Disaster Restoration Archives - Page 2 of 3

Meet Aire Guardian Shavon Barnard

Meet the Aire Guardian: Shavon Barnard - Lead Segment Specialist for Duct Cleaning, Restoration and IAQ

When Shavon Barnard joined the Abatement Technologies team over seven years ago, she was looking for a role where she could make an impact on people’s lives. Through her extensive sales experience, Shavon has become a core member of our team of Aire Guardians and leverages this background to ensure clients get the air quality products they need to keep people safe.

Being an Aire Guardian is not something Shavon takes lightly. She has witnessed firsthand how poor air quality can negatively impact immunocompromised patients, and how Abatement Technologies’ products really make a difference.

“My daughter has severe allergies and asthma. When I first started with Abatement Technologies, she was prescribed nine medications a day. But after we began using an air scrubber, her medication was cut down to just two. Knowing how much our products have helped me personally just drives me to want to help provide this relief to others."

An advocate and teacher

With a passion for helping others, Shavon is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with colleagues and clients. Shavon teaches clients about Abatement’s various tools and equipment, such as our new SHIELD WALL™. Shavon particularly enjoys speaking to prospective clients about our duct cleaning services and becoming their own boss with a DUCT PRO® package.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping and teaching people. And at Abatement Technologies, I get to do both. Education is what drives our sales, and being able to be a part of the story and convey our knowledge to others is really what it's all about.”

Continued success

From introducing our SHIELD WALL™ solution, to opening our new Canadian headquarters, Abatement Technologies has experienced a year of growth in 2023. And moving forward in 2024 and beyond, Shavon is excited to support the company’s mission at every step of the way.

“As we continue to grow for years to come, my goal is and always will be to continue educating and providing quality air filtration equipment. Health is critically important, and at Abatement, we take protecting health seriously. Our team of Aire Guardians is capable and knowledgeable when it comes to helping clients find the right solutions to protect air quality.”

Does a career at Abatement Technologies sound right to you? Find opportunities here.

Choosing the Right Containment Cart for the Job

When it comes to construction in critical environments, nothing is more important than safety. In fact, awareness of healthcare-related infections has grown over the last several decades and construction, especially when accessing a ceiling, in critical settings is now recognized as one of the causes of the airborne transmission of pathogens. Because of this, regulations were put in place to prevent the spread of pathogens when doing maintenance in a ceiling.

Containment Cart Requirements

Why use a containment cart? Because disturbing a single ceiling tile can release spores of environmental fungi. Contractors and healthcare facilities alike must exercise caution by following ceiling access regulations, detailed by the ASHE ICRA 2.0 matrix.

Further, the right containment cart has the ability to meet all industry standards and certifications. In order to stay compliant, equipment must be also able to meet the Joint Commission enforced CDC guidelines, which includes an assessment to evaluate a patient's risk of infection due to exposure from airborne microbes.

AIRE GUARDIAN® Containment Carts

At Abatement Technologies, each of our containment cart models are ICRA-compliant, so contractors can feel confident that they are purchasing the right equipment for each job. Abatement Technologies’ AIRE GUARDIAN® line-up consists of three different containment carts. While each cart has similar benefits, there are a few key differences.

AG8000: The AG8000 is the largest most rugged mobile containment cart offered in the AIRE GUARDIAN® series, and was specifically created for contractors or maintenance teams working on projects in healthcare facilities. With its unique upper header design, the AG8000 can safely support a worker on a ladder, ensuring OSHA compliance and extending height access for contractors as they work above ceiling tiles. With the AG8000, contractors can easily work in the plenum, above the ceiling deck. With an optional extension, contractors can work on more ceiling tiles at a time with wider coverage (5 sqft).

The AG8000 can be used in a variety of construction and maintenance activities, such as: ceiling tile replacement, electrical wiring installation, HVAC equipment, ductwork, and much more.

AG5000: The AG5000 was designed to be the perfect blend of durability and transportability. Since the cart is collapsible, it decreases the amount of storage needed between jobs, and makes it small enough to put in the bed of most standard size pickup trucks to move to and from the jobsite. Furthermore, due to the increased transportability of the AG5000, contractors have the flexibility to use the containment cart in job sites other than a hospital setting.

