Qualitative Face Fit Tester Training

If you are supplying RPE, it is vital that the selected RPE is adequate and suitable for the purpose. Respiratory protective equipment must reduce exposure as low as reasonably practicable, and in any case to an acceptable level (e.g. below any applicable Occupational Exposure Limits or Control Limits).

To make sure that the selected RPE has the potential to provide adequate protection for individual wearers, the ACoPs supporting Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (CAW) and Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW) recommend fit testing of RPE which incorporate a tight fitting face piece (see note below). This will help to ensure that inadequately fitting face pieces are not selected for use.

Note: A tight fitting face piece is a full-face mask, a half facemask, or a filtering face piece (commonly referred to as a disposable mask). The performance of these types of face pieces, 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 face piece to the wearer’s face. An inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. HSE operational circular 282/28