RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

Internationally, the Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) supporting the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (CAW) and the Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW) require that wearers of tight fitting respirators are fit tested. Fit testing is a means of checking that a respirator facepiece matches a person’s facial features and seals adequately to their face.

PROTECT YOUR LUNGS

Make an appointment

WHY IS FIT TESTING IMPORTANT?

The performance of tight fitting respirators relies on achieving a good seal between the facepiece of the respirator and the wearer’s face. If the seal is inadequate, contaminated air will take the path of least resistance and will travel through leaks in the face seal. Consequently, a poor seal to the face will reduce the level of protection provided to the wearer.

What Factors affect fit?

Jewellery

Jewellery in the area of the face seal may need to be removed.

Eye Wear

Both prescription spectacles and safety eyewear affect fit and if worn, should be worn during a fit test.

Facial Hair

Wearers of tight fitting respirators must be clean shaven in the area of the face.

WHAT TYPES OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (RPE) REQUIRE FIT TESTING?

Tight fitting respirators should be fit tested, including those incorporated into powered or supplied air systems. Tight fitting respirators include disposable respirators, reusable half masks and reusable full face masks. Loose fitting respirators rely on sufficient airflow through the facepiece and do not require fit testing. Examples of tight and loose fitting respirators are pictured in Figure on the left.

WHO SHOULD BE FIT TESTED?

All wearers of tight fitting RPE should receive a fit test on the make(s) and model(s) of respirator that they are required to use. The only exception to this is individuals who are exposed to nuisance levels of substances, i.e. exposure that is genuinely always below the Workplace Exposure Limit and who wear a respirator for comfort only, not for protection. These individuals do not require a fit test.

“IT’S MORE THAN
A FIT TEST. IT’S
SOMEONE’S LIFE”

M Toxicology Ltd is here to improve the
respiratory health of those wearing tight
fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment
through being face fit tested

G-BBNCK6MC26