have providers who may be hired to do fit testing for your facility, and their contact information is available here.

You may also perform your own fit testing if you follow the OSHA Fit Testing Procedures (Appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.134). If you perform your own fit testing, you must document compliance with the OSHA Fit Testing Procedures.

Contact: Sara Neitzel, sneitzel@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8835