Respirator Fit Testing
Get Your N95 Respirator Fit Test Quickly and Easily!
Certified Respirator Fit Testing for caregivers, healthcare professionals and industrial workers in Longview & Vancouver Washington.
Wondering where to get a fit test near you? Walk in to POHS and get fit tested by our friendly, certified fit test technicians - no appointment needed! We offer affordable qualitative and quantitative full or half face respirator fit testing in SW Washington. We also offer 1- or 2-year respirator health certifications. Bring your preferred mask and get fit tested today.
For employers looking to fit test all of their employees at once, we’ve got you covered. Whether you need testing for a small team or a large workforce, we can schedule and coordinate fit testing to ensure everyone is compliant and on the same timeline.
What is Respirator Fit Testing
And Who Needs It?What Is Fit Testing?
If you’ve never had a fit test done before, we’re here to give you the facts. Respirator fit testing is an OSHA-standardized process that makes sure your chosen mask creates the proper seal for your safety (and comfort!)
So Who Needs It?
Maybe you’re a skilled trade worker who uses a sandblaster all day. With all those fine, airborne particles, you’ll want to be sure you have a properly fitted respirator to protect your lungs from harmful silica dust. Or perhaps you’re a caregiver at an assisted living facility, working on the frontlines with a vulnerable population. In this case, an N95 mask is one of the most important ways to prevent spreading infection to immunocompromised individuals.
OK, What’s Next?
Walk in to one of our clinic locations to get fit tested. You don’t need an appointment.
Be sure to bring the mask(s) you would like to be fit-tested for.
If you have facial hair, make sure you are clean-shaven. This is very important.
Expect to fill out a Respirator Questionnaire - this will go over health history, respirator use, lifestyle & habits, and any specific medical conditions you currently have. Our technicians will go through this questionnaire with you before the fit test. We offer 1- or 2-year respirator health certifications.
Pricing
Qualitative or Quantitative Fit Test*
$501-Year Respirator Certification
$302-Year Respirator Certification
$35Looking for Mobile Fit Testing?
Contact Sheila for a customized quote!
*Includes 3 fit test attempts.
Fit Test FAQs
Do I need to be clean-shaven?
Yes! This is very important. Facial hair must fit within the seal of the respirator for accurate test results. There are acceptable facial hair styles per NIOSH - they can be found here on the CDC’s NIOSH science blog.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring the respirator(s) your employer would like you to be fit-tested with. You can also fill out a respirator health questionnaire ahead of time and bring it with you.
What happens during a fit test?
You’ll wear the respirator while performing a few exercises. We’ll check for leaks using a test agent. If the mask leaks, we’ll adjust or try a different respirator.
How long does the test take?
It will take a few minutes to over your health questionnaire, explain the test, perform the Bitrex sensitivity test & to don your mask. The fit test itself will be about 10-15 minutes.
How often do I need a fit test?
Respirator fit tests are required annually, per OSHA guidelines. If you have any health changes, weight loss or gain, or facial changes, you may need a retest sooner.
What if I don’t pass the test?
Up to three attempts are included in the price of a fit test. We can try multiple styles of respirators - every face shape is different! You may need to test more than one mask to find your perfect fit.
What is that awful tasting solution?
Bitrex®! Although extremely unpleasant, it is completely non-toxic and safe for pregnant women. We use Bitrex to check the seal of your mask. If you taste the solution, we will stop the test immediately and troubleshoot the fit of your mask. If the taste is very strong, the fit test will be considered a fail. It’s a very effective way to test!
If Bitrex cannot be detected during the Sensitivity Test, we also use Saccharin as an alternative.
Can I eat/drink/smoke before the test?
IPlease do not to eat, drink (except water), smoke or chew gum for at least 15-30 minutes before the test.
Qualitative Vs Quantitative
What's the Difference?Qualitative Respirator Fit Testing:
Our qualitative fit testing is a non-invasive and cost-effective way to check the seal of your respirator. Using your sense of taste and smell, we can quickly detect if there’s any leakage around the mask. During the test, our certified technicians guide you through a series of exercises to check that your respirator fits properly and provides a tight seal. It is a quick and easy process.
Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing:
Our quantitative fit testing uses advanced technology to measure exactly how much leakage occurs around your respirator. Unlike the qualitative method, which relies on taste or smell, this approach gives us a precise numerical value, known as the fit factor, to determine how well the respirator fits. Our certified technicians use a specialized machine to perform this detailed test.
Get Fit Tested Today!
Visit our Vancouver or Longview location and bring your mask.