24 Apr Face Fit Testing – The Facts

Face Fit Testing Facts

We are asked daily to help with the confusion around face fit testing. So, we have put together some face fit testing facts and information which we hope will help.

• Do I have to get my guys face fit tested?
  In short, if they wear a face mask, YES

• What type of testing should they have?
  The picture below will help greatly when deciding which method, you should use.

• Do they have to be clean shaven?
  Yes. Unless they are wearing a powered hood they must be clean shaven – if they are not clean shaven they cannot be face fit tested. Any company who are willing to face fit test people who are not clean shaven are not only unprofessional, they are not covering HSE guidelines and they are also wasting your money by agreeing to do it in the first place.

• I use a powered hood, do I need a face fit test?
  No. Powered or air-fed hoods as they are known do not have to be subjected to a face fit test.

• Can I learn how to conduct face fit testing? Yes. There are two types of face fit testing:-
  Qualitative (taste test method) – we run train the tester courses on your site anywhere in mainland UK, we also run open courses for individuals or companies with only 1 or 2 people. In order to conduct qualitative face fit testing you will need a test kit – we sell these at a competitive price.
  Quantitative – we run train the tester courses on your site anywhere in mainland UK, we also run open courses for individuals or companies with only 1 or 2 people. In order to conduct quantitative face fit testing you will need a portacount machine– we work very closely with one of the UK’s suppliers of portacount machines. As part of your instructor pack you will receive a discount voucher against your purchase off a portacount machine.
  Our face fit train the tester course is a full day course – we do not just show you how to use a test kit, we ensure all 14 areas of competence as is required by the HSE. All training is done in conjuction with INDG 479 and HSG 53, you will receive an instructor pack with all the relevant paperwork that you require to conduct your own face fit testing programme.

• Do I need to be trained to conduct face fit testing
  Yes. If you intend to test your own staff, you must be competent. To be competent the person should have adequate knowledge and have received adequate instruction and training in the 14 areas detailed in HSE 282/28.

• Do you test half face masks?
  Yes, half face masks whether disposable or reusable can be tested using the qualitative or quantitative face fit test method.

• Do you test full face masks?
  Yes, we test full face masks using the quantitative fit test method.

• Why is your Train the Tester course a full day?
  Our course is conducted by fit2fit accredited assessors. We do not just show you how to use a face fit testing kit we ensure you are provided with all the information and knowledge to be able to run your own compliant face fit testing programme. All face fit training should cover the 14 areas of competence as set out by the Health and Safety Executive in HSE 282/28.

• Do you sell face masks?
  Yes, we sell a range of expertly selected face masks. From our years of face fit testing experience, we know the range we sell offers exceptional performance, quality and value and in some cases offer all three at the same time. Visit our online shop.

• Why should I have my staff face fit tested?
  Tight-fitting RPE must be tested to prove that it fits correctly, and this can be achieved with either quantitative or qualitative testing. Health & Safety Law stipulates that tight-fitting RPE must be fit tested as part of the initial selection process.

• Will the masks I use fit all my staff?
  People come in different shapes and sizes, so facial differences will mean that one kind of RPE is unlikely to fit all. The differences are even more significant between men, women, and people of different ethnicity. If the RPE does not fit, it will not protect the wearer. For more face fit testing facts our face fit testing information will provide further guidance.

• What legislation covers face masks?
  Guidance can be found in the Health and Safety Executive Operational Circular OC 282/28 and HSE publication HSG53 Respiratory protective equipment at work.

• I have a beard can I be tested?
  No. The only thing you can wear if you have a beard is a powered hood which does not have to be subjected to a face fit test.

We hope you have found these face fit testing facts useful. If you would like any more help of information feel free to contact us.