Respirator fit test methods — Are faster protocols equivalent to OSHA?

Abstract

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires at least annual respirator fit testing for persons required to wear tight-fitting respirators in the workplace. OSHA also requires fit testing be administered using one of the protocols in mandatory Appendix A of the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and has enforced these protocols since 1998.(1) It is the opinion of some that fit testing is a time consuming process and faster fit testing protocols could potentially save time and money for those in general industry, healthcare, and other settings. The goal of this commentary is to explain the differences between the current OSHA fit testing protocol and more recent faster-fit protocols.