Similar to the AG8000, the AG5000 is another hard-sided containment cart option. Not only are hard-sided containment carts more aesthetically pleasing, but they are also more durable and long lasting. Additionally, the hard-sided surface can comply with more hospital requirements.

AG3000: The soft-sided AG3000 is a great economic containment cart option. Because of this lower price, customers frequently purchase this model in bulk to add to their fleets. This model is smaller than both the AG8000 and AG5000, which makes it even easier to transport. Additionally, this containment cart’s easy assembly and disassembly means it only requires one worker, which can cut down on labor costs.

Contain, Pressurize, Monitor

When containment carts are used in conjunction with portable air scrubbers, a workspace can become a fortress under negative pressure. Negative pressure confines the harmful dust particles to the construction area, further ensuring that patient occupied spaces are not infiltrated. And, by leveraging a room pressure monitor, an optional accessory for each of Abatement Technologies’ containment cart models, contractors can ensure that the space remains under negative pressure for the duration of the project - preventing dust particles from escaping beyond the containment cart.

Our Aire Guardians at Abatement Technologies specialize in assisting with dust control (ICRA) requirements for healthcare construction and renovation and can assist you in making the best product selections customized for the needs of your project.

Ready to learn more about Abatement Technologies’ containment cart solutions? Contact us today!

ICRA 2.0 – Controlling the Spread of HAIs During Construction in Critical Healthcare Environments

Each year, thousands of patients fall victim to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by dust and other airborne contaminants released during construction activities. To support patient safety, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created requirements for healthcare facilities to perform an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) before any renovation, construction, or maintenance project begins.

The ICRA 2.0 matrix includes the steps for assessing the impact of construction activities in the surrounding areas. It takes into account dust, ventilation, pressurization, noise, vibrations, and other potentially harmful factors. The matrix lays out the inspection and management of the environmental conditions categorizing activities by project type – from Class I for low risk groups to Class V for maintenance and construction activities in high risk groups. Because Class V is the highest risk group for procedural, invasive, sterile support, and highly compromised patient care areas, it has more strict requirements when it comes to infection control.

ICRA Class V: Critical Environments

When performing Class V projects, a containment barrier is always needed to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 241 requirements. Containment barriers are designed to separate construction areas from patient occupied spaces. These barriers also enable contractors to put the site under negative pressure, which is another ICRA requirement. Once the contained area is under negative pressure, there should be a visual pressure indicator and the air must be HEPA filtered or discharged directly outside.

In addition, it’s important for contractors to use an anteroom that is large enough for equipment staging, cart cleaning, and workers to clean and change before entering occupied spaces.

Selecting an ICRA-Compliant Solutions Provider

Because of the sensitive nature of critical care environments, it's crucial to find a reputable solutions provider with a team of experts that are knowledgeable on ICRA 2.0 requirements. At Abatement Technologies, our selection of HEPA filtration equipment, portable containment solutions, temporary barrier walls, and pressure monitoring equipment make us the perfect one-stop-shop for all construction needs. And, with our knowledgeable team of Aire Guardians working around the clock, we’re equipped to find a solution that’s right for each project and budget.

Let us help you with your containment needs! Contact us today to learn more about our products and expertise.

Key Tools for Mold Remediation and Air Quality

While molds are an important part of the environment, its growth indoors can cause serious health problems. Unexpected events, like leaks from pipes and flooding from storms, can create standing water, which allows mold to grow in just 24 to 48 hours. Because of its fast spread, mold can be nearly impossible to prevent. That’s why it's important to focus on controlling its path—in the safest possible way.

Remediation specialists need the tools to not only keep themselves safe, but also the people in surrounding areas. With the proper protective equipment and the necessary tools, contractors are able to meet standards and safety regulations to effectively protect against infections and mold induced reactions.

