Purpose of the guide
The purpose of this training pack is to provide practical information on how to use the 3M
Qualitative Fit Test Kit. It should be used in conjunction with the user instructions and training
video supplied with every kit.
Section 1: Getting Started
Page
Equipment and materials you will need
3
Preparation and practice
3
Equipment and facilities
4
Section 2: Suggested Protocol
Pre test-day preparation
5
On the day of the test
6
During the test
7
End of successful test
9
What to do when someone fails a fi t test
9
Post test check-list
10
Section 3: Information and support
Information about alternative 3M respirators (e.g. if someone fails)
11
3M contact details
11
Where to obtain 3M
™
Face Fit Test Kits and spares
11
Memory Jogger
12
The Rainbow passage
13
Appendix 1: Further Information on Face Fit Testing
14
The Legal Framework
1
What type of respirators require fi t testing
2
Who should be fi t tested
3
How often to fi t test
4
Who should conduct the fi t test
5
Different methods of fi t testing
6
(i)
Qualitative
fi t testing
6.1
(ii)
Quantitative
fi t testing
6.2
Appendix 2: Fit Test Record Card
16
Section 1: Getting Started
1. Equipment and materials you will need
•
3M
™
Fit Test Kit FT10 (sweet) or FT30 (bitter) – see Note 1.
•
Set of alternative nebulisers and solutions FT11 & 12 (sweet) or FT31 & 31(bitter)-
Optional - see Note 1
•
Training CD on how to use the kit (inside every kit) - see Note 2
•
Training CD on how to correctly fi t 3M tight fi tting respirators - Optional - see Note 2
Note 1: The choice of bitter or sweet is a matter of individual preference. We suggest you get
bottles of both so that you have an alternative in case someone cannot taste one of them. It is
very unusual for someone to be unable to taste either. If this occurs the person will need to be
fi t tested by another method (e.g. Quantitative Testing – see Appendix 1 para 6.2). For more
information on spares and consumables for the Fit Test Kits see Section 3.
Note 2: For a free copy of these CDs call the 3M Health and Safety Helpline and ask for
CHTRNCD. This CD contains both videos - how to use the 3M fi t test kit and and how to
correctly fi t the 3M respirators.
3M Health and Safety Helpline - 0870 60 800 60 (UK) 1-800 320 500 (Ireland)
2. Preparation and practice
What to do fi rst:
2.1 Read the user instructions contained inside the fi t test kit
2.2
Read
this
document
2.3 Learn how to fi t the respirators you will be testing in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. There are often differences in the fi tting procedure
for different models of respirator.
You must be confi dent you can demonstrate the correct fi tting procedure. Study the printed user
instructions that come with each 3M respirator and watch the relevant fi tting video.
KEYPOINT:
Lack of knowledge on how to fi t a respirator and lack of care taken during the fi tting procedure
are two of the most common reasons why people fail a fi t test the fi rst time but then go on to pass
at the second attempt.
Familiarise yourself with other features of the 3M respirators you will be testing such as
how to fi t and remove replaceable fi lters, or carry out important pre-use or after-use checks.
Support material is available to aid your understanding of our products via our helpline.
Technical data sheets are available from the Helpline to aid your understanding of our products.
3
2
