What is Qualitative Face Fit Testing?
Does your face fit? your mask that is....
Face Fit Testing is method used for checking that a tight fitting face piece matches the persons facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face. It also helps to ensure that poorly fitting face pieces are not selected for use. An inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Face Fit Testing can also be used to ensure that an individual knows how to properly put on and wear the respirator.
If a fit test is not performed, then an unsatisfactory seal/barrier may excessive leakage of airborne contaminants into the wearer’s breathing zone, even though the user is wearing a respirator correctly selected for the application.
Face Fit Testing is method used for checking that a tight fitting face piece matches the persons facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face. It also helps to ensure that poorly fitting face pieces are not selected for use. An inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Face Fit Testing can also be used to ensure that an individual knows how to properly put on and wear the respirator.
If a fit test is not performed, then an unsatisfactory seal/barrier may excessive leakage of airborne contaminants into the wearer’s breathing zone, even though the user is wearing a respirator correctly selected for the application.
Further guidance
The requirements for Face Fit testing are described in the Approved Code of Practices (ACoP’s) supporting:
• COSHH Regulations 2002
• The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002
• The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002
The HSE have produced a guidance document ‘Fit Testing of Respiratory Protective Equipment Face pieces’ (HSE OC 282/28). The HSE strongly recommend that fit testing is included as an integral part of any Respiratory Protective Equipment program. The tight fitting face pieces we fit are:
- Filtering face pieces (disposable)
- Half Masks
• COSHH Regulations 2002
• The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002
• The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002
The HSE have produced a guidance document ‘Fit Testing of Respiratory Protective Equipment Face pieces’ (HSE OC 282/28). The HSE strongly recommend that fit testing is included as an integral part of any Respiratory Protective Equipment program. The tight fitting face pieces we fit are:
- Filtering face pieces (disposable)
- Half Masks
How is a fit test conducted?
Testing is performed using a hood and a test solution (either bitter or sweet) is sprayed into the hood while wearing the respirator. If the wearer detects the taste of the aerosol during the test, then the fit is unsatisfactory and the fit test is failed.
Face fit testing is generally under taken at your normal place of work. We can also supply all types of RPE for all industries.
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