Here are key tools remediation specialists will need to get the job done safely:

Personal Protective Equipment

Contractors rely on personal protective equipment (PPE), like respirators, gloves, and fitted goggles combined with high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filters, cleaners, wet vacuums, and disinfectants to effectively and safely remediate mold.

Beyond PPE, contractors also need to take additional steps to contain harmful particulates and protect air quality. Taught by various organizations, like the IICRC, industry training and best practices often involve the following products: reusable containment barriers and negative air machines.

Reusable containment barriers

To protect others in and around the affected area, it’s important to isolate the contaminated area by closing off HVAC grills, sealing off cracks and crevices, and setting up containment barriers.

Traditional containment has been done by using poly sheeting and drywall with insulation. But, these materials are not reusable and are often disposed of at the end of the project. With the rising cost of construction-related materials and the huge labor shortages, companies are turning to reusable containment barriers, like our SHIELD WALL™ solution. It’s quick and easy to install and can be used over and over again.

By combining the containment walls with air filtration devices and a differential pressure monitor, remediation experts can create a negative pressure environment within the contained area for a complete containment solution.

Portable HEPA Filtration System

Portable air scrubbers—or negative air machines—are used in conjunction with containment to remove contaminated air from a sealed containment area through ductwork. The filtered air is exhausted outside of the contained area, creating negative air pressure inside.

There are several varieties of air filtration devices available on the market today, but it’s important to know which device is the most effective option. The best choices are units equipped with true HEPA filters. A true HEPA filter can capture 99.97% of 0.3-micron particulates, including mold spores, dust, and other allergens, and an even higher percentage of larger particles.

At Abatement Technologies, our PRED750 can be used alone or in conjunction with central air filtration to effectively remove harmful particles from the air. The portable air scrubber is equipped with a high-efficiency HEPA filter and is the most mobile HEPA filtration device in its class.

Want to learn more about Mold & Indoor Air Quality?

In our recent white paper “Mold & Indoor Air Quality: An Abatement Technologies White Paper,” we discuss:
1. How mold grows
2. The effects it can have on our health
3. Steps and standards for mold remediation
4. And the tools needed for the job

Download the white paper here.

4 FAQs About Temporary Containment Wall Systems

FAQ #1: What are temporary containment wall systems?

During construction projects, contractors can spend a lot of time and money building temporary containment walls to keep dust and harmful particulates from leaving the construction area. Like our solution, SHIELD WALL™, many temporary wall system panels are built on galvanized steel frames that provide extra durability for years of reuse. Unlike traditional drywall and poly sheeting methods, which are typically disposed of after each project, temporary wall systems help companies save money in as little as three uses depending on the scope of the project. But, it's not just reusability that makes temporary walls the best option for your project. Many walls on the market today provide additional protection like sound attenuation and fire ratings, but it's important to know what you really need to get the job done - Without over selling.

If you’re new to our blog and would like more information on SHIELD WALL™ for construction containment, click here.

FAQ #2: Do I Need a Fire Rated Containment Wall System?

No. Contrary to popular belief, a cumbersome, heavy and expensive fire-rated wall is not always necessary. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s 241 guidelines, a non fire-rated temporary containment solution is permitted when there is a working sprinkler system in place. However, if the sprinkler system is deactivated or affected in any way, a fire watch protocol should be established until it’s operational again. That being said, it's important to be aware of the fire resistance of the product you are using. For instance, SHIELD WALL is ASTM E-84, NFPA Class A & IBC Class A.

When making your decision on the right materials for the job it’s important to understand your local regulations and reach out to experienced suppliers for detailed information on temporary panel usage.

FAQ #3: Do temporary containment walls block sound?

Yes, many temporary containment walls have sound attenuating capabilities. In fact, in critical environments, such as healthcare facilities, construction noise can be intolerable and disruptful to patients. To help, hospitals are starting to rely on reusable containment walls to reduce noise in occupied adjacent areas so that renovation projects aren’t disruptful to patients, employees, and customers alike. After all, a loud environment can be distressing for patients and can prevent them from getting the rest that is necessary for recovery.

