1. Legal
framework
Checking that respirators with tight fi tting face pieces seal adequately to the wearer’s face
has long been considered best practice as part of a Respiratory Protective Equipment
(RPE) programme. With the introduction of the new Control of Substances Hazardous
to Health Regulations (COSHH) and the supporting Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs),
fi t testing is now a mandatory requirement. RPE is only deemed suitable if it is suitable for
the job, the environment, the level of exposure and the wearer. One type and size of
respirator will not fi t everybody, so fi t testing has been introduced to fi nd the most suitable
respirator for each individual.
2.
What type of respirators require face fi t testing?
The type of respirators that require a fi t test are those which employ a tight fi tting facepiece
such as disposable respirators, half masks and full face masks, including those that form
part of a powered or airfed respirator.
3.
Who should be fi t tested?
Fit testing should be carried out on:
(i) All existing wearers of these types of respirator if it has not already been done
(ii) People who are about to start wearing RPE in order to ensure that incorrectly fi tting
respirators are not selected for use.
4.
How often should people be fi t tested?
Currently, fi t testing should be repeated at regular intervals or at appropriate times such as:
(i) If the RPE wearer signifi cantly loses or gains weight, has major dental work or
sustains a major facial injury.
(ii) If a different size or model of RPE is specifi ed
HSE is currently consulting industry on the time frame of fi t testing.
5.
Who should conduct fi t testing?
According to HSE guidelines, fi t testing should be conducted by a ‘competent person’.
There is currently no recognised certifi cation for a competent fi t tester, therefore a certain
skill set is suggested such as adequate knowledge in the selection of suitable RPE, ability
to correctly fi t the selected RPE and follow manufacturers guidelines, ability to recognise
a
poorly
fi tting facepiece, ability to identify poorly maintained facepieces, etc. For full
details of suggested competencies, please refer to the HSE Document 282/28 which can be
downloaded from www.hse.gov.uk (search for document 282/28).
The decision on who is a competent person to carry out fi t testing is the responsibility of
the employer. An industry fi t tester qualifi cation/accreditation scheme is currently being
worked
on.
15
14
Appendix 1:
Further information on Face Fit Testing
6.
Fit test methods – Quantitative and Qualitative
Two main methods of fi t testing are available, Qualitative and Quantitative fi t testing
6.1
Qualitative
fi t testing:
Qualitative
fi t testing provides a pass or fail result based on the wearer detecting a
test agent. It provides a subjective measure of the quality of the seal of the facepiece
to the wearers face. These tests are suitable for disposable respirators and half masks.
The test agent can either be detected by taste or by smell.
The 3M Qualitative Test uses ‘taste’ to detect face seal leakage. A controlled
concentration of aerosol is introduced into a hood fi tted over the wearer. This test is
suitable for all disposable respirators and half masks fi tted with particulate or
combination gas/vapour and particulate fi lters. 3M offer two test kits in this category,
one using a sweet tasting substance (saccharin) and the others which uses a bitter
tasting solution.
The 3M Kit can not be used with Full Face Mask respirators.
3M products that can be used with the 3M QLFT are:
•
All 3M Disposable respirators (e.g 3M 8000 Series & 3M 9300 Series)
•
3M 4000 Series Respirators
•
3M 6000 Half Masks
•
3M 7500 Half Masks
6.2
Quantitative
fi t testing:
Quantitative
fi t tests give an objective measure of the quality of the seal between the
wearer’s face and the facepiece. A fi t factor number is produced which indicates the
quality of the face seal and leads to a Pass/Fail result. There are 3 main methods
available on the market today. (1) Test Chamber, (2) Particle Counting Device (such as
the TSI PortaCount) and (3) Controlled Negative Pressure Device.
This guide deals only with the 3M Qualitative Fit testing method.
3M 9300 Series
3M 8835 Series
3M 4000 Series
3M 7500 Series
