FAQ
1) Are your services available on the mainland?
Yes, we serve many clients on the mainland and look forward to serving more.
2) Who says we are required to do annual respirator fit testing?
We get questions from time to time about respirator fit testing.
Here are the pertinent sections taken directly from the regulations:
WorkSafeBC OH&S Regulations Re: Respirator Fit Testing and Wearing
8.40 Fit tests
(1) A respirator which requires an effective seal with the face for proper functioning must not be issued to a worker unless a fit test demonstrates that the facepiece forms an effective seal with the wearer's face.
(2) Fit tests must be performed in accordance with procedures in CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators.
(2.1) A fit test must be carried out
(a) before initial use of a respirator,
(b) at least once a year,
(c) whenever there is a change in respirator facepiece, including the brand, model, and size, and
(d) whenever changes to the user's physical condition could affect the respirator fit.
(3) Other personal protective equipment that is to be worn at the same time as a respirator and which could interfere with the respirator fit must be worn during a fit test.
8.41 User seal check
(1) Before each use of a respirator which requires an effective seal with the face for proper functioning, a worker must perform a positive or negative pressure user seal check in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the emergency use of an escape respirator.
8.39 Face seal
(1) Except for specialty eyewear approved by the Board for use with positive pressure full facepiece respirators, nothing is permitted which intrudes between the facepiece and the face, or which interferes with the face seal of the facepiece.
(2) A worker required to wear a respirator which requires an effective seal with the face for proper functioning must be clean shaven where the respirator seals with the face.
Summary:
1) Fit tests must be performed annually
2) Wearers must be clean shaven around the sealing surface (trimmed goatees & moustaches are okay and even small beards as long as the respirator seal is against “skin”.
3) Wearers must do a “seal check” each time they put on a respirator (our technician shows them how to do this).
Links
WorkSafeBC Occupational Health & Safety Regulation
CCOHS – Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
