These amendments clarify existing respiratory protection requirements rather than introduce new safety standards. WorkSafeBC confirmed that the fundamental requirements for fit testing, user seal checks and maintaining effective respirator seals remain unchanged.
Respiratory protection starts with assessing the exposure and considering more effective controls before relying on a respirator. When a respirator is needed, it must be appropriate for the worker, the task and the conditions in which it will be used.
For employers, this means continuing to:
-Select suitable respirators in consultation with workers and the joint health and safety committee or worker health and safety representative, where applicable. Consider medical conditions and other limitations that may affect safe use. This includes facial hair or stubble where the respirator seals against the face, as well as eyewear, clothing, jewelry, or other items that interfere with its seal or proper functioning.
-Ensure fit testing before a worker uses a tight-fitting respirator, at least annually and whenever changes could affect the fit.
-Ensure workers perform a user seal check before each use and that nothing interferes with the seal or operation.
Workers must continue to participate in fit testing, complete user seal checks and use respiratory protection as instructed. They should also tell their employer about any change or condition that could affect the respirator’s seal or functioning.
WorkSafeBC has posted a preliminary guideline on effective seals for tight-fitting respirators. Feedback is open until 4:30 p.m. on November 17, 2026. The guideline remains preliminary during this comment period.
The guidance addresses respirator selection, employer–worker consultation, seal interference and alternative respirator interfaces. Employers or workers considering an approved respirator that does not clearly fit traditional tight-fitting or loose-fitting categories should contact WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Practice, Quality, and Engineering department for guidance.
Before November 6, review your procedures and remind workers about fit testing, seal checks and reporting concerns. Visit WorkSafeBC’s respiratory protection webpage for additional resources.