Qualitative Mask Fitting
SureHire can help your company to protect the lung health of your employees. In conjunction with an annual spirometry test, SureHire offers qualitative mask fit testing at our Power Centres. SureHire fits for Scott, 3M, MSA and North brands of masks.
Mask Fit Testing refers to a professional fit of safety masks, to ensure that the participant is wearing the proper mask size and type of mask for the shape of their face/head. A proper mask fit ensures that the ‘particulates’ in the air, which may be harmful if aspirated are filtered by the mask properly, and that no leaks occur around the seal of the mask.
Qualitative Mask Fitting is a pass/fail method of testing requiring the client to detect a bitter or sweet odour such as Bitrex (denatonium benzoate), banana oil or a saccharin solution. This odour is injected into a test booth or hood while the client is wearing their mask. If the client cannot detect the odour, the test is considered a pass. This type of testing can only be performed on disposable and half-face masks.
Mask Fit Testing is required annually by the majority of regulatory bodies. However, the Canadian Standards Association does allow for it to occur on a bi-annual basis. SureHire recommends annual mask fitting, in conjunction with spirometry testing to monitor and protect employee lung health.
N95 Mask Fit Testing Note
Because N95 masks only block out 95% of particles, 5% of particles come through the mask. This means that a subjective response from the client would be compormised. Whether the mask fits properly or not, the client, will always be able to taste at least a trace amount of the Bitrex, or other testing agent if a qualitative test is administered. This makes it difficult to ensure that the mask is correctly fit. Although qualitative testing is less time consuming, SureHire does not recommend this method for use with the N95 masks. Recently 2 Canadian Food Agency inspectors in Alberta contracted H1N1, due to improperly fit N95 masks. Quantitative mask fitting reduces instances of improperly fit N95 masks.
Please contact us if you would like more information or to set up an appointment to have your employees fit for masks.