Fit Test - Irritant Fume Protocol

The test subject shall be allowed to smell a weak concentration of the irritant smoke to familiarize him with its characteristic odor.
The test subject shall properly don the respirator selected as above, and wear it for at least 5-10 minutes before starting the fit test.
The test conductor shall review this protocol with the test subject before testing.
The test subject shall perform the conventional positive pressure and negative pressure fit checks. Failure of either check shall be cause to select an alternate respirator.
Break both ends of a ventilation smoke tube containing stannic oxychloride, such as the MSA part No.5645, or equivalent. Attach a short length 'of tubing to one end of the smoke tube. Attach the other end of the smoke tube to a low pressure air pump set to deliver 200 milliliters per minute.
Advise the test subject that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes and instruct him to keep his eyes closed while the test is performed.
The test conductor shall direct the stream of irritant smoke from the tube towards the face seal area of the test subject. He shall begin at least 12 inches from the face piece and gradually move to within one inch, moving around the whole perimeter of the mask.
The following exercises shall be performed while the respirator seal is being challenged by the smoke. Each shall be performed for one minute.

Normal breathing
Deep breathing. Breaths should be deep and regular.
Turning head from side-to-side. Be certain movement is complete. Alert the test subject not to bump the respirator on the shoulders. Have the test subject inhale when his head is at either side.
Nodding head up-and-down. Be certain motions are complete and made about every second. Alert the test subject not to bump the respirator on the chest. Have the test subject inhale when his head is in the fully up position.
Reciting the rainbow passage
Jog in place
Normal breathing

If the irritant smoke produces an involuntary reaction (cough) by the test subject, the test conductor shall stop the test. In this case the test respirator is refitted and upon failure of the second trial rejected and another respirator shall be selected.
Each test subject passing the smoke test without evidence of a response shall be given a sensitivity check of the smoke from the same tube to determine whether he/she reacts to the smoke. Failure to evoke a response shall void the fit test.
Steps involving the distribution of stannic oxychloride shall be performed in a location with exhaust ventilation sufficient to prevent general contamination of the testing area by the irritant smoke.
Respirators successfully tested by the protocol may be used in contaminated atmospheres up to ten times the PEL. In other words this protocol may be used to assign protection factors not exceeding ten.