Properly fitting a respirator is essential for protection, and a key part of verifying this fit is performing specific exercises during a fit test. While initial fitting involves selecting the right size and adjusting the straps for a secure seal, the "test fit" involves moving and breathing in various ways to ensure the seal holds under typical work conditions.
Exercises Performed During a Respirator Fit Test
During a qualitative or quantitative respirator fit test, after donning the respirator and performing a user seal check, you will typically perform a sequence of exercises for a specified duration (often 1 minute each) to simulate workplace activities. These movements are designed to challenge the face-to-respirator seal.
Here are the standard exercises performed during a fit test, which are crucial steps in verifying a proper respirator fit:
- Normal Breathing: Begin by breathing normally while wearing the respirator. This checks the seal during regular respiration.
- Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths. This tests the seal under increased airflow conditions.
- Turning Head Side to Side: Slowly turn your head from side to side as if looking over each shoulder. This checks the seal while moving your head laterally.
- Nodding Head Up and Down: Slowly nod your head up and down as if saying "yes." This tests the seal while moving your head vertically.
- Bending Forward to Touch Toes: Bend at the waist as if touching your toes (or simulate bending forward). This challenges the seal during torso movement and changes in body position.
- Talking, such as Reading a Passage Aloud: Talk normally or read from a prepared text. Talking moves facial muscles and jaw, which can break a seal if the fit is not secure.
- Finish by Resuming Normal Breathing: Conclude the exercise sequence by returning to normal breathing for a final check.
| Exercise | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Normal Breathing | Check seal during regular respiration. |
| Deep Breathing | Check seal under increased airflow. |
| Turning Head Side to Side | Test seal during lateral head movement. |
| Nodding Head Up and Down | Test seal during vertical head movement. |
| Bending Forward | Challenge seal during body position changes. |
| Talking | Check seal during facial muscle movement. |
| Resuming Normal Breathing | Final check after movements. |
Successfully completing these exercises without detecting leakage (in qualitative testing) or while maintaining a sufficient fit factor (in quantitative testing) confirms that the respirator is adequately fitted for the individual user for that specific respirator model, style, and size. These movements are a vital part of the fit testing process that verifies the initial fitting procedure was effective.
