University of Colorado Denver

Training

You must complete training before using a respirator of any type.  There is no charge for training.

Training must be completed before you can be fit tested and receive final approval to use a respirator. Proof of training is required before you will be fit tested. Training must be completed annually for use of a respirator.

Once training is completed and your Health Clearance Form and Medical Questionnaire are reviewed, EHS will contact you to schedule a fit test.

Non- N95 Users
Training for other than N95 respirators must be completed on SkillPort.  Review the instructions for accessing the SkillPort Respiratory Protection Training.

N95 Users
Please see the schedule of trainings below.

Note: UCD employee ID number needs to be provided at the training session.

Fit Testing

Fit testing is conducted to ensure that your individual respirator (size, make, model) fits you properly and forms a secure seal to your face.  An improper fit can result in exposure to hazardous materials.  The test must be conducted in accordance to regulatory and industry standards. 

Before your fit-testing, each employee must first submit a Health Clearance Form and Medical Questionnaire to the Occupational Health Nurse and then complete N95 Training. Once you complete training and the heath clearance form is approved, you may be scheduled for a fit test.

You need to repeat fit testing every year (or more frequently if there has been a significant change to facial structure or weight change of 10 lbs or more) or anytime you obtain a new or different respirator will be used. 

Depending on your funding source, there will be a potential fee of $49.00 for the fit test.  Please know the SpeedType number for the account you wish to use to pay this fee.   

Note: Fit testing conducted by UCD EHS is quantitative and calibration of the testing unit requires advanced preparation. Though your testing should not last longer than a half hour, an hour is typically scheduled for conducting each person’s testing. Due to the nature of prep work needed for the instrumentation, walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

Review the Important Information section before coming to your fit test.

Risk Assessment

If you believe that you require respiratory protection or are unsure about the potential air borne exposures in your work setting, you may request that EHS conduct a risk assessment.  A risk assessment is required before you can be assigned or use a respirator (other than N95 used in pre-assessed conditions) because potential exposure conditions vary.  The type of respiratory protection needed is based on the nature of the work activity, the work environment, the airborne concentrations and nature of the contaminants, and the availability of oxygen. 

You or your department must contact EHS to schedule an assessment of your work environment and work tasks (risk assessment).  Based on the assessment, EHS will determine:

• if you should enroll in the respiratory protection program (see the "Getting Started" tab),
• the nature of the respiratory protection needed (if required), and
• they will provide guidance on:
  • appropriate respirator use,
  • the type filter/cartridge required, the cartridge change out schedule, and
  • the proper maintenance and care of your respirator.  

Please contact the ECIH Manager if you have questions.

Important Information

For instrument testing (quantitative testing), you must not smoke for at least thirty minutes prior to fit-testing because the affects can interfere with the instrument readings. If the instrument is being serviced or is otherwise unavailable, a "taste or smell" test is used (qualitative fit test). This test requires that the wearer NOT eat or drink anything but water for one hour prior to the fit test.

You must bring a respirator with you to get fit tested. Because of the many different styles and models of respirators available, EHS cannot provide respirators for fit testing. Contact your department or PI for information on which respirator is provided. It is recommended that you bring several sizes of the respirator to increase the likelihood of a passing result.

The N95 respirator and other respirator types (other than PAPR) are only effective when in full contact with the skin. Hence, wearers must ensure that any facial hair is shaven from the areas where the mask touches the face each and every time you use your respirator. If you will be wearing glasses or goggles while using your N95, please bring these with you to your fit test session.

You must obtain a new fit test annually and any time you have a change that can impact the fit of your mask. If any of the following occurs, you must schedule a new fit test (you won't need to repeat training and/or the medical forms to re-do fit testing unless you were due for refresher training, etc.)

• Weight gain or loss of 10 pounds or more
• Significant dental changes — such as new dentures, front teeth capped or veneered, braces, etc.
• Changes to facial features — plastic surgery, broken nose or jaw, etc.
• Facial hair changes — i.e., you grew a goatee or mustache
• New glasses, or other head gear that is affected by the mask or vice versa
• Change in the brand, type, model or size of the mask you use.