Are you aware of Fee For Intervention (FFI)?

02 Aug Are you aware of Fee For Intervention (FFI)?

Health and Safety continues to play an increasingly critical role in all aspects of our commercial and domestic lives. Without giving away my age, I can all too clearly remember smoky bars and restaurants, optional seat belt rules and less severe drink driving penalties. It’s all too easy to remember these situations with a sort of fond nostalgia, forgetting for a moment just how reckless these environments were and the preventable, detrimental health conditions they were creating.

It’s perhaps a sustained nostalgic view of yesteryear that leads some people to continue to disregard modern health and safety guidelines.

I’m sure there will be some who read this who have seen site workers not wearing hi-vis clothing, the correct footwear or hard hats for example, and whilst we’re pleased to see the numbers reducing, there is still a need for bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive to carry out on-site inspections in order to catch those in breach of legally enforced safety measures, hopefully before the worst happens.

As the title of this article suggests, the Health and Safety Executive carry out multiple checks in order to identify the incorrect use of safety masks, or ill fitting safety masks, which do not sufficiently protect the wearer, as well as identifying users who have not undergone Face Fit Testing, completed by an accredited testing provider. These spot checks can lead to enforcement action and been subject to Fee For Intervention (FFI). Spot checks can be carried out by an on-site inspector, without any prior notice or warning. Specifically, the on-site inspector will be looking to identify what’s termed as a material breach.

Spot checks have already been regularly completed across the UK, with many sites across London reporting visits. The penalty for being found in breach of HSE guidance and regulation can run into several thousands – a completely avoidable expense, had BSIF fit2fit face fit tests been completed.

Having the proper fitting and correct safety equipment ensures your continued safety in the work place and the threat of a fine shouldn’t be the main motivation for wanting to ensure compliance. While BSIF guidance recommends a face fit test is completed at least every 2 years, it is also advised that if there is a change in the person’s face shape, such as dental work, weight loss, weight gain, a change in the make and model of the mask, a change in other head worn PPE etc. then a re- test should be conducted.

If you have any questions regarding regulations, the face fit testing procedure or would like to learn more about fee for intervention, then please contact a member of the Training and Testing Services Team today for friendly advice.