TSI Incorporated PORTACOUNT PRO+ 8038, Operation And Service Manual

Page: 23 / 107

17
Chapter 3
About Respirators and Fit Testing
The conventional way to quantitatively fit test is through the use of
probed test respirators, but fit tests can also be performed on
disposable respirators and positive pressure respirators. This chapter
discusses the types of respirators and provides instructions on
installing a sampling port to a disposable filtering-facepiece.
Probed Test Respirators
A probed respirator has a fitting (probe) installed that allows air from
inside the respirator to be sampled by an instrument like the
PortaCount
®
Pro fit tester. The probed respirator is only used for fit
testing and cannot legally be used in a hazardous environment. You
will need at least one respirator of each make, model and size your
company issues. After the fit test, issue the individual a respirator with
the identical facepiece, only without the probe.
Most probed respirators are obtained from the respirator
manufacturer or distributor. You should be able to buy probed
versions of most if not all models. Be sure to buy class-100 or class-
99 filters also if you do not already stock them. Class-100, class-99,
or P3 filters must be used for fit testing even if you use another type
of cartridge in the workplace.