Face fit testing is a method of checking that a tight-fitting facepiece matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately to the face. It also identifies unsuitable facepieces. It is a quick and simple way of assessing whether tight fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) does or doesn’t create an effective seal around the wearer’s face. If the seal is imperfect, it does not protect the wearer.
When RPE is deemed necessary for a particular job, this is the best time to carry out face fit testing. At this early stage, the wearer can be offered a choice that suits him or her. The employer must ensure that that the make, model, type and size of equipment which they wore during the testing, is made available for their use. If an employee is asked to wear more than one type of facepiece then each one should be fit tested.
When to test
The best time to undergo face fit testing is at the selection stage, which is when people can be given adequate models of RPE. The employer must ensure that the same make, model, type and size of facepiece is available to the wearer that they wore during their successful fit test. If the employee wears more than one type of facepiece to carry out their work, then each type of facepiece must be subjected to a fit test.
People’s faces are different
People’s faces vary significantly in shape and size, so it is unlikely that one size of RPE will fit all. Any lessening in protection due to leakage will put the wearer’s life in danger or may lead to immediate or long-term health problems.
It is also important that the wearer is able to fit the RPE correctly every time they use it to prevent inhaling hazardous substances.
Two types of face fit testing
There are two types of face fit testing, qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative fit testing is a simple pass/fail test based on the wearer’s subjective assessment of the leakage of a test agent, via the face seal area.
Quantitative fit testing provides a numerical measure of the fit which is called the fit factor, giving an objective measure of face fit. This test requires specialized equipment and is required for full face masks.
Who does the testing?
The fitting of RPE and conducting the fit testing should be carried out by a fully qualified, competent and experienced person who has received the appropriate training. The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) runs a scheme for face fit testers and provides a lot of useful information for employers, testers and employees. The testing must be documented and records must be kept for at least five years. To be clear, it is the responsibility of employers to understand when RPE is necessary and to provide essential face fit testing by qualified testers.
During the test
During the test, a series of short exercises are performed to simulate the wearer’s movements during a normal working day which allows the facepiece to be assessed under realistic conditions. Any other personal protective equipment that is worn at the same time as RPE, must also be worn during the testing to ensure that safety helmets, safety spectacles or visors or ear defenders do not interfere with the correct wearing of the facepiece.
Tight-fitting facepieces
There are three types of tight-fitting facepieces; filtering facepieces, half masks and full face masks.
Many masks rely on a good seal against the face so that when the wearer breathes in, the air passes through the filter where the air is cleaned. If there are gaps around the mask then “unclean” air will be breathed into the wearer’s lungs, negating the purpose of the mask.
The performance of tight-fitting masks depends on achieving a good contact between the wearers’ skin and the seal of the mask. A poor fit will significantly reduce the protection that the RPE can provide, resulting in the possibility of the wearer’s health suffering or their life being in danger.
The issue of facial hair
Beards and stubble have become more and more popular in recent years and here we have a problem. Many masks rely on a food seal against the face so that when the wearer breathes in, the air passes through the filter where the air is cleaned. If there are gaps around the mask then “unclean” air will be breathed into the wearer’s lungs, negating the purpose of the mask.
The performance of tight-fitting masks depends on achieving a good contact between the wearers’ skin and the seal of the mask. A poor fit will significantly reduce the protection that the RPE can provide, resulting in the possibility of the wearer’s health suffering or their life being in danger.
It is judged therefore that the presence of stubble and beards prevent a good seal of the mask around the face. Those who are clean-shaven will be much more likely to have a good seal, preventing leakage of contaminated air.
When is a repeat test necessary?
It is good practice for an employer to operate a system that ensures repeat fit testing of RPE is carried out on a regular basis. This is especially important when RPE is used frequently as a primary means of exposure control; for example, annual testing of those involved in asbestos removal is highly recommended.
A repeat face fit test should be carried out if the wearer loses or gains weight, undergoes any substantial dental work or develops any facial changes (scars, moles) around the area of the face where the seal fits. In the US, annual retesting is mandatory and every other year in Canada.
A repeat fit test should also be conducted when the employer’s health and safety policy requires it.
Which facepiece should be used in a test
Where facepieces are issued on an individual basic, it is recommended that the wearer is fit tested using their facepiece. Where this is not the case, ie, when pooled equipment is used, then a facepiece must be used for the test that is the same make, model, type and size of the wearer’s normal facepiece.
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