Abstract
A new qualitative fit test was developed using Bitrex™ (Macfarland Smith Limited) as the test agent. It was validated by running a series of paired qualitative and quantitative fit tests. Quantitative tests were conducted with a small corn oil aerosol, using a condensation nucleus counter as a detector. Qualitative fit tests were run with Bitrex and saccharin, following the established protocol for the saccharin fit test. Four models of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health—approved replaceable filter respirators were used in the study. All were half mask models equipped with high efficiency filters. In some cases, respirators expected to be the correct size for test subjects were tested. In other cases, respirators expected to be too small or too large for the subjects were tested. Test results were analyzed using fit test method validation criteria recommended in the American National Standards Institute draft standard on fit testing (ANSI Z88.10). The Bitrex and saccharin tests were found to have virtually identical performance. Both met proposed American National Standards Institute requirements for a valid qualitative fit test.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
