Respiratory Protection Program & Fit Testing

Respiratory protection training and fit testing is intended for McGill staff and students who require respiratory protection from hazardous atmospheres while performing activities connected to McGill University. Whenever feasible, the elimination, substitution, or reduction of respiratory hazards is the preferred method before the use of a respirator. There may be instances in which administrative and/or engineering controls are not sufficient, making the use of a respirator a requirement. 

EHS provides respiratory protection training and fit testing for McGill staff and students only. 

Note: Respiratory fit testing  must be repeated every 2 years or, if there are facial changes due to a 10% weight loss or gain, pregnancy or facial/dental surgery, whichever is sooner. 

Please rpp.ehs [at] mcgill.ca (email us) if you have any questions related to respiratory protection, training or fit testing. 

What is Fit Testing? 

In order to protect the user from respiratory hazards, tight-fitting respirators must fit the user's face and form a tight seal. The purpose of a fit test is to verify an effective seal with the respirator and the user's face. 

Qualitative fit testing relies on the user to detect the test agent by taste to determine that there is no leakage into the respirator.   

Quantitative fit testing uses a machine to quantify ambient airborne particulates to measure the amount of leakage into a respirator. 

Fit testing is done after respirator safety training is completed and it verifies that the user can demonstrate the required level of competency in how to inspect the respirator prior to use, don the respirator, perform a user seal check, and doff the respirator. 

The Fit Test Process 

• Prior to registering for a respirator fit test, the appropriate training course must be successfully completed. 

  • See Elastomeric Reusable Half-face and Full-face Respirator Online Course 
  • See N95 Respirator Online Course 

• Prior to the fit test appointment, the user must complete the Health Validation Form. IMPORTANT: if ‘Yes’ is answered to any of the questions in Section 2 of the form, then the user must have Section 3 completed by a physician. 

• A fit test must be done before the initial use of a respirator and then repeated every 2 years. If the user undergoes a change that may affect the fit of the respirator (ex. weight loss/gain, pregnancy, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, injury, etc.) then EHS should be advised and a fit test must be repeated. 

• During the fit test session each user will learn practical elements of the care and use of a respirator. 

• After the fit test, those using a reusable half/full-face respirators need to complete the :

•  Monthly Reusable Respirator Inspection

• Half-face and full-face reusable respirators should be cleaned using the relevant manufacturer’s guidelines or the cleaning and sanitizing procedure for McGill’s Respiratory Protection Program. 

 Attending the fit test: 

In order to ensure a proper seal with the respirator, the user must be  clean shaven and long hair must be tied back. Facial piercings and jewelry may also need to be removed. 

If you are currently using a reusable half/full-face respirator, please bring it with you to the appointment, along with any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that you would normally use with the respirator (e.g. safety glasses, hardhat, hearing protection, etc.)

In addition, for  qualitative  fit testing for N95 respirators, please do not eat, chew gum or drink anything (other than water) 30 minutes prior to your fit test appointment. 

Elastomeric Reusable Half-face and Full-face Respirator Online Course 

Target Audience: All staff and students who require the use of a reusable elastomeric respirator while performing activities at McGill University. 

Certification: Training results are valid for 2 years.  

Content: This course provides Respiratory Protection Training for the use and care of  reusable  full-face  and  half-face respirators. 

Duration: Online training video is approximately 20 minutes (excludes examination time) 

Cost: Free for all McGill staff and students 

Additional Information: You can access the  Elastomeric Reusable Half-face and Full-face Respirator Online Course & Exam via the EHS Safety Training System - Web Training. Once you have viewed the training video and successfully passed the exam (80%), you may register for a Quantitative Fit Test for a Reusable  Respirator. 

Note that using the McGill VPN is required when accessing myLab online courses while off campus. Consult IT Services or IT knowledge Base for questions regarding the use of McGill’s VPN.  

N95 Respirator Online Course 

Target Audience: All staff and students who require the use of an N95  respirator while performing activities at McGill University. 

Certification: Training results are valid for 2 years.  

Content: This course provides Respiratory Protection Training for  the use and care of N95 disposable respirators. 

Duration: Online training video approximately 20 minutes (excludes examination time) 

Cost: Free for all McGill staff and students  

Additional Information: You can access the N95 Respirator Online Course and Exam via the  EHS Safety Training System - Web Training. Once you have viewed the training video and successfully passed the exam (80%), you may register for an in-person Qualitative Fit Test.  

Note that using the McGill VPN is required when accessing myLab online courses while off campus. Consult IT Services or IT knowledge Base for questions regarding the use of McGill’s VPN. 

Respiratory Protection Program Forms and Resources 

Health Validation Form  

Monthly inspection form for Reusable Elastomeric Air Purifying Respirators 

Respiratory Protection Program Governance 

Respiratory Protection Procedures/SOPs 

•  Respirator inspection form   

• Cleaning and sanitizing respirators