Upcoming Respirator Fit Test Sessions

While pesticide applicators are familiar with respirators, specifically the "why" and "when" they should be worn, many are not as acquainted with the testing requirements and how to satisfy them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) respirator regulations as part of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). Anyone handling, assisting with, or applying a pesticide must wear a respirator if its use is mandated on the label. Respirators protect applicators from inhalation risks of certain pesticides, but wearing them can impose an additional physical effort on the user. When a respirator must be worn, the applicator must complete the following requirements to stay safe and compliant:

• A medical evaluation performed by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider. Often, a medical evaluation can be completed and certified through an online option. However, depending on the individual's health, an in-person evaluation may be required. Also, the medical evaluator will determine when another evaluation may be necessary. Other reasons, such as a change in workplace and/or health conditions, will require reevaluation. When it comes to personal health and safety, it never hurts to be re-evaluated.
• An annual fit test for each type of respirator worn or used. Fit tests are required annually, but may be required more often depending on a host of circumstances. For example, if a new type or size of respirator is used or an individual experiences significant physical facial changes.
• Annual training on the proper use and care of their respirator. Training can also be required more frequently if respiratory hazards change or if an individual switches to another respirator type. Users must show they have working knowledge of how to use and properly care for any respirator they use.
• Keep records for two years that document the completion of the above requirements for all respirators used.

Many health care providers and facilities provide medical evaluations and respirator fit tests across the state. While these are always an option, please take advantage of the Penn State Extension Respirator Fit Test Program, if possible!

The Respirator Fit Test Program provides pesticide applicators and handlers with a fit test of their personal respirator(s) and a medical evaluation at events held throughout the Commonwealth. The program is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension Pesticide Education Program. These fit testing opportunities, including the medical evaluation, are administered by a third-party partner for the Pesticide Education Program. Each event will offer a 30-minute respirator training session at a scheduled time once per event to satisfy the annual training component and provide 1 Core pesticide credit! Fit tests are available at no cost. However, some events may require event registration (and fees) to attend. Requirements to receive a fit test include that participants must be clean-shaven and bring their own respirator(s) with cartridges.

The Penn State Extension Respirator Fit Test Program opportunities in 2026:

• *Tuesday, January 27 – Wednesday, January 28 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention (MAFVC), Hershey, PA
  •  12pm-5pm (January 27)
  •  8am-12pm (January 28)
• *Tuesday, February 3 (9am-12pm) Penn State Crops Conference, Lebanon Valley Expo Center, Lebanon, PA
• Wednesday, February 11 (9am-2pm) Penn State Tree Fruit Meeting (Erie), Burch Farms Country Market, North East, PA
• Thursday, February 12 (9am-2pm) Penn State Tree Fruit Meeting (Allegheny), Soergel Orchards, Wexford, PA
• Monday, February 16 (9am-2pm) Penn State Tree Fruit Meeting (Adams), Biglerville High School, Biglerville, PA
• Thursday, February 19 (9am-2pm) Penn State Tree Fruit Meeting (Berks), Berks Co. Extension, Leesport, PA
• Wednesday, February 25 (9am-2pm) PA Wine and Grape Conference, Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA

Fit tests will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins are always welcome unless the host event requires event registration; such events will be denoted with an "*" above. For event locations/times (subject to change) or any other questions pertaining to the fit tests, contact stw5035@psu.edu or 814-863-9606. We hope to see you there, and don't forget to bring your respirator(s)!