Arbor Safety Consulting is a provider of Respirator Fit Testing.


Our technicians will help your company with scheduling to make your Respiratory program run smoothly. We maintain a database of your information and send electronic copies of test results.
There are two primary reasons for Respirator Fit testing:
  • Verification of Training – after the individual has received respirator training, a Fit test checks that the person has learned how to properly put on and wear a respirator without assistance.
  • Sizing – It is important to make sure that the individual issued a respirator that is capable of providing protection when worn properly, that is, it is the right size.

We are fully mobile with our Fit Testing equipment and can provide services to mines, medical clinc, extend care homes, dental offices, chemical plants, fire department and all companies that have employees who are required to wear respiratory protection.

At this time, N95 respirators are only recommended for use if conducting an aerosol-generating medical procedure, such as tracheal or oral suctioning on an individual with influenza-like illness. This recommendation was made by the Public Health Agency of Canada, these recommendations are subject to change as more is learned about the virus.

When is fit-testing required?
Fit-testing is a regulatory requirement that states “a respirator which requires an effective seal with the face for proper functioning must not be issued to a worker unless a fit test demonstrates that the face piece forms an effective seal with the wearer's face”.

What are the regulatory requirements?
When a worker is at risk, or may reasonably be expected to be at risk, of harmful contact with a biological agent specified by WorkSafeBC, the employer is required to implement an exposure control plan as specified in Section 5.54 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. (WorkSafeBC has specified that section 6.34 applies to the virus that causes the swine flu.)

The fit-test must occur before a worker is assigned work that exposes him/her to a known or suspected case of the virus. Fit testing can occur just prior to the worker being dispatched to higher risk working environments as defined earlier, in line with the PHAC guideline and the respirator that has been used for the successful fit test can continue to be worn in the work setting.

A N95 or higher mask should be worn within 2 meters of an individual with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI). Whenever a mask OR N95 respirator is required, eye protection should be worn as well. 

If you are going to wear a mask to protect yourself from the Flu or H1N1, you must be face fit tested.  Every individual is different - size, shape and facial features are some of the key factors that must be taken into consideration when selecting your mask. Face fit testing is the only way to check if your mask gives you full protection.

Face fit testing is a method to ensure that a tight fitting facepiece (mask) matches the person’s facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face. It is also a good check that a wearer can put on a respirator facepiece correctly.

Poorly fitting masks or incorrectly fitted masks will not protect you against the virus!

Arbor Safety Consulting is an independent company specializing in face fit testing. Our Testers are highly experienced and manufactured trained to undertake face fit testing.

Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation discussion regarding your pandemic preparedness effort and how to integrate effective, pragmatic planning into your broader business continuity strategy. We look forward to sharing our approach to pandemic preparedness and some of the operational and tactical strategy options to align to your organizations strategic objectives.