The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the demand for fit-testing filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) such as N-95 masks. As American businesses reopen, employers must ensure their workers meet fit-testing requirements and get cleared for mask-wearing.
This is especially important for employees who are at higher risk of contracting a severe illness from COVID-19. According to the CDC, high-risk employees include:
- Those over 65 years of age
- Those who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- COPD
Why Your Employees Need A Fit Test
Mask sealing is a reliable mode of protection, but only if the mask fits properly. There must be no gaps between the mask and the face for it to be effective; even if the mask is made of high-quality materials, it will not be as effective with an imperfect seal. One size does not fit all. A fit test verifies that employees are using a mask that fits their faces.
Usually, employees will be fit tested before they return to work and begin wearing the respirator. However, additional testing may have to be conducted over time if a different size or make must be used. Changes in appearance, such as substantial weight loss/gain, cosmetic surgery, or facial scarring, may also call for another fit test.
How To Conduct A DIY Fit Test For N95 Masks
To properly perform a DIY fit test, you will need a testing hood, a testing solution — Saccharin (sweet) or Bitrex (bitter) — and a nebulizer. Once you have gathered the supplies, place the hood over your head while wearing an N95 mask. Aerosolize the testing solution and spray it as a fine mist. Then, complete the following exercises:
- Normal breathing
- Deep breathing
- Moving head side to side
- Moving head up and down
- Talking
- Bending over
You can tell the mask fits if you do not taste or smell the solution during the test.
Employers, especially in healthcare settings, need to protect their places of business and their people. When N95 masks are required for daily job duties, respiratory fit-testing is essential to maintaining your workers’ health and safety.