Additionally, in commercial spaces such as corporate offices, data centers, colleges and universities, airports and shopping centers, sound attenuation decreases disruptions, and allows for a “business as usual” atmosphere.. And as an added bonus, modular walls are more aesthetically pleasing than alternative solutions. With a professional, sleek appearance, modular wall systems give facilities the ability to conceal the construction area from occupied areas in a way that traditional methods often can’t support.

FAQ #4: What should I look for in a temporary wall provider?

It’s clear that modular wall containment systems have many advantages over traditional methods, such as drywall. Aside from providing sound attenuation and fire resistance capabilities, modular wall systems boast several benefits like cost effectiveness, ease of use, and sustainability. In order to find a solution best suited for your needs, it’s important to choose a solutions provider that can help you find the best financial route and provide guided buying expertise. By selecting a company that offers a consultative approach to sales, you can ensure that you’ll find a long-term solution to your short-term projects.

Looking for more? Check out Reusable Modular Walls Are Becoming The New Standard

Meet Aire Guardian Linda Armendariz

Meet the Aire Guardian: Linda Armendariz

In order to get a job done, especially in construction, purchasing your own equipment outright is not always the most cost-effective option. Every project requires different solutions, and contractors often benefit from renting equipment for the project’s duration. One obstacle in construction is effectively closing in an occupied space. Contractors and facility managers need a way to contain dust and prevent airborne particulates from affecting those in and around the construction area.

One very effective solution for containment is the Abatement Technologies, Inc. modular, reusable wall system. This is known in the industry as Shield-Wall. This system can be rented through a third-party company for single project use. In order to ensure rental companies are getting the best products to provide to their customers, it’s important to find a knowledgeable partner who can be available when you need them - this is Linda Armendariz and her team at Abatement Technologies.

Linda and her team are dedicated to assisting our rental companies in purchasing the right equipment for an array of projects. Linda came to Abatement Technologies with existing knowledge in the asbestos and remediation equipment industry, where she worked directly with the customers purchasing the equipment. This experience has positioned her to be able to easily identify customer needs and industry trends when working with rental companies.

Why Rent Equipment?

Contractors building their inventory typically work with two types of budgets: capital and rental. Typically, the capital budget is used for purchasing equipment outright.

The rental budget is utilized by the contractor when ongoing storage for said units is limited or not available as well as other reasons. This allows contractors to “try before they buy”, or spread out the monies used to purchase one item. Reasons like these are why Abatement Technologies partners with rental companies across the country. Currently, rental companies purchase products from Abatement Technologies for indoor air quality needs, including temporary containment of construction-related dust, air filtration, and drying equipment.

For some, renting equipment may be the best option as it can provide a work around for the lack of long term storage availability and assigning personnel to maintain equipment.

Why Should Rental Companies Work with Abatement Technologies?

Abatement Technologies’ customer service is what sets us apart from our competitors. Known for our consultative approach, at Abatement Technologies we pride ourselves on our staff being not just a resource but most importantly, an asset to our rental partners.

Our customer service doesn’t end once the sale is made. For example, the rental market team provides free virtual and in-person training to rental companies about Abatement Technologies’ products. Not only does this benefit them and their clients, but it also allows us to learn how we can continue best assisting our partners.

Abatement Technologies is already a triple threat in the industry. Our high-quality products, knowledgeable sales team, and dedication to customer service sets us apart from the competition and makes Abatement Technologies the preferred vendor for many rental companies.

Ready to learn more about Abatement Technologies? Contact us today!

Managing IAQ in Commercial Building During Wildfire Season

Managing IAQ in Commercial Building During Wildfire Season

Topic: 2023 Central Canada Wildfires

The 2023 wildfire season is here and has already had a devastating impact across central Canada. As hazy and dangerous fumes make their way south across the US border, most of the Northeast coast is experiencing serious air quality issues that are affecting millions of people. And, because smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gasses and fine particulate matter, it is highly inhalable and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular health effects.

