Qualitative Respiratory Mask Fit testing ensures a tight, effective and customized fit for your face, to protect you from airborne contaminants.

During this short session we will use your sense of taste to determine if your respirator is the right fit for you. Mask fit testing is mandatory for many school and workplace admissions, including Health Science and Nursing programs in the Lower Mainland, and is a WorkSafe BC requirement for any worker who might need to wear respiratory protection at work.    

We will provide you with an N95 respirator, you can bring your own respirator or buy a respirator from us for testing. 

Annual retesting is mandatory for WorkSafeBC, to ensure the seal remains effective. 

Link2Life mask fit testing is conducted in compliance with occupational health and safety codes, and in accordance with CSA standards, and includes:

• Respirator selection
• Respirator limitations
• Sensitivity test and fit test
• Donning/doffing and user seal checks
• Storage and maintenance instructions
• Cartridge dating, change frequency and limitations.

• Do not eat or drink (except for water) at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment. This includes chewing gum.
• Do not smoke within 15 minutes of your appointment
• Remove any facial hair that comes between the seal of the mask and your skin, as per CSA Standard Z94. 4-18. Please shave the day of your test!
• Contact us with any criteria or restrictions your school may have regarding mask selection.

*It is recommended that if you have long hair you wear it up.

Medical Assessment:

Some health problems may prevent you from using a respirator. If you, your supervisor, or your employer has any doubt or concern about your ability to use a respirator, you should be examined by a doctor knowledgeable in occupational health. Persons with concerns should complete their medical assessment prior to attending a fit testing session.

Medical conditions that may prevent you from using a respirator include, but are not limited to:

• Claustrophobia
• Problems with breathing during normal work activities
• A history of breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or shortness of breath
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Use of medications with side effects that might affect lung or heart function or cause drowsiness or lowered alertness
• Diabetes
• Seizure disorders
• Facial skin problems
• Physical factors that make it hard to put on or adjust the respirator respirator, such as arthritic or missing fingers or a limited range of motion in the upper body
• Past problems with respirator use

The above conditions do not always preclude workers from respirator use, but they may be cause for concern. For further details please contact your supervisor, program lead, or OH&S representative at work or school.