Face Fit Testing

FACE FIT TESTING SERVICE

We have 3 options for fit2fit accredited testing: 

Option 1: A half day service on your premises for up to 10 tests.

Option 2: A full day service on your premises for up to 20 tests.

Option 3: Large scale testing service on your premises.

Option 1

HALF DAY FACE FIT TESTING

Our half day fit2fit accredited service is for up to 10 tests. If your employees wear more than 1 type of tight fitting mask i.e. a mask that seals against the users face then they will require more than 1 test. Our accredited testers can conduct qualitative (taste test) or quantitative (AccuFIT 9000 or TSI Portacount machine) testing and they will use the most appropriate method for you.

1-10 Tests On-site 

POA

Option 2

FULL DAY FACE FIT TESTING

Our full day fit2fit accredited service is for up to 20 tests. If your employees wear more than 1 type of tight fitting mask i.e. a mask that seals against the users face then they will require more than 1 test. Our accredited testers can conduct qualitative (taste test) or quantitative (AccuFIT 9000 or TSI Portacount machine) testing and they will use the most appropriate method for you.

11-20 Tests On-site 

POA

Option 3

LARGE SCALE FACE FIT TESTING

Our fit2fit accredited team have vast experience in this field. If you have more than 40 people to test we will create a bespoke face fit testing programme. Our dedicated team can discuss your requirements and put together a complete package to suit your requirements. Contact us for further details.

40+ Tests On-site 

POA

Enquire online to book or CALL 01423 611030

Fit2Fit Accredited Face Fit Testing

We are Fit2Fit Accredited for both Quantitative APC (AccuFIT9000 or TSI Portacount) & Qualitative (Taste Test) Face Fit Testing.

Our Face Fit Testing Service:

  • Conducted by experienced, competent fit2fit accredited face fit testers.
  • Accredited for both quantitative and qualitative face fit testing methods.
  • On your site anywhere in the UK.
  • We can supply masks, ask for more information.
  • We can provide fit2fit approved training to your staff to conduct your own face fit testing.
  • Provide access to a free online RPE training webinar (anybody who wears a mask has to be trained).

Do you want to learn to conduct your own face fit testing? Please visit our train the tester page.

There are two types of  face fit testing methods: quantitative & qualitative.

Both are valid and approved methods for testing and each method has its uses and limitations.

Qualitative Face Fit Testing method:

A simple taste test that can be used to test disposable or reusable half mask respirators only.

The qualitative face fit test is a subjective test,  we are relying on an honest response from the test subject and their ability to detect a taste.

Quantitative Face Fit Testing (APC method):

Can be used on all respirator types, full face, reusable half masks and disposables.

The test requires the use of an ambient particle counting device (AccuFIT9000 or TSI PortaCount) this is an objective test, we are not relying on any input from the test subject, the machine determines the pass or fail.

Training:

Anybody who wears Respiratory Protective Equipment (even disposable masks) requires training, the responsibility for this is the employers.

To help you meet your legal obligations on training we will provide you with access to an online webinar which needs to be watched by everybody who requires a face fit test and particular attention should be paid to the donning and doffing procedures.

We can test all types of tight fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment:

Full-face mask respirators, SCBA, re-usable half masks, disposable masks etc.

tts fit2fit accredited

Enquire online to book or CALL 01423 611030

Do you want to become a face fit tester?

We have 2 options for fit2fit approved train the tester training: 

Option 1: We can come to you and conduct the training on your site/premises.
Option 2: You can attend one of our regular open/public courses in either Knaresborough or Morden.

Our Feedback

 

Training and Testing Services are a fit2fit accredited face fit testing company.

Face Fit Testing is designed to protect workers from harmful chemicals and dust, which can account for up to 13,000 deaths each year. These deaths include work-related lung disease and cancer, which Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) has been designed to protect against.

However recent research indicates that up to 50% of all RPE does not offer the wearer the level of protection assumed, meaning that people could be falling ill and dying for something as simple as not carrying out a face fit test.

Face Fit Testing can help to ensure that employees are able to work effectively in their masks, without taking unnecessary health risks. It also means that employers won’t have to face the prospect of expensive enforcement action being taken by the HSE if their workers masks don’t offer adequate protection.

Face Fit Testing is an important part of protecting employees who wear tight fitting masks.

Tight-fitting RPE:

  • Disposable dust masks
  • Half face reusable masks
  • Full face masks
  • SCBA
  • Gas masks etc.

Must be tested to prove that they fit correctly, and this can be achieved with either qualitative or quantitative as appropriate.

FAQs

What is a face fit test?

Face fit testing is a method of checking that a tight-fitting face piece matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately to their face. It will also help to identify unsuitable face pieces that should not be used.

How long does a face fit test take?

We are fully qualified fit2fit accredited testers. In line with current requirements each face fit test will take approximately 20 minutes.

Which face fit test do I need?

Our fit2fit accredited assesors will determine which test method is suitable based on what you do. We will conduct either up to 10 tests (half day) or up to 20 tests (full day). Masks, just like people come in all different shapes and sizes so it may take more than 1 test to get a positive test result, however we are highly experienced and know which masks work with which face shapes so we can make sure the number of tests are kept to a minimum.

Which mask do I need with a beard?

In line with HSE legislation we are unable to conduct a face fit test on anyone with facial hair. In this instance your option is a powered air respirator. They do not need to form a tight seal against the wearers face and therefore they do not need to be clean shaven. Power Air Respirators do not require a face fit test.

Who needs a face fit test?

Anyone who wears RPE with a tight-fitting facepiece. If the mask has to form a tight seal against the face then the wearer needs to have a face fit test.

How often should face fit testing be carried out?

Most occupations don’t have a specified time limit before another test is required. However we recommend that a face fit is carried out when there are changes in RPE, significant weight fluctuations in staff members, facial injuries, major dental work etc.

Do you offer face fit testing online?

It is impossible to conduct a face fit test online. You have to wear the mask and perform a number of exercises in the presence of a face fit tester who will conduct a series of tests whilst you are wearing the mask. This cannot be done without being in the presence of a face fit testing professional.

What do you need for face fit testing?

  • You will be asked at the time of booking to complete a respirator selection leaflet.
  • The fit2fit face fit testing is conducted on any site that has suitable facilities (power and seating), in a room that is not too hot or cold and has natural ventilation.
  • We also need access to hand washing facilities and the test subjects need clean drinking water.
  • The test subjects must be clean shaven in the area where the mask seals against the face or we will not test them (as per HSE guidance).
  • If you would like us to train your staff so that you are compliant with the law then they will need to attend the toolbox talk before the testing begins, if they can not attend for any reason then you will have to provide them with the training yourself.

Please note: you cannot be face fit tested if you have a beard. The only option for someone with a beard is a powered hood. They do not need to form a tight seal and do not require a face fit test.

What area do you cover?

Our testers cover the whole of mainland UK. We have a tester based in the South who can cover London and surrounding areas with ease. This includes Greater London, Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Essex, Hertford, Buckinghamshire, Oxford, Berkshire, Hampshire, Bedford. We also have a tester based in the North who can cover Yorkshire and surrounding areas with ease. This includes North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria. We cover a vast area and all our testers are willing to travel to your site whether it is England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales. We regularly cover Leeds, Sheffield, London, Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call or drop us a message and we will be more than happy to help.

How do I book?

Booking is simple:-

TTS accreditation and memberships
Our office will be closed from 12 noon on 20 December 2024 and re-open on 2 January 2025. During this time you can still book your open course place. Click here.