Call us on: 01423 611030

0
  • No products in the cart.
Total:£0.00
 

Fit2Fit Face Fit Testing

Home > Face Fit Testing > Fit2Fit Face Fit Testing

We are fit2fit accredited for both qualitative & quantitative face fit testing:

Our face fit testers are trained, competent and accredited for both qualitative (taste test) & quantitative (portacount machine) face fit testing. We can test all types of tight fitting respiratory protective equipment: Full mask respirators, SCBA, reusable half masks, disposable masks etc.

There are two types of face fit testing, qualitative and quantitative.  Both are valid and approved methods for face fit testing and each method has its uses and limitations.

Quantitative testing can be used to fit test all types of tight-fitting masks including disposable, half and full face masks. Quantitative tests give an objective assessment of facial fit and provide a direct numerical result called a Fit Factor.

The most widely-used quantitative method for RPE fit testing is the Particle Counting Device method, a title ascribed to the TSI Portacount.

The Portacount measures the number of ambient particles inside and outside a facepiece and provides a numerical result which is the ratio of the two over a given test period.

Qualitative tests rely on the wearer’s subjective assessment of faceseal leakage. These methods, during a set of test exercises, use the wearer’s sense of smell or taste to detect faceseal leakage of a test agent.

Qualitative tests are subject to problems with sensitivity, lack of objectiveness and inability to provide a numerical result.

For these reasons qualitative tests can only be employed for fit testing of filtering facepieces (disposable masks) and half masks, not full face masks.

Don’t worry if you are not sure of which test you need, our fit testers are accredited in both methods and they will always use the method that is suited to your needs.

FACE FIT TESTING SERVICE

We have 2 options for on site face fit testing: 

A half day face fit testing service on your premises for up to 10 face fit tests.

A full day face fit testing service on your premises for up to 20 face fit tests.

HALF DAY FACE FIT TESTING

Our half day fit2fit accredited face fit testing service is for up to 10 face fit 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 (portacount machine) face fit testing and they will use the most appropriate method for you.

1-10 Tests On-site 

FULL DAY FACE FIT TESTING

Our full day fit2fit accredited face fit testing service is for up to 20 face fit tests, it takes on average approximately 20 minutes to complete a face fit test correctly. Masks fail for all sorts of different reasons: firstly we are all different, not all masks are designed the same just as we are not, some masks are really poor quality, male and female differences etc. all of these factors are out of our control and we can not guarantee how many people will pass first time, however we have been doing this for a long time and we are pretty good at working which mask is best for which face.

1-20 Tests On-site 

POA

What we do

Our face fit testers are fit2fit accredited this proves that our face fit testers are experienced and competent in qualitative and quantitative face fit testing.

As part of our face fit testing service:

We will provide your staff with training on how to check and fit a mask correctly:
By law anybody who wears RPE has to be trained, we will do this for you before the face fit testing begins and provide you with documentary evidence to prove that this has been done.

Advise you on the correct selection of masks and filters to ensure that you are using RPE that is both adequate and suitable:
To be adequate a mask has to be able to protect from the hazards that are present, to be suitable the mask has to be suitable for the task, the environment and the person who is wearing it i.e. it fits them.

We can supply disposable or reusable half face or full face masks:
We supply masks from Alpha Solway, JSP, Moldex and Sundstrom

If you want us to supply the masks then we will discuss the best options for you prior to the testing, we will invoice you for any disposable masks that are used for testing.
Our mask selection is based on what we know has the highest chance of passing first time therefore simplifying the testing process and making sure you get maximum value from your face fit testing.

We will conduct the face fit test using either the qualitative or quantitative method:
A qualitative face fit test is a simple taste test that uses a strong tasting substance to challenge the seal of the mask. The qualitative test can only be used to test half mask respirators and this is a subjective test which relies on an honest response from the test subject.

Quantitative testing requires specialised equipment such as the TSI Portacount, they are more complicated to carry out than qualitative tests, however this type of test is required for all full face mask respirators but can also be used to test disposable and half mask respirators too. The TSI Portacount is an ambient particle counting device, it works by measuring the number of particles that leak into the mask, comparing this with the particle number challenging it. This is done while the wearer carries out a number of exercises and is a more scientific way of proving that a mask fits the wearer.

We will provide you with plastic wallet sized cards:
We will provide you with plastic cards along with the standard face fit testing paperwork i.e. fit test record & fit test certificate and also send you a reminder when your fit testing is due again.

Testing Requirements

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.

ENQUIRE NOW

Call 01423 611030 or send a quick email enquiry below.

Do you want to become a tester?

We provide a face fit train the tester course. On your
site or at our training centres in Knaresborough or Surrey

MORE DETAILS

Our Feedback

  • 11/21/2017

    "Instructor was very knowledgeable about the course, All the work force could grasp everything he spoke about, a well delivered presentation, we will be using TTS again"

    11/21/2017

  • 14/05/2018

    "Booking process, a breeze. Lots of good information provided in an engaging format. Did not get sleepy, even after lunch."

    14/05/2018

  • 10/07/2018

    Met Paul on the day of the training, he came across very professional with expert knowledge of Abrasive wheels. He gave our company some excellent advice, and the training was superb. All of the trainees said they had learnt something new, and some things that they were not aware of. I will definitely use Training and Testing again. Brilliant keep up the good work.

    Andy Swift

 

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.

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.

How do I book?

Booking is simple:-