Our Safety Blogs

Are Recyclers Required to have HAZWOPER Training?HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training is a type of training and certification program for workers who handle hazardous materials or work in hazardous environments. Whether recyclers are required to have HAZWOPER training depends on the specific hazards they may be exposed to on the job and the regulations that apply to their workplace.In general, recyclers who handle hazardous waste or materials that are classified as hazardous under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) may be required to have HAZWOPER training. This includes recyclers who work with hazardous chemicals, batteries, electronics, or other materials that may pose a risk to the health and safety of workers or the environment.The specific HAZWOPER training requirements for recyclers can vary depending on the specific hazards they may be exposed to on the job and the level of certification they are seeking. There are several different levels of HAZWOPER certification, including: HAZWOPER 8-Hour: This is a basic level of training that is required for all workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances or waste. HAZWOPER 24-Hour: This level of training is required for workers who are responsible for responding to hazardous material spills or other emergencies. HAZWOPER 40-Hour: This level of training is required for workers who will be performing hazardous waste operations on a regular basis. It is important to note that HAZWOPER training is a requirement for certain types of work and is not a voluntary or optional program. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers have the appropriate level of HAZWOPER certification for the tasks they will be performing. Recyclers should check with their employer or the relevant regulatory agency to determine if HAZWOPER training is required for their job.

What are the Types of Chemicals?There are many different types of chemicals that are used in a variety of industries and applications. Chemicals can be classified based on their properties, uses, and other characteristics. Some common categories of chemicals include: Acids: Chemicals that release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Acids have a sour taste and can be corrosive to certain materials. Bases: Chemicals that release hydroxide ions when dissolved in water. Bases have a bitter taste and can be corrosive to certain materials. Gases: Chemicals that are in a gaseous state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Gases can be compressed or liquified for storage or transportation. Liquids: Chemicals that are in a liquid state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Liquids can be poured and take the shape of their container. Solids: Chemicals that are in a solid state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Solids have a fixed shape and volume. Oxidizers: Chemicals that can cause or promote the oxidation of other materials. Oxidizers can be unstable and can ignite easily. Flammable liquids: Chemicals that are easily ignited and can burn rapidly. Flammable liquids have a flash point of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Toxic chemicals: Chemicals that are poisonous or harmful to humans or other living organisms. Toxic chemicals can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Hazardous chemicals: Chemicals that pose a risk to the health and safety of workers or the environment. Hazardous chemicals may be flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Click here to learn more. It is important to handle and store chemicals safely and to follow all relevant safety guidelines and regulations when working with these materials.The Hazard Communication Standard with GHS Training course will assist employees to identify the different chemical hazards and support the increase of workplace safety and health. This course is designed to educate workers who use hazardous chemicals in their workplaces, and those who are engaged in the manufacture, storage, import, and transportation of hazardous chemicals.

What Happens When Your HAZWOPER Certification Expires?If your HAZWOPER certification expires, it means that your training and certification are no longer valid and you are no longer authorized to perform work that requires this certification. This typically means that you will not be allowed to work in hazardous environments or handle hazardous substances until you have completed the required training and obtained a new certification.If your HAZWOPER certification has expired, you will need to complete the required training and pass a written examination in order to obtain a new certification. The specific training requirements and expiration dates for HAZWOPER certification vary depending on the level of certification that you are seeking and the specific hazards you will be exposed to on the job. There are several different levels of HAZWOPER certification, including: HAZWOPER 8-Hour: This is a basic level of training that is required for all workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances or waste. HAZWOPER 24-Hour: This level of training is required for workers who are responsible for responding to hazardous material spills or other emergencies. HAZWOPER 40-Hour: This level of training is required for workers who will be performing hazardous waste operations on a regular basis. It is important to note that HAZWOPER certification is a requirement for certain types of work and is not a voluntary or optional program. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers have the appropriate level of HAZWOPER certification for the tasks they will be performing.Register today to stay current on your HAZWOPER, OSHA, or RCRA/DOT training.

