Face Fit Testing
Qualitative Fit Test Info
We are able to provide qualitative (‘taste test’) RPE face fit testing, using Bitrex or Saccharin solution, to ensure respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fits correctly.
A report compliant with HSE requirements will be issued upon completion for your records.
What is RPE Fit Testing?
Fit testing is a method for checking that a specific model and size of tight-fitting respiratory protection matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately to the wearer’s face. RPE can include face masks and other breathing PPE apparatus.
It will also help to identify unsuitable facepieces which should not be used.
HSE Guidance on Fit Testing Recommendations
RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) must be able to provide protection to individual wearer’s that is both adequate and suitable.
The type of RPE that we can test on relies on a tight seal around the face to be effective. If a tight seal cannot be achieved, the RPE will leak, a primary cause of this leakage is due to poor fit which is why RPE must be tested to establish a good fit.
A poor fit can lead to immediate or long term ill health and can put the wearer’s life at risk. It is unlikely that one particular type of RPE will fit everyone as we are all different shapes and sizes facially.
Fit2Fit
RPE fit testing should be conducted by a competent person. The fit2fit accreditation scheme, introduced by The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is the easiest way of ensuring this level of competence.
Our fit testers are qualified under the fit2fit scheme as recommended by the HSE.
Ask us for more info or to arrange a visit
For Employers.
RPE should be selected as part of the control measures following risk assessments.
Employers Information
It is important to know that some medical conditions (e.g. breathing disorders/skin allergies etc) may prevent some people from wearing tight fitting RPE. We ask that you confirm that workers are fit to wear the RPE to be tested on. If you are unsure, you should seek medical advice.
Additionally, the type of RPE that can be tested using the qualitative method relies on being clean shaven (in the seal area) to ensure a tight fit. There are some cultural reasons why this type of RPE is unsuitable, and this should be discussed with individuals at the RPE selection stage.
When to carry out Fit Tests
The best time to do fit testing is at the initial selection stage, when individual users can be given a choice of adequate models of RPE.
You should ensure that the make, model, type and size of facepiece that they wore when they had their successful fit test is made available for their use. If an employee wears more than one type of tight-fitting facepiece, then each type of facepiece should be fit tested.