Fit Testing FAQs
What is Fit Testing?
Fit Testing is a method for checking that a specific make, model and size of tight fitting facepiece matches an individual’s facial features and can provide an adequate seal to the wearer’s face.
What is the reason for Fit Testing?
What are the legal requirements for Fit Testing?
If, despite the use of suitable control measures (i.e. other than RPE) adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved, employers must provide suitable RPE (COSHH Regulations reg.7(3)(c), CLAW Regulations reg.6(3)(c), CAW Regulations reg.10(4)). The RPE provided must reduce the exposure to a concentration that is as low as reasonably practicable, and in any case below any applicable exposure or control limits.
The ACOPS 1, 2, 3, 4 supporting the COSHH, CLAW and CAW Regulations recommend that the initial selection of tight fitting facepieces should include a fit test. This is to ensure that the selected RPE has the potential to provide adequate protection for the wearer (L5 para 148, L27 para 79, L28 para 81 and L132 para 133). The circumstances where repeat fit testing is needed are referred to in L5 para 149, L27 para 80, L28 para 82 and L132 para 134.
The employer must have documented evidence of the characteristics of the RPE to be used (CAW reg.7(3)(d)). Similar requirements are described in COSHH reg.6(4), and CLAW reg.5(4). These requirements are there to ensure that the RPE provided is suitable. The evidence to support the suitability will include fit test reports for facepieces with tight-fitting face seals. Fit test records should be retained by the employer and must be kept available for inspection on request.
What is a tight-fitting facepiece?
Tight-fitting facepieces are:
- Filtering Facepieces (disposable masks) including FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 masks
- Half Masks
- Full Face Masks
Visors, helmets, hoods and blouses are classed as ‘loose fitting’ devices and will not require fit testing.
Do loose fitting facepieces require fit testing?
When is a repeat Fit Test required?
The new INDG479 fit testing guidance document states that employers should have a system in place to review when a repeat fit test is required. In support of this requirement, Fit2Fit recommends that a suitable interval for repeat fit testing is 2 years.
A repeat Fit Test will also be required if the wearer:
a) loses or gains weight;
b) undergoes any substantial dental work;
c) develops any facial changes (scars, moles, etc) around the faceseal area.
What is the output of a fit test?
Who can conduct Fit Testing?
INSG 479 states that RPE fit testing should only be conducted by a competent person. To be competent, the person should have adequate knowledge, and have received adequate instruction and training in the following areas:
- selection of adequate and suitable RPE
- examination of RPE and the ability to identify poorly maintained facepieces
- ability to correctly fit a facepiece and perform pre-use fit checks
- ability to recognise a poor fitting facepiece
- the purpose and applicability of fit testing; the differences between, and the appropriate use of, quantitative and qualitative fit testing methods
- the purpose of the fit test exercises
- preparation of facepieces for fit testing
- how to carry out diagnostic checks on the facepiece and the fit test equipment
- capabilities and limitations of the fit test equipment
- how to perform a correct fit test with the chosen method
- be aware of and know how to prevent and correct problems during fit testing
- interpretation of fit test results;
- an understanding of the differences between fit factor, workplace protection factor, assigned protection factor and nominal protection factors
- HSE Regulations and the Approved Codes of Practice relating to fit testing.
Is a pre-use fit check the same as the facepiece fit test?
No. A pre-use Fit Check is conducted by the wearer every time the facepiece is donned, before entering the hazardous environment. This fit check is used to check whether the facepiece has been correctly donned before a contaminated work area is entered.
A Fit Test is a method for ensuring that a specific make, model and size of facepiece is able to provide a suitable fit to an individual wearer. The Fit Test follows strict HSE protocols set out in INDG 479 and can only be conducted by a trained, competent fit test operator.
Is there a difference between a Fit Factor (FF) and the Assigned Protection Factor (APF)?
The Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for a specific type and class of RPE is published in BS4275.6 It relates to the likely performance of the whole device when worn correctly and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction (which includes the need for a satisfactory fit testing). When selecting an adequate and suitable RPE, for use at work, the assigned protection factor should be used. For more details consult HSG53 or talk to a reputable RPE supplier or manufacturer.
Why do facepieces used with positive pressure breathing apparatus require fit testing?
Wearers also may believe that they can afford to take less care when donning their facepiece when using a breathing apparatus that appears to be highly protective; they may ignore face seal checks and correct strap tensioning because they are relying on airflow to overcome any leaks. Fit testing demonstrates to wearers the need to don the facepiece properly.
How is a power assisted respirator or a breathing apparatus facepiece fit tested?
Can a Fit Test be carried out on a wearer who has a beard or stubble?
Why is it necessary for the wearer to exercise during the fit test?
What if the candidate normally wears a hard hat or goggles with their respirator?
REFERENCES
- L5: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 Approved Code of Practice and Guidance 2002. 4th edition HSE Books ISBN 07176 253 46
- L132: The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 Approved Code of Practice and Guidance 2002, 4th edition, HSE Books ISBN 0 7176 256 56
- L27: Work with asbestos which does not normally require a licence (Fourth edition). Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 Approved Code of Practice and guidance, 4th edition, HSE Books 2002 ISBN 0 7176 2562 1
- L28: Work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board (Fourth edition). Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 Approved Code of Practice and guidance, 4th edition, HSE Books 2002 ISBN 0 7176 2562 X
- HSG53: The selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment – a practical guide HSE Books ISBN 0 7176 1537 5
- BS 4275:1997: Guide to implementing an effective respiratory protective device programme
- The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 SI 2002/1144 HMSO 2002 ISBN 0 11 039830 0
- BS EN12942:2001: Respiratory protective devices: Power assisted filtering devices incorporating full-face facepieces, half facepieces or quarter facepieces Requirements, testing, marking.
- BS EN149:1992: Specification for filtering half facepieces to protect against particles
- BS EN 136:1998: Respiratory protective devices: Full face facepiece Requirements, testing, markings
- BS EN140:1998: Respiratory protective devices: Half facepieces and quarter facepieces – Requirements, testing, markings
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