Respirator Fit Test Exercises

Once the employee has successfully determined the respiratory device to be of proper fit, they must perform fit test exercises. This includes the following:

A normal breathing test: Standing normally, the employee breathes (without talking) to test the device.

A deep breathing test: Standing normally, the employee breathes slowly and deeply, while taking care not to hyperventilate.

A "side to side" test: The employee stands normally and turns his or her head from side to side, holding the head to the side and breathing deeply.

An "up and down" test: The employee stands normally and moves his or her head up and down, inhaling while looking up.

A talking test: The employee speaks loudly and slowly in a way that he or she can be heard by the employer. Oftentimes, the employee is asked to repeat a commonly known song or poem, count backward from 100, or read a passage.

A "grimace" test: The employee grimaces, either by smiling or frowning. (Note: This is only for QNFT testing but not for QLFT.)

A "bending over" test: The employee bends at the waist (like attempting to touch his or her toes). If the respiratory device does not allow for bending from the waist, then a "jogging" test may replace this test.

Please note that you may not adjust the respirator once the fit test exercises begin. This voids the test, and it must be repeated.

Test takers must perform each of the above-mentioned tests for one minute. The only exception is the "grimace" test, which requires 15 seconds.

After completing the test, the test conductor must ask the test taker questions about respirator comfort. If uncomfortable, the employee must choose another type of respirator.

Note: These fit tests are required for most respiratory devices. However, there are exceptions. For example, aerosol CNC and CNP REDON quantitative fit test protocols are slightly different. Consult Appendix A of 1910.134 or consult OSHA for specifics.

To learn more about Respiratory Protection visit our Respiratory Protection Online Training web page.