Fit Test Training for NHS Trusts

Guidance about fit testing, risk assessment and infection prevention and control measures for measles in healthcare settings can be found on the NHS England website here

We are very proud of the support we provided to NHS Fit Testers throughout Covid-19 through our contract with the Department of Health and Social Care. Following the end of the pandemic, on-site fit test training remains available on a ‘pay-per-use’ basis for NHS Trusts throughout the UK. Click here to request further information.

Two dedicated Fit Test Helplines are available to provide fit testing support and guidance for NHS trusts throughout England. These Helplines are staffed by Fit2Fit accredited operators 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday. If you have a question about fit testing, require support or would like to arrange an on-site training course please feel free to contact us:

NHS Fit Test Helplines:  0333 2203405 and 0333 2203406

We can provide the following on-site fit testing support and training services:

• Qualitative fit test operator training
• Quantitative (Portacount / AccuFit) fit test operator training
• Training for powered hood / loose-fitting RPE
• Fit testing support, mentoring and guidance
• Preparation for Fit2Fit accreditation
• Dedicated helplines 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday

Information about NHS England and NHS Improvement’s quality improvement plan for fit testing can be found on the NHS website here

Information about fit testing of FFP3 respirators required as part of COVID-19 PPE worn for medium and high risk care pathways where aerosol generating procedures are undertaken as per NHS infection, prevention and control guidance can be found on the NHS website here

Why is Fit Testing needed?

Fit Testing is a method for checking that a tight fitting facepiece matches an individual’s facial features and can provide an adequate seal to the wearer’s face.​ Fit Testing is required for everyone who wears any type of tight-fitting mask at work. This includes FFP1, FFP2 & FFP3 disposable, half and full face masks. Remember, you will need a separate fit test for each make, model and size of facepiece worn in the workplace.

The performance of tight-fitting facepieces depends on achieving a good contact between the wearer’s skin and the face seal of the facepiece. As people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes it is unlikely that one particular model, or size of RPE facepiece, will fit everyone. Inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Any reduction in protection can put the RPE wearer’s life in danger or may lead to immediate or long-term ill health.

Qualitative and Quantitative fit testing

There are two methods of fit testing which can be used to fit test FFP (disposable) and Half Mask respirators.

The Qualitative method relies on the wearer’s taste response to detect face seal leakage of a test agent (Bitter or Sweet). The Qualitative method is a subjective method and can only be used for fit testing of filtering facepieces (disposable masks) and half masks, not full face masks.

The Quantitative (Ambient Particle Counting) method can be used to fit test all types of tight-fitting masks including disposable, half and full face masks. Quantitative tests give an objective assessment of facial fit and provide a direct numerical result called a Fit Factor.

Further guidance on Fit Testing and RPE

General advice on selection of RPE is covered in the HSE guidance document Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide (HSG53). Guidance on Fit testing of RPE can be found in HSE INDG 479 and the supporting Fit2Fit Companion series.