My company requires dust masks for certain operations. I have all employees that perform these duties medically evaluated. Next, I need to get them fit tested. I tried to perform the fit test with irritant smoke but haven't been able to get a complete seal with a dust mask. What is the requirement when it comes to fit testing dust masks?

Any respirator must be fit tested, Qualitatively or Quantitatively. Dust masks are those annoying buggers that don't really make a seal of any kind in the first place, even while in use. I have heard that 3m makes a kind of cup or other item that aids in the fit testing. Personally, I would invest in the half-faced respirators and the rubber seal. Disposable filters are easy to change out, and can be used for more the one kind of application. i.e, changing from a simple dust filter to an organic vapor or  the like. They also are much easier to seal and fit test.

That is, of course, if the atmosphere is above the PEL of whatever your trying to be protect your workers from. Otherwise, if it's below the PEL. Fit testing doesn't really matter at all, since you don't really need it in the first place. (pretty sure that's right)

Also, are the dust masks even rated to stop the smoke from passing through? From what I understand all they do is keep dust and particles like grass clippings from being inhaled. It could be that you are getting a proper seal but the irritant is simply being inhaled through the mask.

http://www.ehso.com/dispresp.htm (Good Article) 

 Good luck. Again, I would go with the half faced rubber sealed masks. Lot less hassle for the time it takes to get in compliance with the dust masks.
 

It can be difficult to fit test dust mask style respirators. When required to be worn the associate must be fit tested. You also have to give them some selection options to find one that fits best. Different styles of dust masks are available some with rubber seals and exhaust valves. The purpose of a fit test is to ensure the respirator is effective. If they are failing fit tests then the respirator will not give them the protection they need. You do not want to keep trying the same respirator hoping for a lucky pass. In normal working conditions it probably wont be effective.

Like Charles said if you are over exposure limits you might want to go with half masks. If you are not over make using them voluntary.

Charles

When fit testing with irritant smoke a HEPA filter (N100, P100, R100) respirator has to be used.

Majamoric,

I think you may be using the wrong test. Irritant smoke is to be used with HEPA or P100 respirators (see 1910.134 Appendix A Section 5(a)(1)). If you are using an N95 or P95 dust mask there is no way your employees will pass the test.

Check the manufacturer's instructions they should tell you the fit test and training requirements.

MikeCJ

I thought that dust masks (face filtering facepiece)  are not considered tight-fitting and therefore don't require fit testing.  The standard does not really address the use of dust masks except under voluntary use.  Does anyone have a clearer definition?

Thanks.

I feel that a respirator is something that covers the mouth and nose that would inhibit the normal breathing process, this could include a bandana!  That being said, some of the dust masks used have stated right on the box that “This is not a respirator.”  The main thing here is; 1 – is there a danger in the atmosphere and if so 2 – does what the employee is wearing protect them from the hazard.  Just remember, the first line of defense is to eliminate the hazard through substituting something not hazardous or  use ventilation to take the hazard away.

Good luck

There is NO fit testing for dust masks.  Although you must give them Appendix C from the OSHA site.  They should have a medical evaluation as well - but NO fit testing.  Also must note - be certain you know information about what chemicals and exposures you are defending against so that you can make the most appropriate selcetion for your situation.  If you are using dust masks you also need a written respiratory program which includes teaching of your employees as well.

Hope this helps.  Contact your local BWC who would be able to direct and help you quite nicely.

1910.134(b)

Filtering facepiece (dust mask) means a negative pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an integral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece composed of the filtering medium.

1910.134(f)

Fit testing. This paragraph requires that, before an employee may be required to use any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used. This paragraph specifies the kinds of fit tests allowed, the procedures for conducting them, and how the results of the fit tests must be used.

Further clarification of 1910.134(f) can be found in a letter of interpretation dated June 12, 2002.

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24250

tjh

Cantonnurse:

There is NO fit testing for dust masks.  Although you must give them Appendix C from the OSHA site.  They should have a medical evaluation as well - but NO fit testing.  Also must note - be certain you know information about what chemicals and exposures you are defending against so that you can make the most appropriate selcetion for your situation.  If you are using dust masks you also need a written respiratory program which includes teaching of your employees as well.

Hope this helps.  Contact your local BWC who would be able to direct and help you quite nicely.

If you can't do a fit test it can not be used as a respirator.  The are dust masks with a small filter itegrated into the mask these are respirators and will pass a fit test.  3M makes them for sure and I'm sure other companies do also.

If employees are exposed above the PEL, I would recomend at least a 1/2 face respirator with p100 (HEPA) cartridges for solids.  If the problem is gases or vapors a dust mask won't cut it.  If the number is below the PEL, I would give employees the opportunity to wear the dust masks.  You will need to change your procedure to address nuisance dust and that dust masks are acceptable for that.

If you continue to make it a requirement for them to wear the dust masks you will need to figure out how to fit test them regardless of the level of contaminant.