A must for NIOSH: certify fit performance of the half mask particulate respirator.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has proposed to amend the certification rules for half mask air-purifying particulate respirators. The amendment would require the certified respirator to fit a minimum percentage of the intended users. The fail/pass rate for a respirator fitting a worker population has not been part of the certification process for particulate respirators since 1995. The amendment would also add a new requirement for the manufacturer to inform whom the respirator is intended to fit.