Legislation and Purpose of Face-Fit Testing
The COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations include a requirement that the initial selection process for all tight-fitting facepieces should include face-fit testing to ensure the wearer has a correctly fitting device. Face-Fit Testing is also required under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations and the Control of Lead at Work Regulations.
RPE Fit Testing
RPE Fit Testing is required for all tight-fitting facepieces including all filtering facepieces (disposable face masks), half masks and full-face masks. This includes negative pressure full-face masks as well as power-assisted full masks, and both self-contained and air-fed breathing apparatus.
Fit Testing of Respiratory Protective Equipment Facepieces
The HSE Information Document HSE282/28 describes in detail fit testing methods, techniques and protocols including practical aspects, records and theory. This Information Document is HSE Guidance and in following this guidance employers will normally be doing enough to comply with the law.
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