TSI Instruments Qfit User manual

RESPIRATOR FIT TESTERS
(MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC VERSIONS)
USER’S MANUAL
U.S. and International
patents pending.

i
Copyright©
TSI Incorporated / 2010-2012 / All rights reserved.
Part Number
6002712 / Revision E / August 2012
Address
TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA
Fax No.
[phone]
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY (effective June 2011)
(For country-specific terms and conditions outside of the USA, please visit www.tsi.com.)
Seller warrants the goods sold hereunder, under normal use and service as described in
the operator's manual, shall be free from defects in workmanship and material for 12
months, or if less, the length of time specified in the operator's manual, from the date of
shipment to the customer. This warranty period is inclusive of any statutory warranty. This
limited warrantyis subject to the following exclusions and exceptions:
a. Hot-wire or hot-film sensors used with research anemometers, and certain other
components when indicated in specifications, are warranted for 90 days from the date
of shipment;
b. Pumps are warranted for hours of operation as set forth in product or operator’s
manuals;
c. Parts repaired or replaced as a result of repair services are warranted to be free from
defects in workmanship and material, under normal use, for 90 days from the date of
shipment;
d. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others or on
anyfuses, batteries or other consumable materials. Only the original manufacturer's
warranty applies;
e. Unless specifically authorized in a separate writing by Seller, Seller makes no warranty
with respect to, and shall have no liability in connection with, goods which are
incorporated into other products or equipment, or which are modified by any person
other than Seller.
The foregoing is IN LIEU OF all other warranties and is subject to the LIMITATIONS stated
herein. NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY IS MADE. WITH RESPECT TO
SELLER’S BREACH OF THE IMPLIED WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, SAID
WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO CLAIMS OF DIRECT INFRINGEMENT AND EXCLUDES
CLAIMS OF CONTRIBUTORY OR INDUCED INFRINGEMENTS. BUYER’S EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY SHALL BE THE RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE DISCOUNTED FOR
REASONABLE WEAR AND TEAR OR AT SELLER’S OPTION REPLACEMENT OF
THE GOODS WITH NON-INFRINGING GOODS.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER OR
BUYER, AND THE LIMIT OF SELLER'S LIABILITYFOR ANYAND ALL LOSSES,
INJURIES, OR DAMAGES CONCERNING THE GOODS (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED
ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) SHALL
BE THE RETURN OF GOODS TO SELLER AND THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE
PRICE, OR, AT THE OPTION OF SELLER, THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE
GOODS. IN THE CASE OF SOFTWARE, SELLER WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE
DEFECTIVE SOFTWARE OR IF UNABLE TO DO SO, WILL REFUND THE PURCHASE
PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR LOST
PROFITS OR ANYSPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. SELLER
SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTALLATION, DISMANTLING OR
REINSTALLATION COSTS OR CHARGES. No Action, regardless of form, may be

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brought against Seller more than 12 months after a cause of action has accrued. The
goods returned under warranty to Seller's factory shall be at Buyer's risk of loss, and will be
returned, if at all, at Seller's risk of loss.
Buyer and all users are deemed to have accepted this LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND
LIABILITY, which contains the complete and exclusive limited warranty of Seller. This
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY may not be amended, modified or its terms
waived, except by writing signed by an Officer of Seller.
This instrument contains (1) rechargeable Nickel Metal
Hydride (NiMH) battery which is not user serviceable.
Disclaimer: The measurement provided by the Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester is an
assessment of respirator fit during a fit test only. Respirator fit at other
times will vary. The fit factor value is not intended for use in calculating
an individual's actual exposure to hazardous substances.
Service Policy
Knowing that inoperative or defective instruments are as detrimental to TSI as they are
to our customers, our service policy is designed to give prompt attention to any
problems. If any malfunction is discovered, please contact your nearest sales office or
representative, or call TSI's Customer Service department at [phone] (USA) or
(001 651) 490-2811 (International) or visit www.tsi.com.
Trademarks
TSI, TSI logo, and Qfit are trademarks and registered trademarks of TSI Incorporated.
Bitrex is a registered trademark of Macfarlan Smith Ltd.
Patents
U.S. and International patents pending.

