What is a key requirement for qualitative fit testing?

A key requirement for qualitative fit testing is that it must be performed for individual workers initially and at least annually. This process ensures that each worker's respirator fits properly and provides the necessary protection against airborne contaminants, including asbestos. The initial fit test establishes a baseline for fit, and the annual testing is vital to confirm that any changes in the worker’s physical condition, such as weight fluctuation, facial hair growth, or other factors that might affect seal, are accounted for. Maintaining a proper fit is crucial given that the effectiveness of a respirator is significantly compromised if it does not fit well.

In practice, relying only on quantifiable data or assuming fit based on supervisor training is insufficient, as it does not address individual worker variations. Moreover, fit testing is not project-specific; it’s an ongoing requirement to safeguard worker health consistently, hence skipping it after every project would neglect that continuous assessment.