Frequency of Fit Testing - FY07

NOTE: This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Current Information can be found at: Frequency of Fit Testing - FY08

Objective

The goals of this project are to quantify the benefit of annual fit testing and assess causative factors affecting the temporal changes in respirator fit. Specific aims are to: (1) determine the percentage of fit test failure resulting in a new model and/or size; (2) identify differences between filtering facepieces and elastomeric respirators; and (3) investigate the effect of weight change, face change, and other factors on temporal changes in respirator fit.

Applicable Standards

29 CFR 1910.134
ISO TC94 SC 15

Key Partners

None

Stakeholders

OSHA
MSHA
ANSI
AIHA
ISO
Respirator Users

Project Scope

A laboratory study will be conducted to assess causative factors affecting temporal changes in respirator fit. The possible causative factors include: weight gain or loss, face size change, 3-D scans and nose shape change, wrinkling and scarring, medical procedures, BMI, percent body fat, height, age and gender.

Milestones

Develop a field study protocol
Develop a lab study protocol
Start collecting data per lab study protocol
Start collecting data per field study protocol

Outputs

Manuscripts published or submitted to peer review journals
Presentations to stakeholders or conferences
Standards committee meetings & public meetings

Outcomes

Improved respiratory protection for workers as a result of assessing fit characteristic changes through testing.

Page last modified: July 23, 2007
Page last reviewed: July 23, 2007 (archived document)
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)