Respirator Fit-Testing Requirements

Fit-testing of tight-fitting respirators is required in all jurisdictions but the specifics vary slightly.

 

Respirator Fit Testing Requirements Across Canada

FED A required respiratory protective device must be selected, fitted, cared for, used and maintained in accordance with the standards set out in CSA Z94.4-M1982, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators, which requires fit testing [COHS Regs., Sec. 12.7(2)].
AB An employer must ensure that respiratory protective equipment that depends on an effective facial seal for its safe use is correctly fit tested and tested in accordance with CSA Z94.4’02, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators [OHS Code, Sec. 250(1)].
BC 1) Annual reviews of PPE programs must ensure the adequacy of the fit test program [Sec. 8.6(2)(d)].2) A respirator which requires an effective seal with the face for proper functioning must not be issued to a worker unless a fit test demonstrates that the facepiece forms an effective seal with the wearer’s face [OHS Reg., Sec. 8.40(1)].

3) Fit tests must be performed in accordance with procedures in CSA Standard Z94.4-02, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators [Sec. 8.40(2)].

 

4) A fit test must be carried out: a) before initial use of a respirator;

b) at least once a year; c) whenever there’s a change in respirator facepiece, including the brand, model, and size; and d) whenever changes to the user’s physical condition could affect the respirator fit [Sec. 8.40(2.1).

 

5) Other PPE that’s to be worn at the same time as a respirator and which could interfere with the respirator fit must be worn during a fit test [Sec. 8.40(3)].
MB Doesn’t specifically mention fit testing but the obligation is implied as part of the duty to ensure respirators are used in accordance with CSA Z94.4-02, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators [WSH Reg, Sec. 6.15(b)].
NB Doesn’t specifically mention fit testing but the obligation is implied as part of the duty to ensure respirators are used in accordance with CSA Z94.4-93, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators [OHS Reg, Sec. 51.6].
NL Doesn’t specifically mention fit testing but the obligation is implied as part of the duty to ensure respirators are used in accordance with CSA Z94.4, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators [OHS Regs, Sec. 83].
NT/NU Employer must ensure that respiratory protective device is fit tested by a competent individual in an approved manner, where a tight is essential to the proper functioning of the device [Gen. Safety Regs, Sec. 91(1)(a)(iv)].
NS Doesn’t specifically mention fit testing but the obligation is implied as part of the duty to ensure respirators are used in accordance with CSA Z94.4, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators [OHS Regs, Sec. 83]. [Occ. Safety Gen. Regs, Sec. 13(3)].
ON A respirator that’s designed to be tight-fitting must be tested using either a qualitative or quantitative fit test [Control of Exposure to Bio. or Chem. Agents, Sec. 26.4(1)].
PE Doesn’t specifically mention fit testing but the obligation is implied as part of the duty to ensure respirators are used in accordance with CSA Z94.4, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators [OHS Regs, Sec. 45.18].
QC Doesn’t specifically mention fit testing but the obligation is implied as part of the duty to ensure respirators are used in accordance with CSA Z94.4-93, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators [OHS Reg, Sec. 45].
SK When a tight fit is essential to ensure the worker isn’t exposed to one or more airborne contaminants to an extent that may pose a risk of significant harm to the worker, an employer or contractor must ensure that the required respiratory protective device has been fit-tested by a competent person in an approved manner [OHS Regs, Sec. 88(1)(a)(iv)].
YK Fit tests and fit checks must be carried out on workers as required to ensure an acceptable performance from the respirators being used [OHS Regs, Sec. 1.33].