PDC 1002: Fit Testing and Selection of PPE for Diverse Workforces – NEW!

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

CM Credit Hours: 3.5 

*Please note: PDCs are at an additional cost, and preregistration is required*
To register, please visit: https://aihaconnect.org/register

While personal protective equipment is intended to be the last line of defense against hazards, it plays a vital role in worker protection—especially while controls are being evaluated and implemented. Health and safety professionals help ensure that workers are provided with PPE that not only offers appropriate protection for the task but also fits properly.

Specific regulatory requirements exist for respiratory protection fit testing. However, safety and health professionals also have a responsibility to ensure that hearing, head, eye and fall protection devices fit employees. Fit testing is often performed on individual articles of PPE without considering how well the equipment fits when worn together. Addressing these concerns can help encourage employees to wear PPE consistently while exposed to hazards.

This hands-on session on the science of fit will inform employers of key considerations when choosing PPE for today's diverse workforce. Participants will explore technologies that impact fit, strategies for selection, and methods for assessing whether PPE works together. The session includes fit testing techniques for several types of PPE, along with hands-on practice for respiratory, head, eye and hearing protection. Best practices for selecting, sizing and donning fall protection systems will also be covered.

*Please note: Only participants registering for two (2) half-day PDCs on the same day will receive a box lunch. **Please note: power strips will not be provided at each attendee's seat; however, charging stations for laptops will be provided in each course room.

• Summary of regulatory changes and OSHA enforcement strategies
• Tips to evaluate your current program for readiness
• Integrated protection: Evaluating the need for comfort, ability to communicate, wearability, and PPE compatibility when selecting PPE
• Hearing protection
o Hearing protector types, care, and attenuation
• Hands-on fitting
o Tips and fitting practicum
• Hearing protector fit testing
o Evidence-based benefits, implementation tips, and case study
• Hearing protector compatibility with eyewear
o Research results and selection guidance
• Respiratory protection
o Respirator types, care, and basic selection tips for compatibility with other PPE, ability to communicate, and comfort
• Respiratory fit testing methods
o Qualitative vs. quantitative
o Respiratory fit testing apps
• Hands-on respiratory fitting
o Tips and fitting practicum
• Protective eyewear fit
o Eyewear types and selection considerations
• Hands-on eyewear fitting
o Tips and fitting practicum
• Hands-on headwear fitting
o Fitting practicum
• Fall protection:
o Styles and selection considerations
• Hands-on fall protection fit assessment practice
o Donning tips, fitting practicum, and hosting
o Fit testing considerations when assessing compatibility of multiple types of PPE worn simultaneously
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Describe three benefits of PPE fit testing.
• List two ways to encourage employees to wear PPE consistently when exposed to hazards.
• Identify four methods firms can use to assess PPE fit for their workforce.
• Implement a process to ensure PPE fits both individually and in combination with other PPE.
 

Attendees should have a basic understanding of their organization's PPE selection process and policy. 

Participants will receive resources and guidelines to help assess PPE fit for respirators, links to free software applications, a summary of the OSHA Construction PPE rule change, and supporting guidance documents. 

Health and safety professionals play a critical role in ensuring all workers are provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) that not only offers appropriate protection for the task but also fits properly. According to OSHA, PPE "should fit comfortably, encouraging worker use. If the personal protective equipment does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed."

This session presents four methods to help effectively assess PPE fit.
 

None

Intermediate

Health Regulations

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Personal Protective Equipment

Hearing conservation and noise reduction

Personal protective equipment

Regulatory compliance

Respiratory protection

Safety

In-person

Professional

Case Studies

Group activities

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Live Polling

Practical Application

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises

Small Group Discussion