WAC 296-307-60605:

WACs > Title 296 > Chapter 296-307 > Section 296-307-60605

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296-307-606 << 296-307-60605 >> 296-307-608

PDFWAC 296-307-60605

Conduct fit testing.

(1) The employer must provide, at no cost to the employee, fit tests for all tight fitting respirators on the following schedule:

(a) Before employees are assigned duties that may require the use of respirators;

(b) At least every twelve months after initial testing;

(i) A different respirator facepiece is chosen such as a different type, model, style, or size;

(ii) The employer becomes aware of a physical change in an employee that could affect respirator fit. For example, the employer may observe, or be told about, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or obvious weight changes;

(iii) An employee notifies the employer, or the employer's LHCP, that the respirator fit is unacceptable. During the retest, the employer must give an employee reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece (size, model, etc.).

Note:	The employer may accept a fit test completed by a previous employer IF:
	1. The employer obtain written documentation of the fit test;
	AND
	2. The results of the fit test are not more than twelve months old;
	AND
	3. The employee will use the same respirator (the same type, model, style, and size);
	AND
	4. The fit test was conducted in a way that meets the requirements of WAC 296-307-606 and 296-307-62010.

(2) The employer must select an appropriate fit-testing procedure from WAC 296-307-62010 of this part and:

(a) Use quantitative fit-test methods when a negative pressure respirator will be used in concentrations requiring a protection factor greater than 10. This includes:

(i) Full facepiece air-purifying respirators;

(ii) SCBAs operated in demand (negative pressure) mode;

(iii) Air-line respirators operated in demand mode.

(b) Make sure PAPRs, SCBAs, or air-line respirators are fit tested in negative-pressure mode.

(3) The employer must make sure the person conducting fit testing is able to do all of the following:

(a) Prepare test solutions if required;

(b) Make sure equipment works properly;

(d) Recognize invalid tests;

(e) Calculate fit factors properly if required.

Notes:	1. No specific training program or certification is required for those who conduct fit tests.
	2. The employer should consider evaluating these individuals to determine their proficiency in the fit-testing method to be used.
	3. The employer can use an evaluation form such as the form included in the American National Standard for Respirator Fit Testing Methods, ANSI/AIHA Z88.10-2001 to determine if the individual meets these requirements. Visit www.ansi.org or www.aiha.org.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-60605, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20; WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-60605, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]