Respiratory Protection Week: a fit test could save your life

August 30, 2024 – Defence Stories
Author: Lorraine Brown

Safety is paramount and as displayed by this wildland firefighter, this includes the wearing of respiratory protection. Respirators can be a life saver but only when properly adjusted, so take the opportunity during this week to get an appointment to be fit tested.

The Canadian Forces Fire Marshal Office would like you to remember the phrase “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Whether you are a recruit or a more seasoned member, “get a fit test, your life can be saved.” Before you start any work requiring a respirator, you must ask yourself these four questions:

1. Do I need a health evaluation? If you will be assigned a supplied air respirator, the answer is yes. For an air-purifying respirator (the most common type), you need an evaluation if you have any risk factors.
2. Have I completed the training required prior to the fit test?
3. Is there anything preventing an effective seal? Ensure there is nothing blocking the seal of your respirator. Those with facial hair must be clean shaven as they were for their fit test.
4. Is my fit test still valid? Fit tests are recommended annually, but not to exceed 2 years, because changes in your facial structure from situations like weight gain/loss or dental surgeries can affect how well the respirator fits. Fit tests need to be done for the specific type and size of your respirator; they are not transferable.

Work requiring the use of a respirator is not without risk. Please access the internal resources designed to protect you, when duty calls as is the case for the wildland firefighter.

If you are unable to wear the assigned respirator due to medical or religious reasons, discuss this with your Chain of Command. For guidance, consult the processes for workplace and religious accommodations at Canada.ca under DAOD 5015-0 and DAOD 5516-3.

For clarification, you can also reach out to your local Respiratory Protection Program Administrator.

References

• Defence Administrative Order & Directive (DAOD) 5021-1 Respiratory Protection
• Respiratory Protection Program [PDF 4.5MB]