It's that time of year again for your respirator fit testing.

FIT testing will happen on March 19, 2025, starting at 9:20 AM at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Bertie County Center, located at 104 Lancaster Avenue, Windsor, NC. The cost is $55 per test.

This year, we are partnering with the NC Agromedicine Institute to provide this testing service.

Please note that FIT testing is by appointment only. Make sure to complete all required paperwork and arrive cleanly shaven.

Fit Testing

What to Expect at a Respirator Fit Test Event

When You Arrive

• You will be checked in and asked to fill out the fit test record and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) questionnaire if not previously completed.

Medical Clearance

• Medical clearance is an evaluation completed by a licensed healthcare professional (e.g., physician, family nurse practitioner, or physician assistant).
• If proof of medical clearance cannot be produced at the time of the fit test, one of the Agromedicine nurses will complete the evaluation prior to conducting the fit test.
• Documentation of (1) medical clearance, (2) training, and (3) fit test are ALL necessary for compliance.

Fit Test

• NC Agromedicine nurses will perform the fit test using specialized equipment.
• Participants will be fit tested on the respirator they plan to use as the fit test only certifies you to wear that specific model and size respirator that was worn during the fit test.

Tips & Reminders

• Store cartridges in a container separate from the respirator and keep a log of the length of time cartridges are used.
• The use time for cartridges and filtering facepieces is 8 hours.

• The fit test record and medical clearance provided by the NC Agromedicine Institute are valid for 1 year.
• Worker Protection Standards require these documents to be kept on file for 2 years, while OSHA requires 5 years.
• OSHA farms are those with migrant housing or 11+ full-time workers year-round.

• Check, Card, or invoice to farm.

Important Notes

• Cartridges are not needed for fit testing 3M and North respirators. Clean the respirator you plan to use and bring it to the fit test.
• The fit test only certifies you to wear the specific model and size respirator that was worn during the fit test.
• Medical clearance or fit test can be provided separately for $30/service or $55 for both.

• Short mustaches, sideburns, and small goatees that are neatly trimmed so that no hair compromises the seal of the respirator may be permitted for fit testing.
• Scan the QR code to see acceptable facial hair.