Page 24 - PPE GUIDELINE
P. 24
Guidelines on the Use of PPE Against Chemical Hazards
The employees with tight-fitting respirator shall be tested prior to initial use of the
respirator, whenever a different respirator face-piece (size, style, model or make) is
used, and at least annually thereafter.
A fit test must not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the face and the
sealing surface of the respirator such as stubble, moustache, beard, long side burns or
the user is putting on prescriptive glasses with temple bars for tight-fitting full face-
piece. Any safety equipment, such as goggles and safety glasses, which is worn with
the respirator in the normal course of work, should also be worn during the fit testing.
Prior to the commencement of the fit test, the user should be instructed in the proper
donning of the respirator and conduct a user seal check (fit check) and also receive an
explanation of fit test procedures.
If a situation is encountered where a fit with a respirator cannot be obtained, then the
fit testing could be repeated using a different size or model. If this still fails, then
transferring the worker to a job where respiratory protection is not required or
providing the worker with a loose-fitting respirator of sufficient protection must be
considered.
There are two methods of fit testing:
a) Qualitative, and
b) Quantitative Fit Test
Qualitative Fit Test
Qualitative Fit Testing in Action
Department of Occupational Safety & Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia October 2005 24