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Contents
Introduction........................................................................................1
Handheld Operation..........................................................................2
Remote Operation ............................................................................4
Opening Cartridges...........................................................................7
Reordering Supplies and Replacement Parts ..................................8
Instructions for Using Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester in
Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT)—Manual Version............................9
General Test Guidelines...................................................................9
Pump Operation..............................................................................11
Sensitivity Test................................................................................13
Fit Test............................................................................................15
Halting the Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester..........................................16
Maintenance ...................................................................................18
Troubleshooting..............................................................................18
Comparison of Number of Nebulizer Squeezes.............................19
Instructions for Using Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester in
Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT)—Automatic Version..........................21
General Test Guidelines.................................................................21
Precautions.....................................................................................22
Pump Operation..............................................................................23
Sensitivity Test................................................................................25
Fit Test............................................................................................26
Halting the Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester..........................................28
Maintenance ...................................................................................30
Troubleshooting..............................................................................30
Comparison of Number of Nebulizer Squeezes.............................31
Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester Service Procedure............................33
Service and Support.......................................................................33
International Contacts.....................................................................34
Material Safety Data Sheets............................................................37
Index..................................................................................................47

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1
Introduction
The Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester is developed based on OSHA 29CFR
1910.134, Respirator Fit Test Protocol to test the integrity of
respirators to a specific individual wearer. The Qfit™Respirator Fit
Tester has two versions: Manual and Automatic. Both versions
replace the need to repetitively hand aspirate the rubber squeeze
bulb by using an integral pump to disperse the sensitivity and fit test
solutions. The main difference between manual and automatic
versions is that the manual version requires the users to control
Qfit™fit tester by pressing button manually to execute the fit test
protocol, and the automatic version controls Qfit™fit tester by built-in
timing sequence automatically to execute the fit test protocol.
N o t e
Users should always follow the OSHA Respirator Standard 29CFR
1910.134, or the authority having jurisdiction to conduct a fit test.
The fit test procedures summarized in this manual are the same as
those recommended by OSHA except that the solutions are pre-
mixed and the generation of the mist is automated from a powered
pump rather than generated by repetitively squeezing the
nebulizer bulb.

2 Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers
Handheld Operation
Both the manual and automatic Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers can be
operated under the handheld mode.
Figure 1. Handheld Operation
To operate in handheld mode:
1. Attach rechargeable battery to Qfit™fit tester.
2. Attach cartridge with elbow (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Attach Cartridge with Elbow

Introduction 3
3. Optional—Attach extension tube to elbow (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Attach Extension Tube to Elbow (optional)
4. Plug the cartridge and elbow into the top of the Qfit™tester
(Figure 4).
Figure 4. Plug Cartridge and Elbow into the Top of Qfit™Tester
5. Run the Qfit™fit tester.
N o t e
The Qfit™battery should be used for handheld operation. Never
use the AC power supply during handheld operation.

4 Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers
Remote Operation
Both manual and automatic Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers can be
operated under the remote mode. The Qfit™fit tester Remote
Accessory (TSI P/N 805015) is needed in order to run the Qfit™fit
tester under this mode.
Figure 5. Remote Operation
To operate in remote mode:
1. Remove rechargeable battery from Qfit™fit tester (remote mode
can only be run directly from the AC Adapter).
2. Plug Qfit™fit tester AC power supply to the Qfit™fit tester.

Introduction 5
3. Plug Qfit™fit tester remote connector into the Qfit™fit tester air
outlet (Figure 6).
Figure 6. Attach Air Outlet and Cartridge in Remote Operation

6 Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers
4. Plug the cartridge and elbow into the Qfit™fit tester remote
holder.
5. Optional—Attach extension tube to elbow.
6. Run the Qfit™fit tester (Figure 7).
Correct—without Battery Attached Incorrect—with Battery Attached
Figure 7. Run Qfit™Fit Tester in Remote Operation
N o t e s
The tubing length is designed specifically for running in the remote
mode. Do not cut or change remote tubing length or replace tubing.
If you need new tubing, please call TSI customer service.
The Qfit™fit tester battery may never be used for remote mode
operation. Always use the AC power supply by itself.

