Don’t be fooled by the fit tester

Don’t be fooled by the fit tester

We all understand the importance of N95 respirator fit testing especially while living in the coronavirus environment with increased government restrictions and directives. That’s why it is important to make sure that the fit tester performing fit testing on staff is qualified to perform these tests.

In Ontario, we must follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act for sure, but we also want to follow what is considered the gold-standard in guidance on this subject. In Canada that is, CSA Z94.4-18 , Selection, Use and Care of Respirators which contains everything to know about a range of respirators, use of a variety testing methods and of course training requirements and trainer qualifications.

There are many courses out there offering instructor programs—some virtual, blended and some in-class. They can vary in length from a couple of hours to full-day workshops. There are likely some very unqualified trainers teaching others how to perform fit testing. For instance, they take a brief class or watch a recording and then figure that they can show others how to perform these tests, and be compensated for doing so, without the required experience.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act a competent person is defined as a person who:

• Is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance,
• Is familiar with the Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and
• Has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace.

CSA Z94.4-18 has a similar definition.

When we received evidence of fit testers performing fit tests using incorrect, frankly outlandish methods including the use of incense and diffusers it is as close to modern-day quackery or con-jobs seen in movies like Paper Moon. Just last week, we heard evidence from several subjects that the fit tester used one method (bitter) during the sensitivity test and a second method (sweet) during the final test defeating the purpose of using either distinct method. Clearly, the fit tester didn’t understand the purpose of the distinguishable test methods.

Recently, we showed up for a group of men all fully bearded and upset because the last fit tester completed the fit test with their beards! We have witnessed fit testers not using hoods for qualitative fit testing and not performing the required exercises while wearing their respirator upside down!

These are completely incompetent fit testers conning their clients and capitalizing on Covid19. They are robbing their clients by not performing the job expected and doing so unethically.  It is a disservice to their clients and their innocent victims—the respirator user.

It’s theft by slight of hand across a bearded face with a whiff of lavender incense.

So, while we are all busy trying to get through our hectic lives and with so many businesses needing fit testing right now, be cautious when hiring your next fit tester. Watch to make sure they are performing the fit test accurately. Ask about their training.

Fit testing looks very easy, but a skilled fit tester has gone through hours, days, even months of training. Unfortunately, Act First Safety fit testers spend a lot of time fixing the mistakes of the incompetent fit testers before us. Our skilled fit testers can easily identify the level of understanding by the subject and often can recognize if a correct fit test has occurred previously. We continue to learn and share information about fit testing regularly as we adapt to new respirators and market conditions. Don’t hesitate to call with your questions.

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Contact Dental Practice Safety at 416.283.7233 or contact us for further information.