Respiratory Equipment FIT TESTING at ENVIROCHEM Why is Facepiece Fit Testing Necessary? The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires all employers to take satisfactory precautions to protect their employees in the workplace. Under the revised Health and Safety Executive Legislation 2002, fit test reports should be available for all employees who wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) incorporating tight fitting facepieces. Fit test records should be retained by the employer and be available for inspection upon request (CAR Reg.11).
What is Facepiece Fit Testing? It is a method for checking that a tight fitting facepiece matches the person’s unique facial features and seals adequately to their face. It is also useful for checking that a wearer can put on a respirator facepiece correctly, which is equally important in preventing exposure.
How Often is a Facepiece Fit Test Required? Employers must provide suitable RPE equipment and training to protect their employees from exposure to airborne contaminants such as dusts, fumes and vapours in the workplace. The performance of RPE facepieces, irrespective of whether they are used in negative pressure respirators, power assisted respirators or compressed air supplied breathing apparatus, relies heavily on the quality of fit of the facepiece to the wearer’s face. An inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided by the RPE and may lead to serious immediate or long-term health problems.
Tel: 01329 287777
12 The Gardens, Broadcut, Fareham, PO16 8SS
When a RPE is used for the first time On an annual basis If a different respirator face-piece is used When there is a significant change in the persons body weight or facial appearance (scars around the mask area, major dental work, cosmetic surgery, etc.)
Email: office@envirochem.co.uk
Website: www.envirochem.co.uk