Face Fit

Training Options Available:

Information: Where respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is used, Employers must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers. RPE can't protect the wearer if it leaks. A major cause of leaks is poor fit – tight-fitting facepieces need to fit the wearer's face to be effective. Each test should take around 30 minutes and is conducted in 2 parts with a short break between each part. • A sensitivity test is taken without the mask to ensure you can taste either bitter or sweet and lasts between 5 to 10 minutes • The mask fit test which ensures that you can carry out common movements while wearing the mask without affecting the seal and lasts 10 minutes Before a face fit test: Before you attend the Face Fit test, please make sure you: • Are able to taste either bitter or sweet - if your sense of taste is compromised this test will not be effective • Are clean-shaven for the Face Fit test - this includes any hair growth between the skin and the mask seal, such as stubble, beard, moustache or sideburns which cross the respirator seal • Have removed any piercing that might stop a facepiece fitting correctly • Don’t smoke, eat, chew gum or drink anything (other than water) for the 30 minutes prior to the test • Are in good health • Bring the facepiece, including any filters if used, that has been provided to you by your department • If you normally wear protective goggles or hard hat etc when you wear your facepiece, bring them along with you as you may be asked to wear these during the test During a face fit test: For both parts of the Face Fit test, you will be asked to wear a testing hood over your head. A bitter or sweet spray is then sprayed into the hood. In part 1, the sensitivity test, you will be asked to indicate when you first notice the taste. In part 2, you will be asked to indicate if you notice the taste. If you can taste the spray then the facepiece is deemed to be a poor fit but if there is no indication of the taste then the facepiece is deemed suitable. Your tester will let you know immediately if your fit to the facepiece has passed or failed and issue you an individual fit test report Grants Construction companies registered with the CITB levy can claim grants from the CITB for NVQ’s and each completed course