Description

Link2Life quantitative respiratory mask fit testing uses the AccuFIT 9000 to ensure a tight, effective and customized fit for your face, to protect you from airborne contaminants. Quantitative mask fit testing can be done for any respirator or mask but is mandatory of masks with a fit factor greater than 100. Quantitative fit testing is ideal for candidates who do not taste the sensitivity solution used in a qualitative fit test, who are allergic, claustrophobic or who want a less subjective, more controlled test. This test uses sensors instead of taste to compare room air to the air inside the respirator to give you a very accurate measurement of your mask fit.  

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.  

Respirators we test:

• Disposable respirators like the N95 mask
• 3M and Honeywell/North half-face silicone respirators with filters 
• 3M and Honeywell/North full-face respirators 
• For other brands and types of respirators, contact us for a quote

Before coming in for a mask fit test, please ensure you:

• Do not smoke within 30 minutes of your appointment
• No food or drink (water okay) 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. 4-11. Please shave the day of your test! 
• Contact us with any criteria or restrictions your school may have regarding mask selection.

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

• Fit test using the AccuFit 9000
• Respirator selection
• Respirator limitations
• Donning/doffing and user seal checks
• Storage and maintenance instructions
• Cartridge dating, change frequency and limitations.

Upon successful completion, you receive a certificate of completion which will be valid for one year if tested for WorkSafeBC requirements or 2 years if testing for federal requirements.    

 

Medical Assessment Information

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.