N95, Half-face and Full-face
Respirator and Mask Fit Testing

At Best in The West Safety, Inc., our mission is to protect the health and safety of workers by providing precise, compliant, and efficient respirator fit testing services. We are committed to ensuring that every individual has properly fitted respiratory protection to safeguard against hazardous airborne contaminants. Through expert guidance, industry-leading equipment, and adherence to OSHA and NIOSH standards, we help businesses maintain compliance and promote a safer work environment for all.

Types of Respiratory Protection:

Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs) – Filter contaminants from the air. Examples include:

• • Filtering Facepiece Respirator aka. Disposable Masks (N95, P100, etc.) – Protects against low toxic particulates.
  • Half-Face and Full-Face Respirators – Use replaceable filters/cartridges for protection against gases, vapors, and particulates.
  • Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) – Use a battery-powered blower to provide filtered air.

Respiratory Protection Program Requirements:

• • Hazard Assessment: Identify airborne hazards and select appropriate respirators.
  • Medical Evaluation: A licensed healthcare professional must provide a written medical approval for workers, to ensure they are healthy and fit to wear respirators.
  • Training: Teach proper usage, inspection, storage, cleaning, maintenance, and use limitations. How to select the best type of respirator and filters and cartrideges for the toxic chemicals and hazards.  All aspects of a Respiratory Protection Program
  • Fit Testing: Ensure a proper seal for tight-fitting respirators.
  • Written Respiratory Protection Program: The program includes an exposure assessment, a hazard and PPE assessment and chemical compatability with the work environment, respirator selection, best choice of filters and cartridges, and a list of all hazardous or toxic atmospheric environments that workers may be exposed to during their work day with a cross reference of the best protective respiratory
  • Regulatory Compliance: Follow OSHA (29 CFR 1910.134), NIOSH, and MSHA standards.

Key Considerations:

• • Must complete respiratory protection training and medical screening and / or in person evaluation for medical approval by a licensed healthcare professional prior to being fit tested.
  • To reduce the stress and protect the health of the worker, respirators selection should first look at the lightest least restrictive respirator style that protects the worker.  For example, an N95 and a half-face respirator have the same assigned protection factor of 10.  Therefore, for low concentration of chemical particulates an N95 is the preferred respirator; as these are disposable single use that do not require cleaning and maintenance.
  • Highly toxic or low oxygen atmospheres that are IDLH, immediately dangerous to life and health require supplied air with full face respirators.
  • SCBA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for respiratory protection require monthly inspection and maintenance, before use inspection, and an annual inspection of all parts and a flow test with parts replacement as needed.

PPE Features No Seal

A written respiratory protection business specific program is required.

• • A variety of styles and sizes of respirators is needed to accommodate the various facial features of workers.
  • When selecting an elastomeric respirator (half or full face) you must determine chemical compatibility as well as worker comfort.
  • Use the manufacturers chemical selection chart for (online) for selecting the correct filter or cartridge to capture the particulate contaminant or toxic chemical.
  • Perform a chemical atmospheric measurement to determine the concentration of toxic particulates, gases, or oxygen levels to determine the best suited protective respiratory protection.  In an IDLH, immediately dangerous to life and health supplied air is the best option.
  • Ensure a proper fit for maximum protection.
  • Replace filters when breathing resistance increases or according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • Never use air-purifying respirators in oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous environments.
  • OSHA and MSHA Require the use of a NIOSH certified respirator.