Face Fit Test

What is a Face Fit Test?

Air typically flows through the easiest path available. When a face mask is not properly fitted to the face, contaminated air can infiltrate the mask through tiny gaps.

A face fit test helps determine if a dust mask, half-face mask, or full-face mask fits snugly on the wearer's face. It is also an effective method to teach employees how to correctly don and doff their masks.

To ensure that the tests meet quality standards, it is important to choose a reputable organization to administer them.

Why is a Face Fit Testing essential?

A Face Fit Test is essential for those who work in industries where respiratory protective equipment is required.

This test ensures that the equipment is matched to the job, environment, and level of airborne contaminant exposure, and can provide adequate protection to the wearer.

If you work in such an industry, a Face Fit Test is essential to your safety. Moreover, the Face Fit Test meets the necessary standards such as OSHA, CSA, HSE INDG, ANSI/ASTM, ISO, INRS, and JIS, and it is universally accepted for all Full-facepiece and Half-facepiece tight fitting elastomeric respirators, including NIOSH Series -95 /-99 /-100; EN -FFP1 / -FFP2 / -FFP3 filtering facepiece respirators.

It protects your well-being.

Proper use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is crucial for ensuring adequate protection. Failure to use it correctly can lead to hazardous materials entering the mask and causing harm. Face fit testing is designed to provide workers with the best possible protection by ensuring a proper seal to the face, thereby reducing the risk of dangerous particles entering the mask and being inhaled.

To minimize the risk of work-related illnesses and fatalities, respiratoryprotective equipment (RPE) is crucial. For instance, asbestos exposure is a known cause of lung cancers like mesothelioma. However, to ensure the efficacy of your mask, it must be tested by a proficient and knowledgeable testing operator.

This requirement is mandated by law.

By law, anyone who wears a tight or close-fitting mask to work must undergo a face fit test and receive a certificate proving that the mask offers them sufficient protection. This requirement applies to all types of tight-fitting masks, including half masks (disposable and reusable), powered respirators, and full face masks.

Regulations such as COSHH (Control ofSubstances Hazardous to Health), CAR (Control of Asbestos Regulations) and CLaW (Control of Lead at Work) all state that face fit testing should be a part of the initial mask selection process.

As mentioned earlier, leading regulators recommend that a face fit test should be the determining factor in selecting a new mask. This is vital to ensure that the chosen Respiratory Protective Equipment provides the best possible level of protection for the individual.

Employers may be tempted to purchase Respiratory Protective Equipment in bulk when purchasing new face masks. However, since everyone has a different face shape, a one-size-fits-all approach could leave some workers vulnerable to the harmful effects of dust and chemicals. Face fit testing can be conducted in large groups for convenience, and employers can comply with regulations and keep staff safe by taking extra time.

Do you need Face Fit Testing?

It is not just the initial process when you might require a face fit test. A considerable change in your face shape, such as an injury to the seal area, or weight loss or gain, can affect the level of protection provided. Therefore, it is essential to consider scheduling a face fit test if such changes occur.

It is recommended that you or your employee undergo another face fit test if you notice any changes in the area around the seal, even if you feel that your face shape hasn't changed significantly.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is committed to enhancing the standards of workers and recommends that Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) should be suitable for the intended use and be regularly checked, cleaned, and stored correctly to ensure its effectiveness.

Regular face fit tests, even if subtle changes to the face seem unnoticeable, are still essential to guarantee that the mask provides the appropriate level of protection. Over time, subtle changes can become significant, leading to less effective equipment.

Face fit testing provides workers with security while working in environments that contain hazardous materials. It also provides employers with peace of mind and demonstrates compliance with relevant health and safety regulations.

Respirators safeguard workers from breathable hazards in the workplace, and fit testing evaluates the seal between the respirator and the face, identifying gaps or leaks that could put workers at risk.