August 23, 2004—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced an addition to the approved fit-testing protocol in its Respiratory Protection Standard. The revision adds a new quantitative fit-testing procedure to assist workers and employers in the proper fit and selection of respirators.
The new fit-testing protocol, referred to as the Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) REDON protocol, requires three different test exercises followed by two redonnings of the respirator. The three test exercises, listed in order of administration, are normal breathing, bending over, and head shaking.
Complete details of the new respiratory protection fit-testing requirements and the notice of the final rule are published in the August 4 Federal Register.
