3M™ Qualitative Fit Test Apparatus FT‑10, Sweet

3M offers a simple, direct way to meet OSHA qualitative respiratory fit testing requirements-
 The 3M FT-10 Qualitative Fit Test Apparatus

It is designed to be used with any particulate or gas/vapor respirator with a particulate pre-filter to test face-to-respirator seal. The test helps to satisfy respiratory program requirements and is easy to use during respiratory training.

The fit test works by spraying the sweet solution into the hood environment. If the wearer does not smell or taste it, an acceptable fit has been demonstrated.

Included in Kit:

• Laminated instruction booklet (English/Spanish/Portuguese/French).
• Sensitivity solution (sweet)
• Fit-test solution 
• Two nebulizers 
• One hood 
• One collar assembly 
• Two sets of replacement nebulizer inserts

Features and Benefits:

• Fast, easy method for performing qualitative fit testing
• Use with any particulate respirator or any gas/vapor respirator with a particulate prefilter
• Satisfies respiratory program requirements
• Can be used during respirator training programs
• Convenient, reliable, and economical to use
• Permits exercises to be performed in a test environment
• Determines an employee taste threshold to fit test solution

Fit Testing Instructions

Preparation:

1. Attach hood to collar by placing drawstring between flanges on collar. Tighten drawstring and tie with square knot or bow.
2. Pour a small amount (approximately one teaspoonful) of the Sensitivity Test Solution (#1) into the nebulizer labeled #1 Sensitivity Test Solution.
3. Pour the same amount of Fit Test Solution (#2) into the second nebulizer labeled #2 Fit Test Solution.
4. Immediately recap the bottles.

Sensitivity Test:
This test is done to assure that the person being fit tested can detect either the sweet or the bitter taste of the test solution at very low levels. The Sensitivity Test Solution is a very dilute version of the Fit Test Solution. The test subject should not eat, drink (except water), or chew gum for 15 minutes before the test.

1. Have the test subject put on the hood and collar assembly without a respirator.
2. Position the hood assembly forward so that there is about six inches between the subject's face and the hood window.
3. Instruct the test subject to breathe through his/her mouth with tongue extended.
4. Using Nebulizer #1 with the Sensitivity Test Solution (#1), inject the aerosol into the hood through the hole in the hood window. Inject ten squeezes of the bulb, fully collapsing and allowing the bulb to expand fully on each squeeze. Both plugs on the nebulizer must be removed from the openings during use. The nebulizer must be held in an upright position to ensure aerosol generation.
5. Ask the test subject if he/she can detect the sweet or bitter taste of the solution. If tasted, note the number of squeezes as 10 and proceed to the Fit Test.
6. If not tasted, inject an additional ten squeezes of the aerosol into the hood. Repeat with ten more squeezes if necessary. Note whether 20 or 30 squeezes produced a taste response.
7. If 30 squeezes are inadequate, in that the subject does not detect the sweet or bitter taste, the test is ended. Another type of fit test must be used.
8. Remove the test hood, and give the subject a few minutes to clear the taste from his/her mouth. It may be helpful to have the subject rinse his/her mouth with water.

Fit Test:

1. Have the test subject don the respirator and perform a user seal check per the instructions provided on the respirator package.
2. Have subject wear any applicable safety equipment that may be worn during actual respirator use that could interfere with respirator fit. Respirator must be worn at least 5 minutes before testing.
3. Have the subject put on and position the test hood as before, and breathe through his/her mouth with tongue extended.
4. Using Nebulizer #2 with Fit Test Solution (#2), inject the fit test aerosol using the same number of squeezes as required in the Sensitivity Test (10, 20, or 30). A minimum of ten squeezes is required, fully collapsing and allowing the bulb to expand fully on each squeeze. The nebulizer must be held in an upright position to ensure aerosol generation.
5. To maintain an adequate concentration of aerosol during this test, inject one-half the number of squeezes (5, 10, or 15) every 30 seconds for the duration of the fit test procedure.
6. After the initial injection of aerosol, ask the test subject to perform the following test exercises for 60 seconds each:

• Normal breathing- In a normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally.
• Deep breathing- In a normal standing position, the subject shall breathe slowly and deeply, taking caution so as not to hyperventilate
• Turning head side to side- Standing in place, the subject shall slowly turn his/her head from side to side between the extreme positions on each side.  The head shall be held at each extreme momentarily so the subject can inhale at each side.
• Moving head up and down- Standing in place, the subject shall slowly move his/her head up and down. The subject shall be instructed to inhale in the up position (i.e., when looking toward the ceiling).
• Talking- The subject shall talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor.  The subject can read from a prepared text such as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100, or recite a memorized poem or song.
• Bending over- The test subject shall bend at the waist as if he/she were to touch his/her toes. Jogging in place may be substituted for this exercise.
• Normal breathing - Same as exercise a.

1. The test is terminated at any time the sweet or bitter taste of aerosol is detected by the subject because this indicates an inadequate fit.  Wait 15 minutes and perform the fit test again.
2. Repeat the fit test after redonning and readjusting the respirator. A second failure may indicate that a different size or model respirator is needed.
3. If the entire test is completed without the subject detecting the aerosol, the test is successful and respirator fit has been demonstrated.
4. Periodically check the nebulizer to make sure that it is not clogged. If clogging is found, clean the nebulizer and retest.

Cleaning:

1. At the end of each session, or at least every four hours, discard the unused solutions from the nebulizers.  DO NOT pour unused solutions back into bottles. Rinse the nebulizers with warm water to prevent clogging and shake dry.
2. Wipe out the inside of the hood with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any deposited Test Solution.
3. 3M™ Respirator Cleaning Wipes (3M-RCW-EA) may be used to clean non-disposable type respirator facepieces between fit tests.
4. Microban QGC (US-MBQGCL-01) can be used for deep cleaning after fit testing or daily use.

Warning:  OSHA requires that a respirator medical evaluation be conducted prior to fit testing and that subjects should be informed of the ingredients of the fit test solution.