Introduction 7
Opening Cartridges
1. Make sure the solutions
marked on the cartridge match
the test to be performed.
2. Hold the cartridge body straight
in one hand (Figure 8).
3. Push the cartridge cap down
from the top using the other
hand.
4. Turn the cartridge cap by about
90 degrees so the edge of the
cap aligns with the edge of the
cartridge side (Figure 9).
5. Pull cartridge cap off.
Note: Remove cartridge cap
before peeling off bottom label.
6. Remove the bottom label
carefully (Figure 10).
7. Attach the cartridge to the
elbow.
8. Plug the cartridge and elbow
into the top of Qfit™fit tester.
Figure 8. Hold Cartridge Body
Straight in One Hand
Figure 9. Turn Cartridge Cap 90
degrees so Edge of Cap Aligns
with Edge of Cartridge Side
Figure 10. Remove Bottom
Label off Cartridge Cap

8 Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers
Reordering Supplies and Replacement Parts
Qty
Description
Model/
Part No.
8/box
Bitrex®Sensitivity Test Cartridge
805009
8/box
Bitrex ®Fit Test Cartridge
805010
8/box
Saccharin Sensitivity Test Cartridge
805012
8/box
Saccharin Fit Test Cartridge
805013
1
Qfit™Fit Tester Hood
805005
1
Qfit™Fit Tester Rechargeable Battery
805006
1
Qfit™Fit Tester Elbow Assembly
805008
1
Qfit™Fit Tester External Battery Charger
805018

9
Instructions for Using Qfit™
Respirator Fit Tester in Qualitative
Fit Testing (QLFT)—Manual Version
General Test Guidelines
The Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester procedure is identical to OSHA
29CFR 1910.134 Respirator Fit Test Protocol. The difference is that a
single 6-second activation of the QLFT nebulizer is equivalent to 5
squeezes when using the hand aspirated rubber squeeze bulb. Qfit™
fit tester replaces the need to repetitively hand aspirate the rubber
squeeze bulb by using an integral pump.
The test subjects should not eat,
drink, or chew gum for at least 15
minutes prior to testing since that
can affect their taste perception.
Water, however, is acceptable.
During all the sensitivity testing
the test subject should breathe
with mouth slightly open and
tongue extended.
Always hold the Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester upright and level as
shown in Figure 11. The battery should be fully charged before
beginning testing each day.
Correct Incorrect (left/right) Incorrect (forward/backward)
Figure 11. Correct and Incorrect Operation Positions

10 Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers
Equipment
□Test hood
□Face mask for the subject (user supplied)
□One Qfit™manual nebulizer and elbow
□Optional extension tube
□Optional remote nebulizer head (deluxe kits only)
□One cartridge labeled Saccharin or Bitrex®(Denatonium
benzoate) Sensitivity*
□One cartridge labeled Saccharin or Bitrex®(Denatonium
benzoate) Fit**
Because of Saccharin’s tendency to crystallize and block the aerosol
output, a Saccharin Fit Test cartridge should be used within 2 hours
of opening it.
Precautions
OSHA requires that a medical evaluation of the fit test subject be
conducted prior to fit testing. Subjects need to be informed of the fit
test ingredients used in the fit test solutions and that they will be
exposed to a fine mist during the sensitivity and fit tests.
N o t e
Do not refill any sensitivity or fit test solution cartridges. Doing so
could result in inaccurate fit test results.
®Bitrex is a registered trademark of Macfarlan Smith Ltd.
*A Sensitivity Test solution cartridge can be used for multiple test subjects.
It can dispense aerosol for 100 sensitivity tests based on timing protocol 1.
** A Fit Test solution cartridge can be used for multiple test subjects. It can
dispense aerosol for 12 fit tests based on timing protocol 1.

