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Sep 1, 2004 12:00 PM

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced an addition to the approved fit-testing protocol in its Respiratory Protection Standard. This revision adds a new quantitative fit-testing procedure to assist workers and employers in the proper fit and selection of respirators.

Referred to as the Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) Redon protocol, the new procedure requires three different test exercises followed by two redonnings of the respirator. The three test exercises, listed in order of administration, are normal breathing, bending over, and head shaking.

The procedures for administering the new CNP Redon protocol, with three test exercises and two respirator donnings to an employee, and for measuring respirator leakage during each test, are:

• Facing forward

  In a normal standing position, without talking, breathe normally for 30 seconds; then, while facing forward, hold breath for 10 seconds during sampling.

• Bending over

  Bend at waist for 30 seconds and hold breath for 10 seconds during sampling.

• Head shaking

  Shake head back and forth vigorously several times while shouting for about three seconds and, while facing forward, hold breath for 10 seconds during sampling.

• First redonning

  Remove respirator, loosen all face-piece straps, and then redon the respirator mask; after redonning the mask, face forward and hold breath for 10 seconds during sampling.

• Second redonning

  Remove respirator, loosen all face piece straps, and then redon the respirator mask again; after redonning the mask, face forward and hold breath for 10 seconds during sampling.

Complete details of the new respiratory protection fit-testing requirements and the notice of the final rule were published in the Federal Register.