The Importance of Choosing a Suitable Respirator Fit Tester
Correctly fitted respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in occupational environments is essential to protect respiratory health. Respirator fit testing plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness of RPE in industries where airborne contaminants pose a risk to the health and safety of workers. However, not all respirator fit testers have the same capabilities.
Important considerations when selecting a respirator fit tester include:
- Technology type
- Type of respirators that can be fit tested by the instrument
- The efficiency of conducting a fit test
- Requirement of consumables and attachments
- Required testing environment and field testing capability
- Ease of operation
Respiratory protection is vital for industries where airborne contaminants are a risk such as construction, healthcare, emergency services, and mining. The Australia/New Zealand Standard 1715:1994 regulates fit testing in Australia, implementing the requirement of annual fit testing and maintenance within associated industries.
On a surface level, many respiratory fit testers appear to have relatively similar features. However, subtle distinctions may make certain fit testers more or less suitable depending on the purpose of the fit testing program.
With so many options currently available on the market, this article aims to assist users in selecting the most appropriate fit tester to suit their respiratory fit testing program.
The two most common types of fit testing technology currently utilised by industry professionals are Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) and Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC). Both are quantitative fit testing methodologies and are therefore not subjective.
OHD QuantiFit 2 Respirator Fit Tester
The QuantiFit 2 utilises CNP technology to accurately gain data on the leakage levels of respirators. By creating a negative pressure within the respirator, the QuantiFit 2 monitors airflow, while the wearer holds their breath, to determine whether there is any leakage into the respirator. While other fit testers detect the presence of a leak, the QuantiFit 2 is the only system that directly measures leakage (as leak rate in cc/min) by determining the exact amount of air that leaks into the respirator during the fit test.
The TSI PortaCount and the Accutec AccuFIT 9000 Respirator Fit Testers
In contrast, CNC fit testers such as the PortaCount and the AccuFIT 9000 use a probe to measure the leakage of ambient aerosols into a respirator. The instruments then compare the concentration of particles in the air to the concentration of particles in the facepiece. The test is deemed a pass if the particle count within the respirator is low enough to be labelled as safe.
However, this means that CNC fit testers are heavily reliant on factors such as the size of particles, atmospheric concentration, whether there are particles coming from the individual’s lungs, and the path of the particles. In a trial conducted with NSW Police, CNP technology was able to identify leaks which were not detected with CNC technology due to the use of air to perform the test rather than aerosol particles.
There is a huge range of RPE on the market. Respirators are selected based on the work being done and the risks involved. For applications such as construction where airborne dangers like silica dust are present, tight-fitting respirators are generally required (requirements are dependent on jurisdiction). In contrast, the healthcare industry generally utilises half-face disposable masks to prevent airborne pathogen transmission. While certain fit testing instruments can test all mask types, some can only test a limited range of respirators.
OHD QuantiFit 2 Respirator Fit Tester
The QuantiFit 2 Fit Tester offers testing for numerous types of RPE including half-face respirators and full-faced respirators. This flexibility ensures that businesses can perform fit tests for a variety of different workplace applications, making the QuantiFit 2 a versatile fit testing instrument. Due to the unrivalled accuracy of CNP technology, the QuantiFit 2 specialises in the fit testing of tight-fitting respirators and does not have the ability to test disposable single use face masks. OHD also conveniently offers a range of mask adaptors from brands such as 3M, MSA, Drager, Sundstrom, and Cleanspace, eliminating the need to switch between fit tester devices while testing different respirators.
The TSI PortaCount and the Accutec AccuFIT 9000 Respirator Fit Testers
Whilst CNP technology allows the QuantiFit 2 to test tight fitting respirators more accurately than CNC technology, if testing of disposable masks is required, the PortaCount or AccuFIT would be suitable due to their use of ambient aerosol as a challenge agent.
Time efficiency is crucial in today’s fast-paced workplaces. The process of respirator fit testing can be onerous, limiting workplace efficiency and deterring users from ensuring masks are fit tested before employees engage in work. Workplaces often fit test a number of workers at once, so factors such as preparation time and test speed have a significant impact on productivity.