Manual Version 11
Pump Operation
The manual version of the Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester is outfitted with
a manual timing control.
Charging the Battery
N o t e
When you first receive your new Qfit™ fit tester, the battery will
need to be fully charged before use.
The Qfit™fit tester battery should be recharged a minimum of 4
hours after 40 minutes (approximately 15 fit tests based on using
protocol I) of actual pump runtime. With normal usage, this should be
once per day. For high volume users, a second Qfit™fit tester pump
with battery is recommended. When the power in the battery
becomes low, the yellow LED flashes to indicate that only a few
minutes of battery power remains. You must recharge battery. During
the charging operation, the yellow LED will light and automatically
turn off after the battery is fully charged.
Figure 12. Charging Battery using the Power Supply

12 Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers
Removing/Replacing the Battery
1. To remove the battery from the Qfit™fit tester, hold the upper
portion of the Qfit™fit tester, slide the battery (lower portion)
sideways to disengage from the assembly (see Figure 13).
2. To replace the battery to the Qfit™fit tester, while holding the
upper portion, slide the battery sideways onto the Qfit™fit tester.
Figure 13. Removing/Replacing Battery
For the Sensitivity Test
Press and hold down the Qfit™test button for more than 1 second
and then release the button, the pump will dispense the Sensitivity
Solution for 6 seconds. The user is required to repeat as necessary to
fulfill the timing protocols as shown in Table 1.
For the Fit Test
Press and hold down the Qfit™test button for more than 1 second
and then release the button, the pump will dispense the Test Solution
for 6 seconds. The user is required to repeat as necessary to fulfill
the timing protocols as shown in Table 2.

Manual Version 13
Sensitivity Test
1. The test subject should put on
the hood but should NOT
wear a mask during this test.
2. Pull the label off the
Sensitivity cartridge and snap
the elbow onto it. Place this in
the Qfit™Respirator Fit
Tester.
3. Insert the nozzle into the hole
in the front of the hood. Point
it away from the subject’s
mouth and nose.
4. Push and hold the Qfit™fit tester test button for more than 1
second, then release the button. The Qfit™fit tester will now
disperse 6 seconds of solution. Repeat for a total of 12 seconds
of Qfit™fit tester run time. Ask the subject if he/she can detect a
sweet (or bitter) taste depending on the sensitivity solution used.
If the taste is detected, then the sensitivity test is ended, use
Timing Protocol I as shown in Table 1.
5. If a taste was not detected by the first aerosol dispersion, push
and hold the Qfit™fit tester test button for more than 1 second,
then release the button. The Qfit™fit tester will now disperse an
additional 6 seconds of solution. Repeat for a total of 12 seconds
of Qfit™fit tester run time. Ask the subject if he/she can detect a
sweet (or bitter) taste. If the taste is detected, then the sensitivity
test is ended, use Timing Protocol II as shown in Table 1.
6. If a taste was not detected by the second aerosol dispersion,
push and hold the Qfit™fit tester test button for more than 1
second, then release the button. The Qfit™fit tester will now
disperse an additional 6 seconds of solution. Repeat for a total of
12 seconds of Qfit™fit tester run time. Ask the subject if he/she
can detect a sweet (or bitter) taste. If the taste is detected, then
the sensitivity test is ended, use Timing Protocol III as shown in
Table 1.

14 Qfit™Respirator Fit Testers
Table 1
Sensitivity Test Timing Protocols of Qfit™Respirator Fit Tester
Timing
Protocol I
Timing
Protocol II
Timing
Protocol III
Number of 6-second
activations during sensitivity
threshold screening (without
respirator)
2
4
6
Total pump run time
(seconds) during sensitivity
threshold screening (without
respirator)
12
24
36
7. If all three aerosol dispersions did not elicit a sweet (or bitter)
taste response, then the sensitivity test is ended. The subject
cannot be tested with Saccharin or Bitrex®(Denatonium
benzoate) and the other fit solution must be used or another type
of qualitative or quantitative fit test must be performed.