You're Cleared. Here’s What Comes Next.

Step 1 Complete: Your ProTrain Medical Clearance

Your ProTrain medical clearance means a U.S. Licensed Physician or other Licensed Healthcare Professional (PLHCP) reviewed your questionnaire and determined you can safely wear a respirator under the conditions described (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(e)).

Step 2: Confirm the Respirator You’ll Wear

Fit testing is specific: it applies to a particular make, model, style, and size of respirator. Before you schedule a fit test, confirm what you’ll actually be issued or required to use.

Tight-Fitting vs. Loose-Fitting

OSHA fit testing applies to tight-fitting respirators (for example: N95 filtering facepieces, half-face elastomeric, full-face respirators). Loose-fitting PAPRs are different and typically do not require the same fit test approach.

Common selection issues that cause delays

• content_cut Facial hair: If hair sits under the sealing surface, a tight-fitting respirator cannot seal properly. This is one of the most common fit-test failures.
• swap_horiz Switching respirators: If you change make/model/style/size, you must be fit tested on the new respirator before use.
• construction Job changes: Higher physical workload or harsher conditions can change what’s appropriate (and may trigger re-evaluation).

Step 3: Fit Testing (The “Seal Verification” Step)

If you wear a tight-fitting respirator, OSHA requires fit testing after medical clearance and before first use in a hazardous environment. Fit testing verifies the respirator actually seals to your face—because a respirator that doesn’t seal won’t protect you.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Fit Testing

• science Qualitative (QLFT): Pass/fail method using taste or smell agents (commonly used for N95s and many half-mask applications).
• analytics Quantitative (QNFT): Instrument-based method that produces a numerical “fit factor” (used for any tight-fitting respirator and required in some higher protection scenarios).

How often do you repeat fit testing?

Most programs conduct fit testing at least annually and whenever something could change fit—like significant weight change, major dental work, facial surgery/scarring, or switching respirator models/sizes.

Where do you get fit testing?

Fit testing is typically arranged by your employer as part of the written respiratory protection program. Employers may use trained internal staff or a third-party provider. If you need on-site support, QuickCare offers mobile fit testing services in many operational settings: Respirator Fit Testing Services.

Step 4: Employer Training (Before Use, Then Ongoing)

OSHA requires training for employees who must use respirators (29 CFR 1910.134(k)). Training should happen before respirator use, and be repeated at least annually (and sooner if conditions change or understanding is lacking).

What your training should cover

• info Why the respirator is needed and how improper fit/use/maintenance reduces protection.
• tune Capabilities and limitations of the selected respirator.
• person_check Donning/doffing, user seal checks, and safe use practices.
• build Inspection, storage, cleaning, and replacement procedures.
• crisis_alert Emergency use guidance and what to do if the respirator malfunctions.
• health_and_safety How to recognize medical signs/symptoms that may limit safe respirator use.

For employers building the full program, see: Respiratory Protection Program Components Guide.

Step 5: Documentation and Renewal Tracking

Record keeping is what turns “we did it” into “we can prove it.” Good documentation prevents gaps, supports safer work, and keeps you prepared for audits and contractor requirements.

What most programs track

When do you need another medical evaluation?

OSHA requires additional medical evaluation when an employee reports symptoms related to respirator use, a PLHCP/supervisor/program administrator recommends it, program observations indicate a problem, or workplace conditions increase physiological burden. Many organizations also choose to renew on a predictable schedule and use expiration tracking to avoid gaps.

Why ProTrain Doesn’t Stop at a Certificate

A clearance is necessary—but not sufficient. The safest programs make it easy for employees to do the right thing and for employers to prove it. ProTrain focuses on the medical evaluation step and provides clear guidance so the rest of your program is easier to execute and manage.