How Often Should Healthcare Workers Be Fit Tested? Your Guide to Respirator Compliance for Health Services

Introduction: N95 Fit Testing Isn’t One-and-Done

As an Infection Control Coordinator or Clinical Director, you understand the critical role that tight-fitting respirators play in protecting staff from airborne hazards — from viral pathogens to fine dusts.

But a common question remains:

“How often do we need to conduct N95 fit testing for our healthcare workers?”

The answer? More often than you think — and in line with formal respiratory protection protocols like the Victorian Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) and AS/NZS 1715:2009 its yearly, but the Department of Health Victoria’s RPP has extended this to a maximum of 18 months.

What Do the Standards Say About Fit Testing Frequency?

According to the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1715, and reiterated by the Department of Health Victoria’s RPP, fit testing must be performed:

✅ Before first use of a tight-fitting respirator (e.g., N95, P2)

✅ Annually as part of a respiratory protection program (maximum of 18 months - Department of Health Victoria’s RPP)

✅ After any facial changes that may affect fit, including:

• Significant weight loss/gain

• Facial surgery or trauma

• Dental changes

• Growth or removal of facial hair

Failure to follow this schedule can result in respirator failure — which may lead to exposure incidents, WorkSafe breaches, or non-compliance with accreditation standards.

Why Annual Fit Testing is the Gold Standard in Infection Control

While some facilities have historically tested “every few years,” this is no longer compliant with modern infection prevention protocols, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s why annual testing is now the norm for compliant health services:

• Respirator designs change frequently

• Staff facial features evolve over time

• Annual testing supports staff education, confidence, and accountability

• Demonstrates proactive compliance with WorkSafe, Aged Care Quality Standards, and infection control audits

Roles That Require Fit Testing

If your staff may be exposed to airborne contaminants, they must be fit tested. This includes:

• 🧑‍⚕️ Clinical and Nursing Staff

• 🧑‍🔬 Allied Health Professionals (e.g., dental, podiatry, physio)

• 🧑‍🏭 Support Services (e.g., cleaning, food services, porters)

• 🚑 Emergency Response Personnel

• 👷 Maintenance Staff in contaminated environments

• 🧑‍💼 Aged Care Workers performing personal care or aerosol-generating procedures

Pro tip: If staff are required to wear an N95, they must be fit tested, regardless of job title.

Real-World Scenarios That Trigger Re-Testing

• New batch of respirators from a different brand

• A staff member fails their previous fit test

• Introduction of new infection control protocols or PPE requirements

• Staff return from extended leave or medical absence

• Previous test was conducted 18 months ago (Dept of Health Vic RPP maximum allowance)

What Infection Control Leads Need to Document

Under the RPP and WorkSafe guidance, your documentation must include:

📁 Fit test records (date, result, make/model/size of respirator)

📁 Staff training logs (on donning/doffing, seal checking)

📁 RPP policy & risk assessments

📁 Annual review schedule of the Respiratory Protection Program

We provide digital fit test records, templated policy documents, and automatic compliance reminders — making it easy to stay inspection-ready.

Australia-Wide Service for Healthcare & Aged Care

We travel to you. Whether your facility is in rural Victoria, regional Queensland, coastal WA or a metro public hospital, our service is:

✔ Built for compliance

✔ Scalable to any team size

✔ Designed for high-efficiency, low disruption

✔ Backed by professional trainers and infection control advisors

Conclusion: Annual Fit Testing = Smart Infection Control

If you’re building a best-practice infection control framework, annual fit testing is non-negotiable. Not only does it ensure legal compliance, it demonstrates to your staff, board, and regulators that you are actively reducing airborne risk in your service environment.

📞 Ready to Simplify Respirator Compliance?

Our fit testing services are designed for healthcare leaders who want:

✅ Confidence in their compliance

✅ Seamless reporting and documentation

✅ Professional training on-site

✅ A long-term partner in workforce safety

Click the link to contact us to see how we can help you stay compliant https://www.n95fittest.com.au/book-a-consultation