Update on Annual Fit Testing Requirements and Temporary Exemptions here https://www.nycamh.org/programs-and-services/respirator-fit-test-clinics.php

Who Needs Fit Testing? 

Anyone working on a farm or greenhouse operation who handles a pesticide with a label that calls for the use of a respirator must be fit tested each year, according to the EPA Worker Protection Standard.  OSHA requires that the fit test be preformed annually with the make, model, style, and size of respirator to be used.  In additional to the fit test, training and medical clearance are required to ensure there are no health risks to an individual working while wearing a respirator.

What to Expect

The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) is providing a series of respirator fit testing clinics in our region. During the clinics NYCAMH will provide medical evaluations, respirator fit tests, and WPS compliant trainings on how to properly inspect, put on, take off, fit, seal check, use, clean, maintain, and store respirators. A respirator fit test ensures that a particular make, model, and size of respirator fits the wearer's face and will meet the wearer's needs. A fit test is specific to the make, model, and size of respirator.

If a worker wears more than one style of respirator, including filtering face-pieces, they must be fit-tested for each one. Please keep in mind that a clean-shaven face is necessary for masks to be effective and for fit-testing to be possible.

Cost

Clinic appointments can accommodate up to eight workers at a time.  Medical evaluations, fit tests, and trainings are available in both English and Spanish.  Fees  are based on a sliding scale ($25-$65 per person, based on farm gross income): please ask for details when scheduling an appointment.

How to Schedule

To schedule an appointment please call 800-343-7527, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM or email FitTest@bassett.org.  Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.  When calling or emailing to schedule an appointment please have the following information available:

•  Total number of people attending from your farm 
•  Name of each person being scheduled 
•  Language spoken by each attendee 
•  Make and model of each respirator to be tested

If you are unable to attend the clinic in your area you may schedule an appointment at another location.

Times & Locations

Western New York/Finger Lakes

• April 1st: Fulkerson Winery, 5576 New York 14, Dundee, NY 14837.                                           
• April 2nd-3rd: CCE Ontario County, 480 N. Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424.                              
• April 22nd: CCE Orleans County, 12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411.                                     
• April 23rd: CCE Niagara County, 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, NY 14094.                                    
• May 13th: Amos Zittel & Sons, 3275 Webster Road, Eden, NY 14057.                                           
• May 14th: CCE LERGP, 6592 West Main Road, Portland, NY 14769.                                        

For more information on fit test clinics and When and How to use a Respirator visit https://www.nycamh.org/programs-and-services/respirator-fit-test-clinics.php