WAC 296-307-60605. Conduct fit testing

(1) The employer must provide, at no cost to the employee, fit tests for all tight fitting respirators on the following schedule: (a) Before employees are assigned duties that may require the use of respirators; (b) At least every twelve months after initial testing; (c) Whenever any of the following occurs: (i) A different respirator facepiece is chosen such as a different type, model, style, or size; (ii) The employer becomes aware of a physical change in an employee that could affect respirator fit. For example, the employer may observe, or be told about, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or obvious weight changes; (iii) An employee notifies the employer, or the employer's LHCP, that the respirator fit is unacceptable. During the retest, the employer must give an employee reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece (size, model, etc.). Note: The employer may accept a fit test completed by a previous employer IF : 1. The employer obtain written documentation of the fit test; AND 2. The results of the fit test are not more than twelve months old; AND 3. The employee will use the same respirator (the same type, model, style, and size); AND 4. The fit test was conducted in a way that meets the requirements of WAC 296-307-606 and 296-307-62010 . (2) The employer must select an appropriate fit-testing procedure from WAC 296-307-62010 of this part and : (a) Use quantitative fit-test methods when a negative pressure respirator will be used in concentrations requiring a protection factor greater than 10. This includes: (i) Full facepiece air-purifying respirators; (ii) SCBAs operated in demand (negative pressure) mode; (iii) Air-line respirators operated in demand mode. (b) Make sure PAPRs, SCBAs, or air-line respirators are fit tested in negative-pressure mode. (3) The employer must make sure the person conducting fit testing is able to do all of the following: (a) Prepare test solutions if required; (b) Make sure equipment works properly; (c) Perform tests properly; (d) Recognize invalid tests; (e) Calculate fit factors properly if required. Notes: 1. No specific training program or certification is required for those who conduct fit tests. 2. The employer should consider evaluating these individuals to determine their proficiency in the fit-testing method to be used. 3. The employer can use an evaluation form such as the form included in the American National Standard for Respirator Fit Testing Methods, ANSI/AIHA Z88.10-2001 to determine if the individual meets these requirements. Visit www.ansi.org or www.aiha.org .