But, when a smoke event occurs, it can take days to weeks for air quality to improve. If not properly addressed, smoke can get inside of buildings and negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). Building owners and facility managers need to know the best practices for reducing exposure to smoke inside offices, schools, and housing facilities.

Facts about IAQ

Outdoor air, including the fine particles from wildfire smoke, can enter a building in a few ways, including:

- Natural Ventilation: Open windows and doors

- Mechanical Ventilation: Bathroom fans, kitchen fans, and HVAC systems with fresh air intake

- Infiltration: Openings, joints, cracks

When smoke events occur, local and state health departments may issue air quality alerts notifications when specific actions are needed to protect the public. Building managers should use these notifications to know when to initiate mitigation measures in their smoke readiness plan, which should include these steps:

1. Evaluate the HVAC Systems

To minimize occupant exposures and health impacts from smoke during wildfire events, facilities should first address any issues with their existing HVAC systems. In buildings where the HVAC system uses air-handling units that bring outside air into buildings or recirculate indoor air, facility owners and managers should follow a planning framework, like the guidelines set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This includes:

- Performing maintenance on HVAC

- Upgrading filters

- Optimize system airflows

- Adding supplemental filtration

- Limiting areas for smoke intrusion

- Adding the ability to monitor particulate matter

- Assessing how to create cleaner air

2. Stock up on portable air scrubbers

Additionally, those in areas prone to fires may consider purchasing equipment to improve IAQ during the duration of a smoke event. Portable air scrubbers, like our PRED750, are self-contained air filtration devices that can be used alone or with central air filtration to effectively remove harmful particles from the air.The portable air scrubber should be equipped with a high-efficiency HEPA filter and be the right size for the room. It’s important to secure these crucial devices before a fire occurs in order to act quickly during a smoke event. In the event of emergencies, it’s important to find an air scrubber supplier that has the ability to ship orders as quickly as possible.

3. Choose the right filter

Some air scrubbers are compatible with activated carbon filters.These filters are available for all of Abatement Technologies’ HEPA-filtered equipment, including the PRED750 mentioned above. Activated carbon is a unique material that is often used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odor, and other pollutants from the air, making it the optimal solution for smoke filtration. The benefits of activated carbon filters include their ability to adsorb a variety of vapor contaminants, organic molecules (especially solvents), and chemicals, as well as their large capacity to catalytically destroy ozone, a major component of smog.

In addition to smoke, Abatement Technologies’ portable air scrubbers and carbon filters have been used to filter out a number of odors from buildings including chemicals, cleaning solvents, mildew, mold, and biohazards.

Want to learn more about how Abatement Technologies can help protect your building during wildfire smoke events? Get in touch with one of our Aire Guardian experts.

How to clean, decontaminate, and disassemble Abatement Technologies’ SHIELD WALL™

How to clean, decontaminate, and disassemble Abatement Technologies’ SHIELD WALL™

Our SHIELD WALL™ systems are designed for use in critical environments where pathogens are in no short supply. Therefore, when you’re done with a job using SHIELD WALL™, you’ll want to thoroughly disinfect them before storing and reusing them.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basic steps of decontaminating SHIELD WALL™.

What you’ll need:

- HEPA Vacuum

- Paper towels

- Water-based disinfectant

- Gloves

- Mask

- Bucket

- Diluted bleach

- Polyethylene sheet

- Modular containment wall transport cart

How often should you clean your SHIELD WALL™?

Cleaning the SHIELD WALL™ involves regular disinfecting while in use and decontamination before transportation.

While on the job site, you’ll want to regularly disinfect the surfaces with a hospital-approved disinfectant, as outlined in step two below. Different facilities will have unique cleaning schedules and requirements, so be sure to check with the facility you’re working in at the start of a project.

Second, you’ll want to decontaminate the walls anytime you’re transporting them to or from a new facility. In most cases, this is a two-step process. Ideally, you’ll begin the process while on the job site and finish the decontamination when back at your storage site. For this, you’ll follow all ten steps outlined below, as well as in the video.

