Glossary: Plain English definitions of compliance terms
Fit factor, QNFT, PAPR, and other acronyms translated into plain English.
Decoding the Acronyms
Occupational health is filled with jargon. Here's what it actually means.
* APR (Air-Purifying Respirator): A respirator with a filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element. (e.g., standard N95s or half-masks).
* Fit Factor: A quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific individual. It's essentially a ratio of the concentration of a substance outside the mask versus inside the mask.
* Fit Test Card: A document — physical or digital — that records which specific respirator an employee has been cleared to wear, the date of the test, and the expiration date. It serves as portable proof of clearance for inspections and audits.
Learn about physical and digital fit test cards →
* PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator): A battery-powered blower pulls air through filters and pushes it into a hood or helmet. It provides positive pressure and does not require a tight seal against the face (so beards are okay).
* PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum amount or concentration of a chemical that a worker may be exposed to under OSHA regulations.
* PLHCP: Physician or Other Licensed Health Care Professional. The person legally permitted to review medical evaluations and clear employees for respirator use.
* QLFT (Qualitative Fit Test): A pass/fail fit test that relies on the employee's sense of taste, smell, or irritation to detect leakage (e.g., the saccharin or banana oil test).
* QNFT (Quantitative Fit Test): A machine-based test that physically measures the exact amount of leakage into the mask to generate a numeric "Fit Factor."
User Seal Check: An action conducted by the respirator wearer every time* they put the mask on to determine if it is properly seated to the face. (This is NOT a fit test).