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Course overview

The Facefit Test course is designed for professionals in the safety industry who need to use respiratory protective equipment (RPE). This program emphasizes the significance of proper facepiece fitting, types of RPE, and risks of improper use. Under CoSHH regulations, individuals using tight-fitting RPE must be fit tested by a competent person, and our Qualitative Face Fit Test (QLFT) provides a straightforward pass/fail assessment to ensure the RPE is suitable.

Taking a face fit test is crucial for protection against hazardous materials like asbestos, which can lead to serious health issues. Legal regulations mandate that anyone using a tight-fitting mask must undergo face fit testing to comply with COSHH and other standards.

Additionally, if it’s been a while since your last test, a new one may be necessary due to mask wear or changes in your face shape, highlighting the importance of regular testing. A hands-on practical session allows candidates to gain real-world experience with industry-standard equipment, building confidence in using RPE.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a recognized certification, validating their competence in RPE selection, fitting, and use, ultimately enhancing workplace safety and ensuring compliance with regulations.

What will I learn?

Requirements

In order to take the Face Fit test, ensure that your face is clean-shaven, which means that there should not be any hair growth between the skin and the mask seal, including stubble, beard, moustache or sideburns that cross the respirator seal.
Any piercing that could obstruct the fitting of a facepiece should be removed.

FAQs

1. What is a Face Fit Test?
A Face Fit Test checks whether a tight-fitting respirator forms a proper seal around the wearer’s face, helping provide effective protection against airborne hazards.
2. Who needs a Face Fit Test?
Anyone required to wear a tight-fitting respirator at work should undergo face fit testing to ensure the selected mask fits correctly and provides the intended protection.
3. Why is Face Fit Testing important?
A correctly fitted respirator helps prevent contaminated air from entering through gaps around the face seal, reducing the risk of exposure to hazardous airborne substances.
4. Is Face Fit Testing required for respirator masks?
Yes. Tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment should be fit tested to the individual wearer, including applicable half-face and full-face respirators.
5. Can I take a Face Fit Test with a beard or stubble?
Generally, no. The face must be clean-shaven wherever the respirator seals against the skin because facial hair can prevent an effective seal.
6. How often should a Face Fit Test be repeated?
A new test may be required when the respirator, model or size changes, or when changes to the wearer’s face could affect the seal. Workplace requirements should also be considered.
7. What types of masks can be tested?
Face Fit Testing can be used for suitable tight-fitting respiratory protection, including filtering facepieces and reusable half-face or full-face respirators, depending on the testing method.
8. What happens if I fail a Face Fit Test?
If a respirator fails the test, the wearer should try a suitable alternative mask, size or model and be tested again until an appropriate fit is achieved.
9. Do I need to remove facial piercings before a Face Fit Test?
Yes, any piercing or item that interferes with the respirator’s sealing area should be removed before testing to obtain an accurate result.
10. Is Face Fit Test training available internationally or globally?
Yes. Face Fit Test training can be useful for offshore, industrial, marine and other safety professionals working in India and international or global work environments.