Face fit testing of tight-fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a legal requirement – and badly-fitting RPE can put the health of workers at risk.
The HSE Information Document HSE 282/28 provides guidance on the face fit testing of RPE which makes it clear that any tight-fitting RPE (i.e. full face masks, half masks, or filtering facepieces / disposable masks) should be fit tested as part of the selection process.
We offer two methods of fit testing:
- A quantitative or ambient particle count test using a Portacount device. The Portacount is a fast, reliable and objective way to fit test any tight-fitting RPE. The device measures the fit factor and automatically prints out a certificate for the mask wearer.
- A qualitative or taste test. This test is an economical alternative to quantitative testing. The test works by spraying a sweet or bitter solution into a hood and relies on the mask wearer to acknowledge when they have detected the taste. The certificate is manually prepared by the tester.
The test takes approximately 20 minutes per delegate and in order for us to carry out an accurate test the delegate must be cleanly shaven.
Upon completion of the test, delegates will receive a Face Fit Certificate which will state the make, model and size mask that is suitable for them.
For more information, just give us a call today on 01642 616440.
Fit2Fit accredited testers
Research into the use of RPE in the workplace revealed that up to 50% of all RPE used did not offer the wearer the level of protection that they expected, putting their respiratory health at risk. One of the key reasons for this was poor fit, despite the requirement that RPE must be correctly selected and, for many types of RPE, a face piece fit test conducted by a competent person.
To address this, the British Safety Industry Federation worked with the HSE and other industry stakeholders to develop a competency scheme for fit test providers. The Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing face piece fit testing.
SMH has a national team of Fit2Fit accredited face fit testers, so you can be assured of the competence of the tester conducting your face fit.
Our fit testing procedures are audited annually, which means our fit testers are assessed against the requirements of OC 282/28. Each tester also has a Fit2Fit reference folder, including a method statement and best practice guidelines, which adheres to Fit2Fit requirements and OC 282/28. We also have an RPE mentoring scheme, with our Standards Engineer and RPE product lead available to support on the all aspects of RPE, including face fitting.