OHD QuantiFit 2 Respirator Fit Tester
The QuantiFit 2 offers rapid fit testing that takes significantly less time than alternative fit testers currently on the market. This allows individuals to complete fit testing efficiently, minimising disruption to daily operations and improving overall productivity. The QuantiFit 2 has a total test time of two minutes, as well as a range of other time-saving features including:
- No requirements for probing or consumables, avoiding excess preparation time
- No waiting period after eating or smoking unlike alternative fit test methods
- AutoStart feature that automatically senses when the user begins the exercise.
TSI PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester
The PortaCount similarly has a test run time of approximately two and a half minutes, however it requires significant preparation, limiting the overall efficiency of conducting a fit test. The PortaCount requires a warmup period of one minute, as well as a five-minute wait after donning the respirator to reduce ambient air particles before beginning the exercises. This results in a total test time of eight and a half minutes. In addition, the PortaCount requires the user to refrain from eating or smoking 30 minutes prior to the test and for consumables to be replaced in preparation for testing, adding to the setup time.
Accutec AccuFIT 9000 Respirator Fit Tester
The test run time for the AccuFIT 9000 is approximately two and half minutes, but also requires the use of probing and consumables. Before using the AccuFIT 9000 you must ensure the alcohol cartridge is full, otherwise it cannot measure the particles correctly. If an alcohol refill was required, you must wait a few minutes before conducting the test.
RESP-FIT: Fit Tester Accreditation and Training
While the fit testing instrument plays a role, the true key to effective fit testing programs lies in the hands of the tester. Untrained and unaccredited individuals can compromise the entire process, potentially exposing workers to harmful hazards despite wearing a respirator.
The RESP-FIT program, proudly supported by Air-Met Scientific and OHD, trains fit testers to ensure the correct protocol and steps are undertaken when conducting fit testing to protect the health and safety of workers. An individual accredited by RESP-FIT will have the training and knowledge to conduct fit testing properly and efficiently in accordance with AS/ANZ 1715 and ISO 16975-3
Ease-of-use and operational flexibility is vital to ensuring high user engagement and therefore the success of a fit testing program. Respirator fit testing is required in many industries however, the operational flexibility to conduct fit testing in a range of workplace environments and ease of use play a vital role in engagement and success of fit test program.
OHD QuantiFit 2 Respirator Fit Tester
The QuantiFit 2 streamlines the fit testing process with no specific test environment requirements, simple set up and an easy-to-follow testing procedure. Unlike ambient aerosol testing, CNP technology requires no consumables as air is used as the challenge agent, which also allows testing to be conducted indoors or outdoors. Additionally, the QuantiFit 2’s animated step-by-step instructions make following the fit testing procedure easy, reducing incidence of user error to increase time-efficiency and increase user-engagement with the fit testing program.
TSI PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester
Like the QuantiFit 2, the TSI PortaCount uses animated steps to guide the user through the fit testing process. However, the process is required to be undertaken in a small, enclosed room without air-conditioning, significantly limiting test flexibility and comfort. The PortaCount also uses a probe in the testing process that may be inserted incorrectly and therefore can affect the accuracy of the test outcome.
Accutec AccuFIT 9000 Respirator Fit Tester
The AccuFIT 9000 has an easy-to-use 7-inch touch screen for simple control of the fit testing device. However, the instrument requires consumables (alcohol for size-enhancement of particles) and must be plugged into a power source for operation, which significantly reduces portability and field-testing capacity.
Deciding Which Respirator Fit Tester Fulfils Your Requirements
Ultimately, deciding on a fit testing instrument comes down to regulatory requirements and the priorities of a business. In most industries where tight fitted masks and respirators are used, the OHD QuantiFit 2 emerges as a standout due to its innovative CNP technology, lack of consumables, ease-of-use and operational flexibility.
Air-Met Scientific is an authorised and exclusive distributor of the OHD product range in Australia. With seven offices nationwide, Air-Met Scientific offers servicing and calibration of the OHD QuantiFit 2, reducing downtime for your business and ensuring your fit tester is ready for use.
Need help choosing the right respirator fit tester to suit your needs? Contact your local Air-Met Scientific office today.