Comparison - Different Fit Test Standards - Extended Version - Application Note RFT-038 - RevA

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by vwvw

Respirator fit testing is compared across three widely used standards and regulations: the US OSHA protocol (OSHA 29CFR1910.134), the UK Fit2Fit protocol (HSE INDG 479) and the ISO 16975-3 protocol. The comparison extends beyond the legacy OSHA approach by adding two shortened modified CNC protocols. Key topics include fit testing methods, respirator guidance, preparation and suitability checks, how to conduct the fit test, and how to interpret reported fit test results, including handling of deviations and undefined fields.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Respirator Fit Test Standard Comparison - Extended Version

Compared standards and protocols

Fit testing purpose and classification

Relationship to seal check

When fit testing must be performed

Fit test report and documentation

RESPIRATOR FIT TEST STANDARD COMPARISON – EXTENDED VERSION OSHA 1910.134, HSE INDG 479 AND ISO 16975-3 APPLICATION NOTE RFT-038 (A4-EN) The PortaCount® Respirator Fit Tester and the FitPro™ Ultra Software provide support for many fit test protocols. This document will compare in detail the three most common standards and regulations, the US OSHA protocol, the British Fit2Fit protocol (HSE INDG 479 and the corresponding Fit2Fit companion) and the ISO 16975-3 protocol. In addition to the legacy OSHA protocol, the two shortened modified CNC protocols are added to the comparison. As the three standards/regulations are very extensive, the comparison presented here is very detailed. For a brief overview of the main differences and similarities, the Application Note RFT-037 “Respirator Fit Test Protocol Comparison-Summary” is suitable. The table below compares fit testing methods, respirator guidance, requirements for fit testing, fittest preparation, how to conduct the fit test (protocol) and the fit test result for each standard/regulation. If some aspects do not appear in a protocol, the field is marked with a "/". Empty fields in OSHA's modified protocols mean that there is no deviation from the normal protocol, the deviations appear only in the “conducting the fit test” section. The abbreviations used by the standards and regulations are explained at the end of the table. | US – OSHA Protocol (OSHA 29CFR1910.134) | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Ambient aerosol CNC protocol | Modified for half/ full-face respirators | Modified for
filtering facepieces | UK – Fit2Fit Protocol (HSE INDG 479) ISO 16975-3 Protocol | General | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Aim offit testing | / | | | Aim of fit testing is to
-Check whether a particular model and size of tight-fitting facemask fits the wearer's facial features and seals sufficiently;
-Identify unsuitable respirators which should not be used. | Aim of fit testing – regarding a specific make, model, and size of a respiratory protective device (RPD)– is to
-Verify that the tight-fitting RPD fits the wearer by evaluating the seal effectiveness between the wearer's face and the respiratory interface;
-Validate that the wearer knows how to properly inspect, don and doff the RPD and perform a fit check. | | Classification offit testing | Fit testing is part of the respiratory
protection program. | | | Fit testing is part of the initial selection process of the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) . | Fit testing is only one element of a complete but essential component of an effective RPD program. | | Relationship to seal check | The user seal check must be carried out every time the employees put on a respirator.
The user seal check has, therefore, to be performed in preparation for, and not as a substitute for, a fit test. | | | The wearer-seal check is part of the process before the fit test and is not a substitute for it.
The pre-use wearer-seal check has to be performed each time before wearing a fit-tested respirator and before entering the hazardous area. | The seal check is one step in the fit test procedure. | | Date offit testing | Fit test shall be conducted
-Prior to initial use;
-Anytime a different respirator (size, style, model, or brand) is used;
-At least annually thereafter;
-Additionally, if physical conditions change (examples: Facial scars, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight);
-If the employee communicates that the fit of the respirator is not acceptable | | | Fit test should be performed
-As part of RPE’s initial selection;
-Every time the type, size, model or material ofthe RPEis changed;
-If the wearer's circumstances change which could affect the fit ofthe RPE; e.g.:
o Weight loss or gain;
o Extensive dental work;
o Any changes in the face (scars, moles, signs of ageing, etc.) in the area of face seal;
o facial piercings

FAQs

Which three standards and regulations are compared in this application note?

The note compares the US OSHA protocol (OSHA 29CFR1910.134), the UK Fit2Fit protocol (HSE INDG 479), and the ISO 16975-3 protocol.

What is the purpose of fit testing under the compared standards?

Fit testing checks whether a specific respirator model and size seals sufficiently to the wearer’s facial features and identifies unsuitable respirators that should not be used.

How do the protocols treat the user seal check relative to the fit test?

Each protocol describes seal checking as a step before or as part of the fit test process, and not as a substitute for conducting the fit test itself.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by vwvw