What is the PF for a Negative Air Full Face when quantitatively fit tested?

• A. 50
• B. 100
• C. 10
• D. 1000

Answer: (B)

The main idea is what the fit factor (PF) measures during a quantitative fit test. PF is the ratio of the contaminant concentration outside the respirator to the concentration inside the respirator. A higher PF means the respirator seal is better.

For a negative-pressure full-face respirator, the test you’re given requires a minimum passing factor of 100. That means during the test the air inside the facepiece must be no more than 1/100 of the ambient air, indicating a fairly good seal. Values lower than 100 indicate the seal isn’t adequate to pass the test, while a value like 1000 would be more stringent than the standard passing threshold used in this context.