Is There an Expiration Leeway for HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher Annual Training?The HAZWOPER certification is valid for up to 12 months, after which refresher training is required to maintain the certification.The specific expiration leeway for HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training can vary depending on the regulations or guidelines that apply to a particular workplace or industry.In general, HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training is required to be completed on an annual basis for workers who handle hazardous substances or waste, or who work in hazardous environments. The purpose of this training is to ensure that workers remain current on the latest safety guidelines and procedures related to their work.However, in some cases, it may be possible for workers to have a brief extension on their training if they are unable to complete it within the specified time frame. For example, if a worker is unable to attend a scheduled training session due to illness or a family emergency, their employer may allow them to complete the training at a later date.It is important to note that any extension of the expiration date for HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training should be granted on a case-by-case basis, and workers should not assume that they will automatically be granted an extension. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers complete the required training in a timely manner, and it is the worker's responsibility to ensure that they complete the training as required.Renew your HAZWOPER training today by clicking here.

Do Warehouse Workers Require Lithium Training? Lithium is a chemical element that is used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including batteries, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals. It is important for warehouse workers who handle lithium or lithium-containing products to be trained on how to safely handle and store these materials. Here are some general guidelines for training warehouse workers on the safe handling and storage of lithium: Provide information about the properties and potential hazards of lithium, including its flammability, reactivity with water, and potential for producing toxic fumes. Train workers on the proper handling and storage of lithium products, including the use of personal protective equipment and the proper storage of lithium batteries. Discuss emergency procedures in the event of a lithium-related incident, including how to handle a fire, leak, or spill. Make sure workers are aware of any relevant regulations and guidelines related to the handling and storage of lithium products. Regularly review and update training materials and procedures to ensure that workers have the most current and accurate information on lithium safety. It is important to note that these are general guidelines and specific training requirements may vary depending on the specific type and quantity of lithium products being handled and the specific workplace setting. Click here to learn more about our available Lithium batteries online training courses.

What is the Difference Between RCRA and OSHA? OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) are both U.S. federal agencies that regulate different aspects of environmental and workplace safety. OSHA is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for setting and enforcing standards for occupational safety and health in the workplace. OSHA's goal is to protect workers from hazards that can cause injury or illness. It does this by setting standards for things like personal protective equipment, hazardous materials handling, and machine guarding, and by conducting inspections of workplaces to ensure that these standards are being followed. RCRA, on the other hand, is a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is responsible for regulating the management of hazardous waste. RCRA sets standards for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, with the goal of protecting human health and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of these materials. In summary, OSHA regulates occupational safety and health in the workplace, while RCRA regulates the management of hazardous waste. Click here for OSHA and RCRA training.

Which OSHA Training is Needed for Construction Employees? OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has a number of training requirements for the construction industry, depending on the specific hazards present at a worksite. Some common OSHA training requirements for construction workers include: OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training: This is a basic safety training course that covers the most common safety and health hazards in the construction industry. It is intended for entry-level workers, and it must be completed within six months of starting work in the construction industry. OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training: This is a more comprehensive safety training course that covers a wider range of hazards and safety practices. It is intended for supervisors and workers with some safety responsibility, and it must be completed within one year of starting work in the construction industry. Hazardous Materials Training: This training is required for workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials on the job, such as chemicals, Asbestos, Lead, Silica, Mold. The specific training requirements will depend on the types of hazardous materials present at the worksite. Fall Protection Training: This training is required for workers who may be exposed to fall hazards, such as those working on roofs, scaffolds, or elevated platforms. The specific training requirements will depend on the type of fall protection equipment being used. Confined Space Training: This training is designed to teach workers the skills and knowledge they need to safely enter and work in confined spaces. Confined spaces are enclosed or partially enclosed areas that are not designed for continuous human occupancy, and they can pose significant hazards to workers due to the potential for oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, and mechanical hazards. Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training: This training is designed to teach workers the skills and knowledge they need to safely perform excavation and trenching work, and to use shoring systems to support excavation walls. Excavation and trenching work can be dangerous due to the potential for cave-ins, falls, and other hazards. Electrical Safety Training: Construction sites will also have a need for electrical work. Workers who visit a construction site to undertake electrical work should receive adequate training to safeguard against electrical hazards such as shock, electrocution, arc flash bursts, etc. Our electrical safety training and arc flash safety training courses comply with the NFPA 70(e) guidelines and will support worker protection from electrical and arc flash hazards.  It is important to note that these are just a few examples of OSHA training requirements for the construction industry. There are many other training requirements that may apply, depending on the specific hazards present at a worksite. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers receive the necessary training to perform their jobs safely.

