Is Your Respirator Actually Protecting You?

Workplace Safety Is Your Respirator Actually Protecting You? · Winnipeg

You’ve invested in quality respirators for your team. But here’s the question most employers don’t ask: does that respirator actually fit? Even the best N95 or half-mask fails to protect if it doesn’t seal properly to the wearer’s face. That gap — literally — is where airborne hazards get in.

At True Health and Safety, we provide certified respirator fit testing for workers across all sectors in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba. Whether you’re a single worker or an employer managing dozens, we make compliance straightforward and convenient.


What Manitoba Law Requires

Under Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Regulation 217/2006 (Parts 6.15–6.16), any worker required to wear a tight-fitting respirator must be fit tested before first use and at least every two years thereafter. Testing must follow CSA Standard Z94.4-18 and be performed by a competent, trained professional.

⚠️ A quick seal check is not a fit test. Both are required — but only a formal fit test from a qualified provider satisfies Manitoba’s legal requirements. Workers who haven’t been tested must be excluded from respiratory hazard areas.

Non-compliance puts workers at risk and exposes employers to serious liability. Don’t leave it to chance.


Our Fit Testing Services

We offer both accepted methods under CSA Z94.4-18, matched to your workplace’s hazard level and respirator type.

Qualitative · QLFT
Sensory Challenge Test
A pass/fail method using a detectable challenge agent. Ideal for N95s and half-masks in lower-risk environments — dust, particulates, and general chemical exposures.
Quantitative · QNFT
Instrument-Measured Test
Uses a particle counter to precisely measure leakage. Recommended for healthcare, confined spaces, emergency response, and any high-hazard environment.

All testing is documented with a written record upon successful completion — so you have proof of compliance on file.


Who We Serve

Respiratory hazards exist across every industry. We work with employers and workers throughout Manitoba’s workforce:

Healthcare Hospitals, clinics, LTC
Construction Dust, silica, fumes
Industrial Manufacturing, utilities
Emergency Services Fire, EMS, hazmat
Education Labs, trades programs
Agriculture Grain dust, pesticides

What to Expect

Each session takes around 20 minutes. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Be clean-shaven — facial hair in the seal area prevents a proper fit
  • Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum for at least 20 minutes beforehand
  • Bring the respirator you use at work (make, model, and size)
  • Complete any required medical screening before your first test
📋 On-site group testing available. We come to your workplace — reducing downtime and making it easy to get your whole team compliant in one visit.

Fit testing is required at minimum every two years, and sooner if a worker switches respirator models, has significant changes to their face, or reports a poor fit. We can help you track and schedule retesting for your entire team.


Book Your Fit Test Today

Individual appointments, group bookings, and on-site testing across Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Book Now

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