Respirator Fit Testing FAQ

• A device that has met legislated standards and has been designated to protect the wearer from respiratory hazards in the workplace​.
• Approved for use by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the U.S.).​
• Is fluid resistant, disposable and may be worn in surgery. The “N” means “not resistant to oil” and the “95" refers to the filter efficiency​
• A surgical mask is not a respirator
• Respirators with an exhalation valve cannot be used for sterile procedures​

• To protect against airborne transmission of infectious agents or toxic materials. 
• Refer to Nipissing University N95 Respiratory Protection Program and Procedures.

• To provide the respirator user with instructions on how to properly fit a respirator to your face and the importance of achieving a suitable seal, thus ensuring that you are properly protected​.

• Complete Sections 1, 2 and 3 (Medical Screening Assessment) of the Qualitative/Quantitative Fit Test Record form.  Information is collected by Human Resources and is placed on the employee’s confidential health record.  Assessment is necessary to identify any staff, student, faculty, visitor and contractor that may be unable to wear an N95 respirator for health reasons​.

• No.  A beard will interfere with the ability to get a good seal.  Respirator wearers must be clean-shaven where the respirator seals to the face.  If a respirator wearer is required to wear the respirator during the course of their duties then they must continue to be clean-shaven after passing the fit test.

• If you are unable to attain a proper seal with any of the available respirators, you may be assessed by an outside agency in an effort to find protective gear that will fit or be evaluated for accommodation.

• Every two years
• When a satisfactory fit test has not been achieved
• A change in one's physical condition such as obvious weight gain/loss or there is a change in facial features or there is a change in medical condition.

​​For more information regarding fit testing and usage of respirators an N95 Respirator User Fact Sheet​ is available.

• Disposable Face Mask Information (an explanation of the different respirator codes).
• Respirator and Surgical Mask Comparison (3M Company).
• Respirators versus Surgical Masks (CCOHS)
• Dust Mask Q and A for Homeowners​ (3M Company).