The steps to clean SHIELD WALL™

Before transport from a job-site

Vacuum the interior and exterior of the walls from the top down with a certified HEPA vacuum
Wipe down all surfaces with a one-step surface cleaner and disinfectant that’s approved by the facility
Disassemble the modular containment walls
Place panels on an Abatement Technologies transport cart and secure them to prevent movement during transportation
Cover with a polyethylene sheet for transportation

Once back at the storage location

Raise panels to full height
Wipe down corners, sweep, frame, and extrusion
Submerge brackets and small hardware in a bucket of diluted bleach
Dry all parts
Place the panels and parts back on the transport cart, secure them, and cover them with a polyethylene sheet until it is time to use them again

Tips

Wear gloves: When working with bleach, even diluted bleach, wearing gloves is recommended to protect your skin.
Wear a mask: Between working with bleach and working in critical environments, it’s helpful to wear a mask during the decontamination process to keep yourself safe.
Check with the facility for any regulations regarding cleaning products and the cleaning schedule

Want to learn more about SHIELD WALL™?

If you’re new to modular containment walls and want to learn more about how they can help you on your next job, we’d love to help. You can check the product details here or set up a consultation with one of our experts today.

The Tools for Asbestos Abatement

The Tools for Asbestos Abatement

With federal and state laws in place, the use of asbestos in products and materials is restricted in the United States, but not banned. Canada, however, has regulations in place that prohibit the import, sale, and use of asbestos and products containing the dangerous carcinogen. However, this wasn’t always the case. Prior to its close in 1990, much of the world’s supply of vermiculite came from a mine in Montana. Unfortunately, the mine also contained a natural deposit of asbestos, which contaminated the vermiculite product. Materials like drywall, flooring, ceilings, cement, and insulation were produced using vermiculite from the mine, which was primarily sold as insulation in Canada under the trademarked name “zonolite.”

The risks of asbestos

But, what’s the risk of vermiculite containing asbestos? The inhalation of asbestos has been proven to cause lung cancer and other severe respiratory diseases. Because of this risk, the removal or disturbance of asbestos should be performed with the proper precautions and equipment. Proper sampling, testing, and removal procedures are essential to identify and safely mitigate the hazard associated with asbestos in buildings.

Experts and their techniques for asbestos removal

Asbestos testing requires expertise. This is not a DIY project. Professionals will come prepared with an air purifying respirator equipped with HEPA-filtered cartridges to wear during sampling, along with safety glasses. A respirator is recommended by both the U.S. EPA and Health Canada as best practice to reduce the amount of dust inhaled during collection.

Once asbestos has been tested and identified in a material, it’s important to begin the abatement process. The Ontario Regulation for Designated Substances (Reg. 278/05) classifies asbestos removal based on the severity of the risk - Type 1 (Low Risk), Type 2 (Medium Risk), and Type 3 (High Risk). When the risk is low, the size of the contaminated area is between 1 and 10 sq ft, and the material is non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM), meaning it is being held together by a bonding agent. In a Type 2 abatement, the contaminated area is between 11 and 100 sq ft, and is friable ACM, meaning it is easily crumbled and breaks apart with touch. A Type 3 abatement operation means the contained area is over 100 sq ft and contains both friable and non-friable ACM. A Type 3 operation, involves the removal or disturbance of more than one square meter of friable ACM during the repair, alternation, maintenance or demolition of a building.

Tools of the trade

Type 2 and Type 3 abatement require professionals to wear the proper respirator as well as PPE equipment like disposable coveralls to prevent entry of dust. A trained professional will not only know the measures to protect themselves, but others around them. These measures include the isolation of the entire area using temporary containment barriers like Abatement Technologies SHIELD WALL™.

Additionally, during these types of abatement, it's important to use a HEPA filtered vacuum extraction system, like our HEPA vacuums to clean up asbestos dust throughout the project, avoiding particulates and carcinogens being left behind after a project. A vacuum extraction system offers the benefit of adding an engineering control of increased negative draw of air at the point of disturbance. This decreases the exposure to the worker as opposed to other methods which may increase the airborne concentration within the asbestos work area.

Want to learn more about the solutions we have available for asbestos abatement professionals? Click here.

