M.C. Townsend Associates, LLC

Phone: 412-343-9946    Fax: 412-343-9947      mary.townsend4@verizon.net

Respirator Fit Testing Workshop

Fit Testing Workshop and NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher in Two Days!

Course Description

Since respirator fit-testing may be the most safety-sensitive, critical task performed by occupational health professionals, it is important that the "mechanics" of fit-testing are performed correctly, and that the logic and theory behind the testing are well-understood. Because fit-testing can appear to be repetitive and seemingly mundane, it is easy to forget the consequences for the worker if it is performed incorrectly. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires annual fit-testing for most respirators used in the occupational and health care settings. However, aside from training provided by manufacturer representatives on the use of specific fit-testing equipment, there are few training courses available for health professionals who must perform the fit-testing task.

Thoughtful of client needs in these harsh economic times, we have designed a one-day practical fit-testing workshop that presents theory as well as hands-on practice with widely used quantitative (QNFT) and qualitative (QLFT) fit-testing methods. And to reduce participants' travel time and costs, we offer this fit-testing workshop back-to-back with a related course, the NIOSH-approved Spirometry Refresher Course, at a reduced price for those who register for both courses together. Further details regarding pricing are available below and on the Registration Form. Further details about the NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course are also available.

Based on feedback from the occupational health community, the course reviews the requirements of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard - including Assigned Protection Factors (APF), clarifies when fit-testing is needed and when it's not, when QNFT vs. QLFT could or should be used, provides steps to follow for fit-testing preparation, demonstrates and provides participant practice of qualitative (QLFT) fit-testing using saccharin and bitrex, demonstrates and provides participant practice of quantitative (QNFT) fit-testing using the Portacount and the Portacount Companion for N95 filtering facepieces, discusses special considerations for Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), and Recordkeeping. Proposed changes to OSHA's fit-testing Protocols will also be discussed.

Class size is limited to maximize student-faculty interaction and to keep the atmosphere informal and conducive to learning.  Topics are varied to keep students interested and involved.  Breaks are frequent to help students concentrate and remain focused.

All lectures are given by Craig Colton, CIH, with practicum assistance from Dr. Mary Townsend.

A certificate is awarded upon completion of the course.

Course Faculty

Craig Colton has worked in the field of respiratory protection for 30 years, first as an Industrial Hygienist and Training Institute Instructor for OSHA, and most recently for 3M, where he was a Senior Technical Service Specialist and is now a Division Scientist in Regulatory Affairs & Training in 3M's Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division. He has an exceptional grasp of the practical details and pitfalls involved in fit-testing and using respirators, and helps users trouble-shoot their problems on a daily basis.

He is active with AIHA, having edited the third edition of AIHA's Respiratory Protection Manual and Guideline, and is a member of the ANSI Z88 Accredited Standards Committee on Respiratory Protection, as well as the Z88.10 ANSI/AIHA Respirator Fit Testing Methods, BSR AIHA Z88.12 Respiratory Protection for Infectious Aerosols, and AIHA Z88.14 Respirator Use for Emergency Response and Operations against Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction subcommittees. He works closely with NIOSH and OSHA on respirator development and use issues.

Course Topics

  • Overview of OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
  • Respirator fit-testing: when it's needed and when it's not.
  • Qualitative (QLFT) vs. Quantitative (QNFT) fit-testing.
  • Preparation for fit-testing.
  • QLFT (saccharin and bitrex): Demonstration and participant hands-on practice.
  • QNFT (Portacount and Portacount Companion for N95 filtering facepieces): Demonstration and participant hands-on practice.
  • Special notes on Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs).
  • Recordkeeping.

Continuing Education

This Respirator Fit Testing Workshop has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 7.50 AMA Physicians Recognition Award Category 1 Credits.*

This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the PA State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation, for 7.8 contact hours.

This program has also been approved for up to 7.83 contact hours of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care.

This program has been approved for 1.0 Industrial Hygiene Certificate Maintenance (CM) points by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.

* DuBois Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Pennsylvania Medical Society to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.  DuBois Regional Medical Center designates this a continuing medical education activity and it awards 7.50 AMA Physicians Recognition Award Category 1 Credits and the Pennsylvania Medical Society Member CME Certification.  Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. Faculty participants in continuing medical education activities sponsored by DuBois Regional Medical Center are expected to disclose to the audience whether they do or do not have any real or apparent conflicts of interest or other relationships related to the content of their presentations.

Course Materials

A variety of respirators for demonstration, QLFT kits (3M and MSA) with sample respirators, and QNFT Portacount units with sample respirators will be available for class use.

Dates & Course Location

Course location

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Pittsburgh - Airport
Pittsburgh, PA

Making room reservations:
  • On-line, enter group code "SAD" for the September, 2010 class to get spirometry/audiometry room block rates
  • Telephone (412-788-8400) - ask for "spirometry/audiometry room block"

2010 Dates

March 19, 2010
September 9, 2010 *

* To be followed on September 10, 2010 by a NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course.

Registration Information

Save $30 on Fit Testing Workshop + NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher courses - $640 for Both

For Fit Testing Workshop only, tuition of $360 includes:
  • All course materials, including a comprehensive course workbook.
  • Electronic and/or hard copies of critical respirator fit-testing documents, regulations, and tools.
  • Continuing education credit.
  • Morning and afternoon refreshments, and lunch are provided.
  • Use of a variety of types of respirators and fit-testing equipment set-ups.
  • Class size is limited, so please register early to assure availability. You may pay by check or using VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards. Students are enrolled in the order in which payment and registration are received. Confirmation will be sent upon receipt of the tuition payment. Tuition is fully refunded if you cancel five or more weeks before the course date. A $50 service charge is deducted if you cancel 3-5 weeks before the course date. Since expenses are fixed, no refunds are issued if you cancel less than 3 weeks before the course date. However, you may always send an alternate in your place or, if we find a replacement for your registered class date, you may transfer to a later course.

    Customized on-site courses are also available, and a minimum number of participants is usually recommended. Please call for more information: (412) 343-9946.

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