A Fit-Test examines the seal between the respirator’s facepiece and the wearer’s face. The test should take about 15 – 20 minutes to complete. It should be performed annually or bi-annually or as may be specified by your agency. The significance of passing a Fit-Test examination with a respirator is that the examinee (the person wearing the respirator) must use the exact same make, model, style, and size of a respirator on the job to ensure a proper fit.

Must N95, and other respirators be Fit-Tested? The answer is Yes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1910.134) requires respirator users to be fit tested to be sure that the fit of any respirator that forms a tight seal on your face before using it in the workplace.