Is Annual Fit Testing Required for N95s?
By Olivia Wann, JD
Are we required to conduct annual fit testing if we wear N95s?
It depends. If you require the use of respirators, you must provide annual fit testing.
Voluntary use of respirators in a work atmospheres which are not hazardous does not require individual to be fit tested. Reference: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2018-04-26
Please note that CDC recommends wearing a NIOSH-approved particulate respirator with N95 filters or higher for all aerosol-generating procedures in healthcare settings when the community transmission levels of COVID-19 increase and there is potential for encountering asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic patients with SARS-Co-2infection or other respiratory infection (e.g., those with runny nose, cough sneeze), etc. Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html
If you require respirators, OSHA requires the following:
- Training on Respiratory Protection
- Written Respiratory Protection Program
- Medical Evaluations
- Fit Testing
- User Seal Checks
Reference: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134