Which HAZWOPER Training Best Suits You? The HAZWOPER Standard - Introduction The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), sets guidelines for workers involved in the management and emergency response regarding hazardous waste. The standard further emphasizes appropriate HAZWOPER training of workers in order to minimize health and safety risks that could occur at the workplace, thereby ensuring the safety and good health of workers.  Before engaging in hazardous waste operations and training workers, including employees, supervisors, and site managers, we need to answer the question – What is appropriate HAZWOPER training? This article provides a detailed answer to not only this question but endeavors to describe various types of HAZWOPER training required by diverse worker occupations.  The HAZWOPER standard provides guidelines for workers involved in the clean-up of hazardous waste or the transfer, storage, and disposal operations of hazardous waste, and the emergency response procedures to be followed in case of hazardous waste and hazardous materials incidents.  Hazardous Substances and Emergency Response in Accordance with OSHA Various hazardous substances can cause different emergencies such as fires, explosions, air pollution, poisonous gas releases, etc. As such, responding to emergencies at hazardous waste sites and when working with hazardous materials or toxic chemicals often go hand in hand.  Let’s understand the definition of hazardous substances and emergency situations as defined by OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard before moving on with this article.  What are Hazardous Substances?  Substances that have adverse effects on health, or substances, when released into the environment, that could cause disease if ingested or inhaled by any person. A hazardous substance can not only cause severe diseases, behavioral abnormalities, and physiological malfunctions but can also be fatal.  Let’s Define an Emergency Situation Any situation that is injurious to health or deadly and requires an emergency response. Such situations include the following: Release of toxic substances into the environment. A situation causing oxygen deficiency in the environment. A risk of ignition or explosion.  A life-threatening situation such as electrocution requiring instant attention to rescue employees. Keeping in mind the perils of hazardous wastes and emergency situations, regulatory bodies necessitate employers to train employees to protect worker health and ensure their safety at the workplace. The Advantages of HAZWOPER Training for the Employers and Employees The main benefits of HAZWOPER training are listed below. As training is mandated by OSHA, the employer will be meeting the relevant regulatory requirements. The employer will reduce the risk of fines and other penalties that may arise due to non-compliance with OSHA regulatory standards. Offering HAZWOPER training to employees will reflect positively on employer responsibility and ensure the organization’s brand as a caring employer is maintained. As hazardous substances can be life-threatening, proper training helps reduce workplace mishaps and accidents while making it easier for employees to handle emergencies and unexpected releases of hazardous substances. HAZWOPER training provides employees with an opportunity to better understand their jobs, widen their knowledge base, and identify probable hazards and how to reduce or prevent them. To learn about HAZWOPER training and its benefits in detail, read our article “What is HAZWOPER Training and Who Needs It?” Jobs Requiring HAZWOPER Training  People directly or indirectly exposed to hazardous waste or hazardous substances must comply with OSHA’s training requirements. There are different types of HAZAWOPER training for different exposure levels and jobs. Occupations requiring HAZWOPER training are listed below. To know more about the levels of HAZWOPER training, you can read our article “HAZWOPER Training Levels - Know the Basics.” Equipment operators, general laborers, supervisors, and on-site managers of hazardous waste sites; General site workers and specialists at treatment/storage/disposal (TSD) facilities; Workers employed by environmental services companies; Specialists and technicians working on hazardous waste sites or with hazardous substances; Emergency responders; Geophysical surveyors; Supervisors and managers of emergency situations; Medical personnel exposed to various diseases and contaminants; Non-medical personnel working in hospitals and exposed to hazmat; On-site workers exposed to at or above Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) levels developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Work tasks with exposure to chemicals with a risk of explosion or fire; Work tasks with exposure to poisonous substances; Work tasks with exposure to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere i.e., air containing less than 19.5% oxygen; People working in confined spaces – such as manholes, pipelines, vaults, underground storage, etc.;  Working at underground sites with the possibility of hazardous gas exposure or low oxygen levels; Work tasks carried out at sites exposed to contaminated soil or groundwater; Subsurface investigators; Workers exposed to hazardous materials or hazardous waste at construction sites; and Work carried out at a site listed as hazardous by an official government agency. A Training You Need! HAZWOPER (e) series and (p) series training is required as per a worker’s job specification and the extent of worker exposure to hazardous substances. Let’s further analyze which job roles