Qualitative & quantitative face fit testing and training from Fit2Fit Accredited Testers, ensuring that what we provide is of the highest possible standards and is fully compliant with the HSE’s guidance and protocols.
With over 35 years of specialist experience, our director, Nick Moore, was instrumental in the development of the Fit2Fit scheme which launched in 2009. As such, Nick was the first individual in the UK to gain accreditation, leading to representing the UK in the implementation of the ISO 16975-3:2017 Fit-testing procedures.
Working alongside Face Fit testers throughout the country, Ultimo Safety are able to offer both Qualitative and Quantitative face fit testing and Train the Trainer courses.
Face fit testing is a procedure used to assess the adequacy of the seal between the wearer’s face and a respiratory protective device. It ensures that the RPE is providing the intended level of protection by minimising leaks and ensuring a proper fit.
It is a legal requirement that employees using tight fitting RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) must be fit tested by a competent person. By completing a successful face fit test, the wearer can identify suitable RPE which fits and will offer adequate protection.
Properly fitting RPE is essential for its effective use. If there are leaks between the mask and the wearer’s face, contaminants can enter, reducing the efficiency of the equipment and potentially exposing the wearer to harmful substances.
Face Fit Testing ensures that the RPE worn is suitable for the profile of your face to maximise protection against potentially harmful airborne substances. Studies have shown that around 50% of RPE used does not offer the wearer the optimum level of protection. A contributing factor for this higher number is that the RPE does not correctly fit the wearer.
Yes, it is a legal requirement, Under the regulations for COSHH, Control of Asbestos, Control of Lead at Work and the HSG53, all tight fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) worn as Person Protective Equipment (PPE) requires that the designated RPE is adequate and suitable for the wearer, task, and environment. To conform to the legal requirement and provide evidence – a face fit test is required.
Making sure your staff is not exposed to potentially harmful substances at work is of utmost importance for their health. It would be dangerous for your health and the health of people around you if you simply chose a respirator and put it on without first making sure that it fits properly. To provide the most protection, any respirators, such as disposable FFP3 masks, must be tight-fitting.
It is crucial to carry out a mask pre-checking procedure with a face fit test if your staff members are exposed to hazardous settings, and it is also legally required that employees be fit tested by a qualified individual. For employees in fields where effective protection against airborne particles is required, these examinations are essential. Face fit testing ensures that the mask is fitted appropriately and safely to maximise protection.
All wearers of tight-fitting RPE should be fit tested, this includes:
If a company or wearer has gone to the length of selecting high-performance RPE, why compromise in the protection level and performance of the mask if it is not fitting the wearer correctly?
Fit testing is most effective during the initial selection phase, when each user can select from a variety of suitable RPE models. You must make sure that they have access to the brand, style, size, and kind of facepiece that they used during their successful fit test. Each form of tight-fitting facepiece that an employee wears should be fit tested if they use more than one.
It’s typically recommended to repeat the testing at least annually or whenever there are significant changes to facial features (e.g., weight loss/gain, dental work) or to the type/size of the respirator being used.
Both tests take between 15 & 30 minutes, depending on wearer experience and training required. Once the candidate has passed the face fit test, they will be issued with their report showing all details as set out in HSE INDG479.
If an individual fails the face fit test, they are typically not allowed to use the specific type or size of respirator that was tested. They will need to try different respirator models/sizes and undergo testing until a suitable fit is achieved.
There are a number of methods of Face Fit Testing, Quantitative and Qualitative are considered the main options, both are listed in the HSE INDG479 guidance. Face Fit Testing should be carried out by a competent person. One way to demonstrate this is the Fit2Fit Accreditation scheme.
Qualitative testing relies on the wearer’s sense of taste or smell to detect leaks, while quantitative testing uses specialised equipment to measure the level of leakage.
The Quantitative and Qualitative methods are designed to simulate a working environment and to test the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). RPE must fit the wearer correctly ensuring a good seal whilst they are working. The candidate will be asked to perform a number of simple exercises whilst wearing the selected RPE.
The qualitative face fit testing method is based on the ability to detect the test agent prior to donning the RPE for the face fit test.
The qualitative method can only be used for fit testing FFP’s (disposable) and half masks.
The quantitative face fit testing method is ambient particle courting (APC) and is based on a measurement and calculation of the particles inside and outside of the mask.
This method is suitable for face fit testing FFP3’s, half masks, full face masks including SCBA.
Proper training is crucial to ensure that individuals performing face fit testing are competent and can consistently conduct accurate tests. Face fit training covers several key aspects:
We provide face fit testing and training nationwide across the whole of the UK including:
| Southend | Benfleet | Canvey | Pitsea |
| Grays | Thurrock | Basildon | Laindon |
| Braintree | Chelmsford | Colchester | London |
| Surrey | East Sussex | Kent | Suffolk |
| Norfolk | Devon | Cornwall | Dorset |
| Buckinghamshire | Hampshire | Leicestershire | Gloucestershire |
| Oxfordshire | Hertfordshire | Yorkshire | Lincolnshire |
