OSHA to re-evaluate annual respirator fit testing

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will re-evaluate the benefits of an annual fit test requirement for employees required to use a respirator at work with a new study. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will perform the study, currently in its development stages, to determine the necessary intervals of respirator fit testing.

 In 1998, OSHA adopted new requirements for occupational respiratory protection programs requiring respirator users to receive training and pass an annual fit test before using a respirator. This requirement was developed based on requirements from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and public comments citing workplace experiences. This requirement was questioned in 2004 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Workshop on Respiratory Protections for Airborne Infectious Agents in Atlanta. Participants questioned the benefits of the study and also called for evidence of the scientific validity of annual fit testing.

NIOSH plans to recruit 220 study participants representative of the U.S. work force. The study will fit participants during the onset of the study and every six months thereafter for three years. The study will determine the rate at which respirator fit changes as a function of time. Results will help formulate hypotheses for additional studies to determine the necessity of annual fit testing.

The study and methodology is currently being developed through the NIOSH Science Blog. Public comments are encouraged by June 1, 2008. To view the link to the blog, visit ASA’s legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com. The link can be found in the Press Center under References and Bills.