required which HAZWOPER training. HAZWOPER (e) Series Training Required Job Roles/Occupations Requiring HAZWOPER Training OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training Underground tank cleaners Contaminated soil removers or handlers Groundwater handlers Subsurface investigators Workers exposed to HazMat at construction sites Workers of TSD (treatment, storage, and disposal) facilities of hazardous waste or hazardous substances Hazardous waste site clean-up crews Lab technicians Specialists working in proximity to hazardous waste or hazmat OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training Groundwater monitors Land surveyors Geophysical surveyors Equipment operators HazMat delivery drivers Project managers exposed to hazardous waste or hazardous substances Environmentalists HazMat technicians and specialists occasionally at hazardous waste sites Workers such as electricians, plumbers, laborers, painters, maintenance personnel, etc., who visit hazardous waste sites for short-term work OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training Workers initially certified with OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training and need to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA annual training requirement Workers initially certified with OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training and need to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA annual training requirement OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training Managers and supervisors of workers who are directly or indirectly exposed to hazardous wastes and other hazardous substances. This training is obtained in addition to OSHA 40-Hour or OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training (whichever is applicable to the managers and supervisor in accordance with the workers they are responsible for). OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Refresher Training Managers and supervisors initially certified with OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training HAZWOPER (p) Series Training Required Job Roles/Occupations Requiring HAZWOPER Training OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training Workers exposed to RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) in generally any industry Workers exposed to RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) in the construction industry Workers of TSD (treatment, storage, and disposal) facilities of RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher – RCRA TSD Operations Training Workers initially certified with OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training and required to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA’s annual training requirements. Get HAZWOPER Training with Electronic Certification and Wallet ID at Your Own Pace!  You can now easily identify the HAZWOPER training you require according to the job you do. Are you looking for an OSHA-compliant HAZWOPER training provider? Register now for our HAZWOPER (e) series and HAZWOPER (p) series, the e-learning courses which will help you to learn at your own pace from home, work, or wherever you want. All you need is internet access on a PC, laptop, or mobile device of your choice. Once you complete the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion and will also receive a Walled ID once you upload a passport-size photograph on our system. We also offer group discounts for large organizations. Dial 866.429.6742 to speak to our customer services personnel or feel free to write to info@HAZWOPER-OSHA.com for more details. References: NIOSH. (n.d.). Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Values. Website. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/default.html#:~:text=The%20Immediately%20dangerous%20to%20life,first%20developed%20in%20the%20mid%2D OSHA. (n.d.). Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). Website. https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/hazardous-waste-operations/standards

Who is a Competent Person and their Role in Excavation Safety and Fall ProtectionWe often hear the term “competent person” about safety protocols. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration particularly allocates responsibility to workers in the capacity of competent persons for certain work operations and for examining and confirming safety protocols. Hence, many OSHA safety standards and other regulatory documents refer to the term “competent person”, requiring a need for employers and employees to understand the term to allocate responsibility to comply with OSHA standards and regulations.Who is a Competent Person?According to OSHA, a “competent person is defined as one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them" [29 CFR 1926.32(f)].”OSHA goes on to explain that a competent person gains knowledge through appropriate education and training, and field experience. Thus, a competent person would be knowledgeable about the applicable safety standards for specific types of works (for example, excavation operations, erection of scaffolding, safe work practices to ensure fall protection, work operations using hazardous or toxic substances like asbestos, etc.). A competent person would also have the capability to identify workplace hazards relating to specific operations and the authority to correct them.Several OSHA standards specify added requirements to be fulfilled by a competent person. Refer to this link for the complete list of OSHA Standards that specify the requirements that a competent person must fulfill.The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent Person in Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring OperationsOSHA’s Excavation Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P specifies organizations involved in excavation and trenching operations appoint an employee as a “competent person” only if they:Have training in soil analysis,Are knowledgeable about protective systems and OSHA excavation requirements,Are able to identify hazards in excavation work, andHave the authority to take prompt action to remove or minimize hazards identified at excavation and/or trenching worksites.At excavation sites, a competent person is required on-site whenever workers are entering excavations.  