Guest Blog – Face Fit Testing…

Angela Chouaib of Green Air Monitoring takes a timely look at face fitting of masks.

Angela Chouaib
Angela Chouaib
I have been asked numerous times about face fit testing so I have listed the frequently asked questions and answers. Please see my guide below if you are asking yourself what do you really need to know???

What is Face Fit Testing?
Face Fit Testing is the method used for checking that a tight fitting facepiece matches the persons’ facial features and seals adequately to the wearers’ face. It also helps to ensure that poorly fitting facepieces are not selected for use. An inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Face Fit Testing can also be used to ensure that an individual knows how to properly put on and wear the respirator.

If a fit test is not performed, then an unsatisfactory seal/barrier may excessive leakage of airborne contaminants into the wearer’s breathing zone, even though the user is wearing a respirator correctly selected for the application.

The requirements for Face Fit testing are described in the Approved Code of Practices (ACoP’s) supporting:
COSHH Regulations 2002
The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002

The HSE have produced a guidance document ‘Fit Testing of Respiratory Protective Equipment Facepieces’ (HSE OC 282/28). The HSE strongly recommend that fit testing is included as an integral part of any Respiratory Protective Equipment program
Tight fitting facepieces are:
Filtering facepieces
Half Masks
Full-face masks

When should Fit Testing be performed?
Face fit testing should be carried out:
As part of the initial selection of RPE
When an un-tested face piece is already in use.
If an employee wears more than one type of tight fitting facepiece then each facepiece should be tested.
A repeat test should be carried out when the wearer:
Loses or gains weight
Undergoes any substantial dental surgery
Develops any facial changes (scars, moles etc) around the face seal area

How is Fit Testing performed?
There are two basic types of fit testing, these are:
Qualitative – method based on tasting or smelling a bitter, sweet or odorous compound.
Quantitative – provides a numerical calculation of the effectiveness of fit. This is called a Fit Factor. This is usually carried out using a particle counting device or a controlled negative pressure device.

Green Air Monitoring provide Quantitative Fit Testing using the TSI Portacount which is a particle counting device. This is suitable for testing the following mask types:
Filtering facepieces (P1, P2, P3 types)
Half mask respirators
Full face mask respirators
Power assisted respirators with full face mask or half mask
Breathing apparatus

How does the quantitative test work?
Quantitative fit testing involves a direct numerical measurement of the respirator face seal performance. Using a probe into the mask, the particle counting device counts the number of ambient particles leaking into the facepiece and compares this with the particle number challenging the facepiece. The particles within the facepiece are assumed to have entered through a leak in the face seal. This calculation is known as Fit Factor.

Fit Factors
A quantitative fit test gives a number that is referred to as the Fit Factor (FF). A high FF number means the facepiece achieved a good contact between the face seal and the face during the test.

Does each employee need to have their own facepiece?
No. However, you should ensure that the type of facepiece worn during the fit test is the same size, make and model that is available to the employee.

What do I need to do before the fit testing is performed?
Subjects should refrain from eating, chewing gum, drinking or smoking for at least 30 minutes prior to the test. Candidates must also be clean shaven within the region of the face/mask seal.

Why do I have to do exercises when I am being fit tested?
This is to simulate the work you would normally be carrying out – this will test the fit of the facepiece better than if you were sitting down or just standing still.

I have passed a fit test but do I need to check and maintain my facepiece?
Yes. The fit test does not assess the quality of the maintenance of the facepiece – it must be checked regularly.

I have failed my fit test, what do I do next?
Manufacturers make lots of different sizes of facepieces so you may obtain a better fit by wearing an alternative type or size of mask. If an adequate fit is not achieved then it may be necessary to wear a respirator that doesn’t rely on a tight face seal.

How long do I have to keep records?
The employer should keep fit test records for a minimum of five years.

How long does the fit testing take?
About 20 minutes per person.

How much does it cost?
This depends on the service you require, the number of people and number of masks to be tested. The most cost effective solution is to come to your site, or alternatively, you can arrange for your staff to be tested at our premises in Manchester or Kent.

What is the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Testing?
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, see below:

Qualitative Fit Testing:
√ Inexpensive
√ Low maintenance
X Imprecise
X Easy to do wrong
X No documentation of results
X Subject to deception,
X Wearer’s have different abilities to taste the solutions; some can’t taste them at all!
X Limited to Fit Factor of 100 (half masks or filtering facepieces – P1, P2, P3), not suitable for full-face masks.
X Uncomfortable, people do not like wearing the hood
X Slow to perform

Quantitative Fit Testing:
√ No fit factor limit
√ Precise
√ Fast to do
√ Hard copy of results,
√ No chance of deception
√ Easy to perform
√ Wide range of facepieces can be tested
√ Useful tool for employee respirator training
X Cost of buying and maintaining a suitable fit testing device, training personnel to perform the tests

Green Air Monitoring can take the hassle out of it for you – less lost work time, reduced costs, no maintenance and the fit testing is carried out by fully trained personnel.

Angela Chouaib
Green Air Monitoring Ltd
11 Kent House
Old Bexley Business Park
Bourne Road
Bexley, Kent, DA5 1LR.
Office: 01322 555 556
Mobile: 07855 577 820
Email: AngelaC@greenairmonitoring.co.uk
Website: www.greenairmonitoring.co.uk
Twitter: AirQualityQueen
LinkedIn: Angela Chouaib