Respirator Mask Fit Testing Edmonton
Who Needs Edmonton Fit Testing?
Most jurisdictions, including Alberta, require that formal respirator mask fit testing be done for workers required to use respirators for respiratory hazards in their jobs, such as exposure to hazardous dust, fog, fumes, gases, mist, smoke, spray, vapour, biological agents, and oxygen deficient atmospheres.
This is an issue in many jobs and types of work. Here are just a few examples of workers who could need to wear respiratory protection requiring mask fit testing:
- asbestos removal workers;
- welders;
- refrigeration mechanics working on an ammonia based system;
- farmers exposed to molds and pesticides;
- autobody workers using paints or truck bed coatings;
- firefighters;
- EMTs transporting patients with an airborne-communicable illness (e.g. tuberculosis); and
- workers required to do confined space entry work.
No matter the respiratory hazard, you can access our quantitative mask fit testing services to ensure and document that your workers are protected with professionally fitted half mask or full facepiece respirator masks.
Click the button below to book a mask fit test online.
Quantitative fit testing methodology
At SCS, you get the benefit from our technicians using the “gold standard of fit testing” with the OHD Quantifit machine, which uses controlled negative pressure.
This easy to administer test, which is not subjective and provides measurable results, ensures that the seal achieved corresponds with the appropriate protection and fit factors you require.
Respirator Brands We Test With in Edmonton
There is a good selection of brands that your workers can use for half mask and full facepiece respirators.
Accordingly we have a large number of masks that we can use to conduct fit testing here at SCS:
Scott
- Scott AV 2000/3000/3000Sureseal (2000 Small, Large, X-Large; 3000/3000SS Small, Medium, Large)
3M
- 3M 7500 Series Half Mask (7501 Small, 7502 Medium, 7503 Large)
- 3M 6000 Series Half Mask (6100 Small, 6200 Medium, 6300 Large)
- 3M 6000 Series Full Mask (6700 Small, 6800 Medium, 6900 Large)
- 3M 6900 Series Full Mask PAPR (Black Nosepiece Full Mask – Medium, Large)
- 3M FF-400 Series Full Mask (FF-401 Small, FF-402 Medium, FF-403 Large)
North
- North 7700 Series Half Mask (Small, Medium, Large)
- North 5500 Series Half Mask (Small, Medium, Large)
- North 5400 Series Full Mask (Small, Medium/Large)
- North 7600 Series Full Mask (Small, Medium/Large)
MSA
- MSA Advantage 420 Series Half Mask (Small, Medium, Large)
- MSA Advantage 200 LS Series Half Mask (Small, Medium)
- MSA 3200 Series Full Face (Small, Medium, Large)
Testing protocols to remember
Facial hair: Beards are very in style right now, but for effective use of a respirator mask, you must be clean shaven as hair interferes with the seal. This rule applies for the fit test as well.
Back-up masks: Trying on masks is a bit like trying on shoes. Everyone’s face shape is different, so make sure your employer tells you a back-up mask that we can try on you if your primary choice is not a fit.
Regular retesting: CSA standards require retesting every two years, but we highly recommend annual fit tests, since people’s weight and health and mask comfort factors can change significantly in a year, and you want to verify that their mask still fits and protects them adequately.
Click the button below to book a mask fit test online.