A competent person’s responsibilities at excavation sites include:Classifying soilDesigning structural ramps for heavy equipmentInspecting worksites daily, as often as neededExamining equipment and materials to make sure they are in good working orderMonitoring water removal operationsMaintaining the authority to take prompt, corrective action to eliminate existing and predictable hazards, and stopping work when required.In instances where there is a need for OSHA to conduct worksite inspections, much time is spent verifying if the competent person on-site understands OSHA’s excavation standards and can identify and eliminate hazards that might harm workers.To better understand the compliance requirements of OSHA’s Excavations Standards, enroll employees in our OSHA Competent Person for Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training course without delay. Remember!A “competent person” must not only know the relevant worksite hazards and be given proper training on OSHA Standards but also have adequate authority to take action to stop work in case of any unforeseen circumstances or hazards.The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent Person in Fall ProtectionWhen workers work at heights, OSHA specifies the need for fall protection as regulated by OSHA’s Fall Protections Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. To adhere to the compliance requirements of these OSHA Standards, employers must appoint a competent person to understand the prevailing hazards and ensure the application of relevant safe work processes to minimize or eliminate fall hazards. Accordingly, an employer must appoint a competent person who is responsible for:The identification and evaluation of fall hazards and warning other workers about these conditions.Determining whether the safety nets meet the provisions of the Fall Protections Standards according to Subpart M.The inspection of the personal fall arrest system (PFAS) after a fall.Evaluating any alterations in a personal fall arrest system and its safety.Training employees to recognize fall hazards and follow safe work practices. For comprehensive training on OSHA Fall Protection Standards, enroll in our OSHA Competent Person for Fall Protection Training course today!ConclusionA competent person has an important role to play in the safety and health of employees who work in excavation and trenches and those who undertake work at heights. As such, employers must ensure that personnel designated as competent persons have adequate experience and knowledge and receive regular training to ensure their knowledge remains current and in compliance with any changes in OSHA safety standards.ReferenceOSHA. (n.d.). Competent Person. Website. https://www.osha.gov/competent-person

Respirator Fit Testing: An Important Element of Respiratory ProtectionMany workplaces require employees to wear respiratory protection. These range from oil and gas companies, hazardous waste operations, and construction sites to industrial factories and chemical manufacturers. Additionally, respiratory protection is also required to be worn by workers involved in restoration work and mold remediation, as well as medical professionals.  As such a large part of the workforce requires respiratory protection, OSHA recognizing the need for regulating the use of respirators and putting in place best practices for respiratory protection, has developed a Standard for Respiratory Protection 49 CFR 1910.134.According to OSHA, several steps must be followed when requiring employees to wear respiratory protection. One critical element of this is to use the right type of respirator for the right type of hazard. Next, employees must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are healthy enough to wear a respirator while carrying out work tasks. Once they pass the medical surveillance, it is equally important to fit test respirators for individual workers who are required to use respiratory protection to safeguard against airborne pathogens, hazardous gases, vapors, and dusts.What is Fit Testing?As the name suggests, fit testing is the process of determining if the chosen respirator type and style ‘fits’, that is suitable for, the wearer. Part of the fit-testing process is to determine if the respirator forms a seal on the user’s face as not having a good seal would result in inadequate protection for the wearer and resulting in respiratory protection being less effective than expected.When Should Respirator Fit Testing Take Place?According to OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, employers must fit test respirators in employees in the below three instances.Before an employee’s initial use of a respirator in a work environment.Whenever a new or different facepiece or respiratory equipment is used.Once, a year, thereafter, to ensure everything is as it should be, and the respirator still fits the worker as it did during the previous fit test.Additionally, fit testing should also be performed in instances where wearers have either gained or lost weight, after any major dental work or facial surgery which could have changed the shape of the face, or in case of scarring on the face around the seal area. Is Respirator Fit Testing Mandatory?Fit testing is mandatory for all positive or negative pressure respirators and tight-fitting facepiece respirators.  