The Basics of Respirator Fit Testing

In this blog, we break down when you should fit test respirators, the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing, as well as how to choose which test is right for your respirator.

No matter how advanced a face respirator is, if it doesn’t fit right, it won’t protect the wearer. That’s why fit testing is essential.

In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires fit testing before using a mandatory respirator for the first time and annually after that. The rules are similar in Canada. According to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), workers whose jobs require them to wear a respirator must complete fit testing before their first use.

Additionally, they must complete a fit test:

- At least every two years, according to the CSA (Z94.9.1.6)

- After significant weight gain or loss, surgery, major dental work, or other physical changes that could affect a respirator’s fit

- When changing to a new respirator make or model

Qualitative vs. Quantitative fit testing

There are two types of fit testing: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative fit testing is a subjective test that relies on the wearer's sense of taste or smell to determine if the respirator fits properly. This type of testing is a simple pass-or-fail method that does not measure the extent of leakage. OSHA accepts four methods for qualitative fit testing: isoamyl acetate (banana oil test), saccharin, Bitrex, and irritant smoke.

Quantitative fit testing, on the other hand, is a more objective and precise method of testing the fit of a respirator. This type of testing uses specialized equipment to measure the amount of leakage around the respirator's seal. Quantitative fit testing requires a controlled environment and trained personnel to administer the test. The three OSHA-accepted methods for quantitative fit testing are generated aerosol, ambient aerosol, and controlled negative pressure.

Should you use qualitative or quantitative fit testing?

Wondering which method of fit testing is best? The quick answer is: it depends.

Qualitative fit testing may be used for negative pressure respirators, such as N95 masks if they are being used in environments less than 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL). If contractors are using negative pressure respirators in environments above 10 times the PEL, they must use qualitative fit testing.

For positive pressure respirators, either qualitative or quantitative testing will work. That is because positive pressure respirators supply their own air, and thus can overcome minor leaks.

How to conduct qualitative fit testing

To perform qualitative fit testing, the wearer must put the respirator on and adjust it to fit their face. The test administrator will then instruct the wearer to perform a series of exercises, such as talking, nodding, and moving their head from side to side, simulating normal workplace movements.

During the test, the administrator will introduce an irritant to the environment, such as banana oil, Bitrex, saccharin, or smoke, and ask the wearer to indicate if they can taste or smell the test agent. The test administrator will also visually inspect the respirator for any leaks or gaps. If the wearer can taste or smell the test agent, or if there are visible leaks, the respirator does not fit properly and should be adjusted or replaced.

Qualitative fit testing is a simple and cost-effective way to determine if a respirator fits properly. However, it is not as precise as quantitative fit testing is more precise and may not detect all leaks or fit issues.

How to perform quantitative fit testing

To perform quantitative fit testing, the wearer must properly put on the respirator and adjust it to fit their face. The test administrator will then use specialized equipment to measure leakage around the respirator's seal.

The equipment used for quantitative fit testing typically includes a probe placed against the wearer's face near the respirator's seal. The probe is attached to a special filter adapter, which then passes through the respirator to sample the air inside of the mask... As in qualitative testing, the wearer will be instructed to perform a series of exercises, such as talking, nodding, and moving their head from side to side to simulate workplace movements.

The test results are then compared to the manufacturer's fit factor, which measures the respirator's effectiveness. If the fit factor is within the acceptable range, the respirator fits properly. If the fit factor is outside of the acceptable range, the respirator does not fit properly and should be adjusted or replaced.

Quantitative fit testing is a more precise and accurate method of testing the fit of a respirator. However, it requires specialized equipment and trained personnel to administer the test. It is recommended that quantitative fit testing be performed whenever a new respirator is used, or when there are changes to the wearer's facial structure.

Get the most out of your respirator

Whether it’s qualitative or quantitative fit testing that you need, be sure to stay up to date with fit testing requirements for your respirator. Doing so not only ensures compliance but will help you stay safe amid a variety of work environments.

Find our respirators here.

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Category: Disaster Restoration