Quantitative vs qualitative respirator fit tests: What’s the difference?
Workers must pass a “fit test” before being issued tight-fitting respirators, with two methods of testing available – quantitative and qualitative.
Both types of tests are used to determine if the disposable or reusable respirator has an adequate seal, by detecting if any air is leaking into the facepiece.
However, qualitative tests are pass/fail, based on the user’s sense of smell or taste. In contrast, quantitative tests use specialised equipment to measure exactly how much air is leaking through the seal.
Consequently, the application of the two methods varies slightly according to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009. Qualitative tests are only allowed to be used for half-face respirators. Whereas quantitative tests can be used for half-face, full-face and powered air purifying respirators.
Regardless of which test is chosen, the respirator tested must be the same make, model and size as what the worker will use in the work environment.
In addition, they must be tested wearing any other personal protective equipment (PPE) that they will use in conjunction with the respirator. Notably, ear muffs, safety goggles or prescription glasses, as these can also interfere with the seal.
Records of each fit test conducted should be kept. Absolutely noting the date, the type of test performed, the type of respirator and the test result.
Aside from before a respirator is issued, fit tests should also be conducted at least annually. Also, whenever a new make, model or size of respirator is issued and if there are changes to the worker’s facial characteristics, such as loss of teeth, weight change or facial hair changes.
Qualitative fit testing:
Qualitative fit tests involve the use of airborne substances that have distinct tastes or smells that can be detected by the user if there is a leak.
In this light, substances that may be used for the test include:
- Isoamyl acetate (banana smell)
- Bitrex (bitter taste)
- Saccharin (sweet taste)
- Irritant smoke (coughing)
Thus, if the person detects the substance while wearing the respirator, then the test result is a fail. As a result, a new test should be completed after adjusting the respirator or choosing a different brand/size respirator.
Quantitative fit testing:
Quantitative fit tests involve attaching a specialist instrument to the respirator to measure the amount of leakage occurring at the face seal.
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), three quantitative tests exist:
- Generated aerosol
- Ambient aerosol
- Controlled negative pressure
To illustrate, in a controlled negative pressure test, the instrument measures the leakage of air through the seal when the wearer breathes in.
When running an aerosol test, the instrument measures the concentration of particles in the air and compares this to the concentration of particles within the facepiece, with the ratio of the two results called the “fit factor”. This is the most common test performed in Australia.
Moreover, ambient aerosol refers to particles already in the air, such as microscopic dust particles. While generated aerosols are non-hazardous particles used for the purpose of the test. In this case, a test chamber is required.
As respirator filters stop all the aerosol from entering the facepiece, any particles present are attributed to leakage in the face seal.
Positive and Negative Fit Testing:
Before each use, a simple positive or negative pressure check should be performed by the user on their respiratory protective equipment. These are only apt for tight-fitting respirators and “should be used only as a very gross determination of fit,” according to the Australian Standard. Basically, this will function as a simple but crucial backup seal test.
Pro Choice Safety Gear’s PressToCheck Filters:
Another complementary respiratory fit test can be found in Pro Choice Safety Gear’s PresstoCheck filters, a unique system engineered to allow self-assessment of a mask’s seal.
PressToCheck is a personal, negative pressure fit test system that can be easily performed anywhere and anytime. However it does not replace a qualitative or quantitative fit test in accordance with AS/NZS1715.
For more information download Pro Choice Safety Gear’s Respiratory Protection Safety Guide.