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.