As part of the respirator fit testing process, employees must be given the respiratory equipment in advance and shown how to use it, that is, put it on and take it off. Employees are also given the opportunity to choose the size and weight of the equipment components, so the fit is comfortable.  Only after the employee chooses and feels comfortable with wearing the respirator is a seal check performed. This is the critical aspect of Respirator Fit Testing and the basis for whether or not an employee can use the chosen respirator. Note, if during the respirator fit testing, it is found that the respirator seal to the face is not tight enough, then the employee must choose a different style and size of respiratory equipment that would better fit with their face structure. Respirator Fit Testing – Two TypesThere are two types used to fit test if the respirator seal is proper on the worker. These are:Qualitative fit testing (QLFT)Quantitative fit testing (QNFT)Qualitative Fit TestingQualitative fit testing is relatively simple. It is a pass-or-fail test. The QLFT does not measure the leakage of a respirator, it simply identifies that a leak is present. During a quantitative fit test, employees are required to wear a respirator and stand in an enclosed area. The person conducting the test will introduce different ‘agents’ into this sealed booth and the employee will use his/her sense of taste and smell or reaction to a known (non-harmful) irritant to identify if the respirator seal is achieved.OSHA approves four protocols for qualitative fit testing:Isoamyl Acetate Protocol – smells like bananaSaccharin Solution Aerosol Protocol – sweet tasteBitrex™ (Denatonium Benzoate) Solution Aerosol Qualitative Fit Test Protocol – bitter tasteIrritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride) Protocol – causes coughing and has a smoky smellIf the employee can smell or taste the ‘agent’ introduced, then the respirator fit test is a failure. And, if the employee does not smell or taste any of the test agents introduced during the testing process, they pass the qualitative fit test. If an employee fails the qualitative fit test, then they must choose a different respirator and try the test again.Quantitative Fit TestingA quantitative fit test is based on a numerical score that determines how well a respirator fits an individual by measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator. Quantitative fit testing does not depend on the human sense of smell and taste. During a QNFT, sampling probes or other measuring devices are placed inside and outside the respirator facepiece to identify the leakage amount. There are three types of quantitative fit testing protocols as recommended by OSHA. Generated Aerosol Quantitative Fit Testing Protocol - Employees must wear a respirator while the aerosol is released into a testing chamber. Measurements are taken of the concentration of the aerosol particles both inside the test chamber and inside the respirator to determine leakage.Ambient Aerosol Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) Quantitative Fit Testing Protocol – Lasers are used to measure the ambient aerosol concentration both inside and outside of the facepiece.  Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) Quantitative Fit Testing Protocol – This method uses an instrument to exhaust air from inside the facepiece to maintain a constant negative pressure. The measurement of the exhaust stream required to maintain a constant negative pressure produces a measure of leakage into the facepiece.Employees and employers must strictly follow the protocols recommended by OSHA for both qualitative and quantitative fit testing requirements. Appendix A of OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, provides complete details on all mandatory fit testing methods and requirements. To know more, click here. Additional TestingIn addition to the qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods explained briefly above, OSHA respiratory protection regulations also require employees to perform several different exercises for 1 minute each. These exercises support employees wearing respirators to ensure they are comfortable with the respiratory protection equipment chosen by them. These are:To practice normal breathing,To breathe deeply,To slowly turn the head from side to side,To slowly move the head up and down,To talk out loud,To smile or frown,To bend at the waist, and  To job in place.Training Employees to Understand Respiratory ProtectionWorkplaces that require employees to wear respiratory protection must provide training to employees to understand OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard. Employees working in hazardous waste operations or emergency response have access to the sections on respiratory protection as part of our HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training, HAZWOPER 24-Hour Training, and the 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training.Employees working in TSD facilities receive detailed information on respiratory protection when they enroll in our OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training course.In addition, employers must also provide employees with on-the-job and hands-on training on using and storing respiratory equipment.