N-95 respirator fit testings scheduled for May

The Nebraska Medicine Employee Health (EH) Clinic is no longer able to offer annual fit testing for N-95 (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-approved, disposable, fitted, filtering facepiece) respirators and has contracted with a company to offer periodic testing sessions on campus.

Do you need a respirator fit test?

Your job description will dictate your need for an N-95 respirator. Please ask your manager/supervisor if you are unsure. Surgical masks and Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) units do not require fit testing.

The next fit testing sessions for N-95 respirator masks will be available on the UNMC main campus on May 7-17 and at the Village Pointe Clinic on May 18.

Appointment times are filling up quickly, so please register as soon as possible. Log in to Apollo, select “Search for Trainings” on the right-hand side, then type in “fit testing.”

If you miss the May session, additional dates will be available in August.

Other important information:

  • Before your appointment, you must complete this questionnaire and bring it with you.
  • 3M 1870 Plus respirators will be available for fit testing at these sessions. If you need a different model/style, please bring one with you to your appointment.
  • Your appointment will take approximately 20 minutes.
  • Plan to arrive five to 10 minutes before your appointment; if you are late, you may be asked to reschedule.
  • Males must be clean shaven. If you have facial hair, you cannot be fit tested and should not schedule an appointment.

For more information regarding fit testing, please visit the Employee Health fit testing SharePoint page.

The EH Clinic will still offer appointments for fit testing new employees, job changes or other special circumstances. They also will provide annual fit testing for reusable, half and full-face respirators. Please contact the EH Clinic to schedule these appointments at 402-552-3563.

If you have additional questions, email Employee Health or UNMC Environment Health & Safety.

Annual fit testing for N-95 respirator masks is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirement for any employee whose job description indicates a potential for exposure to airborne and/or aerosolized diseases. Fit testing and medical clearance is required annually before you use an N-95 respirator, and/or if there is a change in your physical appearance that may affect the fit of your mask, e.g., large weight gain or loss, major dental work, facial surgery (that alters the shape of your face) or scarring in the area of the seal.