Educate An Insight to Face Fit Testing Do I Need a Face Fit Test? Well, if you wear a dust mask AKA close fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) such as a P3 or FFP3 mask then simply put, yes, you need a face fit test! This is true of all close fitting RPE whether it be reusable or disposable, full face or half face, offering particulate or gas / vapour filtration.
Is it a Legal Requirement to Have a Face Fit Test? Again, the short answer is yes. The COSHH Regulations 2002, supported by HSG53 and INDG479 (formerly OC282/28) detail that close fitting RPE such as disposable or reusable dust masks must be both adequate and suitable; the only accepted method to
There are approximately 12,000 deaths in the UK associated with work related respiratory diseases each year
demonstrate that RPE is suitable is to undertake a face fit test.
What is a Face Fit Test? There are two common methods of undertaking a test: the Qualitative Method and the Quantitative Method. The Qualitative Method, also recognised as the Taste Test, is ideally suited to both reusable and disposable half face RPE offering particulate protection. The Taste Test is a quick, simple and cost effective way to demonstrate that RPE creates an effective seal to the wearers face. The Quantitative method, on the other hand, is much more accurate but much more expensive. This is often reserved for testing of full face RPE or where larger numbers of face fit tests are required.
What Type of Mask Needs Face Fit Testing? The answer is ANY close-fitting respirator. This could be a dust mask such as FFP3 or a reusable half or full-face respirator. If a risk assessment identifies the need for close fitting RPE then a test should be undertaken. The COSHH, CAR and PPE Regulations all specify the need for suitable and adequate RPE. Currently the only way of demonstrating that RPE is suitable is to undertake a face fit test.
Must I Be Clean Shaven to Have a Face Fit Test? Yes; any stubble, beards, goatees or moustaches that contact the face seal area will significantly reduce the protection offered by tight fitting RPE. It is therefore essential that RPE wearers are not only clean shaven for the test, but also when the mask is put into use. 6
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