Face Fit Testing
Ensuring Compliance with UK Regulations for Workplace Safety
Properly fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is essential for safeguarding employees against harmful airborne hazards. Our Face Fit Testing service ensures that masks provide an effective seal, meeting the stringent requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and other UK health and safety legislation.
Our Service Includes:
Assessing the correct type and size of RPE: we evaluate the specific needs of each wearer to determine the most suitable type and size of RPE.
Qualitative face fit testing methods: utilising qualitative methods, we ensure that the RPE provides an effective seal.
Guidance on proper fitting, donning, and maintenance: our experts provide comprehensive instructions on how to correctly fit, wear, and maintain masks.
Ensuring compliance with UK regulations: we help you adhere to UK workplace safety regulations, ensuring your RPE meets all legal requirements.
Face Fit Testing is crucial for workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, where exposure to dust, fumes, or other airborne particles is a risk. Upon successful testing, participants receive a certificate of compliance, valid for the specific mask tested.
Qualitative Face Fit Testing
Qualitative Face Fit Testing can be used to test disposable, reusable, and half-face masks. It assesses the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for individuals working in environments where the air is unsafe to breathe.
How Can Consult CPK Ltd Help?
At Consult CPK Ltd, we provide comprehensive Qualitative Face Fit Testing to ensure your employees’ respiratory protective equipment (RPE) delivers maximum protection. Our testing methods use specialised equipment to measure the exact seal and fit of a mask, providing results that meet industry standards.
Our Qualitative Face Fit Testing Services Include:
Testing equipment: using qualitative face fit testing hood, we conduct fit tests for half-face respirators.
Compliance with regulations: ensuring your workplace meets the requirements of COSHH, the health and safety at work act, and other applicable UK legislation.
Expert guidance: our experienced team offers tailored advice on selecting, fitting, and maintaining RPE to enhance workplace safety.
On-site or off-site testing: we offer flexible testing options to minimise disruption to your operations.
By partnering with Consult CPK Ltd, you can be confident that your team is equipped with properly fitted, effective respiratory protection, reducing the risks of exposure to hazardous airborne substances.
How to Get in Touch for a Quote
To learn more about our Face Fit Testing services or to request a quote, please contact us at Consult CPK Ltd. Our team is ready to assist you with all your workplace safety needs.
Preparing for Face Fit Testing
To ensure the Face Fit Testing process goes smoothly and accurately, participants should prepare in advance by following these guidelines:
Be clean-shaven
Facial hair: ensure you are clean-shaven where the mask seals to your face. Facial hair will interfere with the mask’s ability to form a proper seal.
Avoid eating or drinking
Before the test: do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for at least 15 minutes before the test. This helps ensure that the test agent can be accurately detected.
Wear comfortable clothing
Appropriate attire: wear comfortable clothing that does not interfere with the fit of the mask. Avoid wearing bulky or restrictive clothing around the neck and face.
Bring your respirator
Specific mask: bring the specific respirator you use at work. The fit test will be conducted with the exact model and size of the mask you will be using.
Understand the procedure
Briefing: familiarise yourself with the fit testing procedure. You will be briefed on the steps involved and what to expect during the test.
Health considerations
Medical conditions: inform the tester of any medical conditions that might affect your ability to perform the test, such as respiratory issues.
By following these preparation steps, you can help ensure that the Face Fit Testing process is effective and that your respiratory protective equipment provides the necessary protection.
Qualitative Fit Testing Procedure
Fit testing is a critical process to ensure that respiratory protective equipment (RPE) provides the necessary protection by forming a proper seal on the wearer’s face. Here’s a detailed explanation of the fit testing procedure:
Selection of respirator
Choosing the right mask: the test subject brings their respirator with them or the Company has a selection of masks to choose from. This ensures the mask fits correctly and comfortably.
Initial instructions
Briefing: the test subject is shown how to put on the respirator, position it on the face, adjust strap tension, and determine an acceptable fit. A mirror is provided to assist in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator.
Comfort assessment
Wearing the mask: the test subject dons the selected mask and wears it to assess comfort. This includes checking the position of the mask on the nose, room for eye protection, room to talk, and overall fit on the face and cheeks.
User seal check
Seal verification: the test subject performs a user seal check, which involves either negative and positive pressure seal checks or manufacturer-recommended procedures to ensure the mask is properly sealed.
Fit test exercises
Qualitative fit test: this involves performing a series of exercises while wearing the mask to ensure it maintains its seal. The exercises include:
- Normal breathing
- Deep breathing
- Turning head side to side
- Moving head up and down
- Talking
- Bending over
- Normal breathing again
Test agents
- Qualitative test agents:
- Saccharin (sweet taste)
- Bitrex® (bitter taste)
Final evaluation
Pass/fail criteria: the test subject must pass all exercises without detecting the test agent to confirm the respirator provides adequate protection.
Certification
Certificate of compliance: upon successful completion of the fit test, the participant receives a certificate of compliance, valid for the specific mask tested.