Introduction to RPE Fit Testing

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Introduction to RPE Fit Testing

• Stuart Harvey
• Tyco Fire Integrated Solutions
• Safety Service
• Great Yarmouth

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Why do you need to fit test ?
REQUIRED BY LAW

• COSHH 2002 REG.7

• CLAW 2002 REG.6

• CAW 2002 REG.10

Where adequate control of exposure cannot be
achieved by other means, the provisions of
suitable personal protective equipment
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Why do you need to fit test ?

• Unsuitable RPE will not provide adequate
  protection.

• Provision of unsuitable RPE is not in
  compliance with the law.

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Selecting suitable RPE

• JOB

• ENVIROMENT

• EXPOSURE LEVELS

• WEARER

Fit Testing
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Why do you need to fit test

• People have different size and shape of face.

• Unlikely that one single design and size of
  facepiece will fit all users within a workforce.

• No respirator is 100 leak proof.

Poor fit is a major contributor to reduce
protection.
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CE Testing

• Tested for inward leakage on a test panel of 10
  subjects.

• No guarantee that the facepiece is suitable for
  the actual wearer.

Suitability of a facepiece can be achieved by fit
testing the actual wearer.
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What is fit testing?

• A means of measuring the goodness of the fit of
  the facepiece on the wearers face.

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Aims of fit testing

• To match the facepiece to the wearer.

• By selecting the right size and model for the
  wearer.

• Helps achieve a good fit.

• Helps to select a comfortable mask.

• Leads to enhance protection hence reduced ill
  health.

In compliance with the law
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When to fit test?

• Initial selection of RPE.

• Facepiece not tested previously.

• RPE change.

• Facial characteristics change.

• H S policy require it.

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Fit Testing- what types of RPE?

• Tight- Fitting facepieces.

• To include positive pressure breathing
  apparatus.

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When fit testing is not required?

• RPE issued for comfort.

• If the risk assessment clearly demonstrates that
  the RPE is not employed as control measure then
  fit testing is not necessary.

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Fit testing methods two basic types.

• Qualitative- provides a simple pass/fail based
  on the wearers subjective assessment.

• Wearer decides whether it fits or not based on
  taste/smell.

• An assumed fit factor of 100 is applied to a
  pass.

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• Quantitative- provides an independent objective
  measure of the fit of the RPE.

• A numerical fit factor is generated by the fit
  testing device.

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Fit test method selection.
Quantitative
Qualitative
FFP1 NO
YES
FFP2 YES
YES
FFP3 YES
YES
Half Mask YES
YES
Full Face Mask YES
NO
NOTE Test chamber controlled negative pressure
cannot be used for FFP2 filter masks.
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Fit test exercises
What exercises are required

• Normal Breathing

• Deep breathing

• Turning head side to side

• Moving head up down

• Talking

• Bending over

• Normal Breathing

Stepping, Cycle, Treadmill, HSE 282/28 Protocol.
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How long should a fit test take?

• Preparation of facepiece for the test.

• Instruction of the wearer in the fit test
  exercises.

• Donning and fit checking of the facepiece fit.

• Comfort assessment period.

• 7 fit test exercises.

• Removal of facepiece.

• Explanation of the result of the fit test.

• Total time approx 20 mins.

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What is required from the wearer?

• Turn up.

• Clean shaven.

• Don the facepiece as trained.

• No smoking (drinking/eating).

• Exercise.

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Fit test record

• Name of the RPE wearer.

• Make, model, size of facepiece.

• Own/pool/test mask.

• Measured fit factor.

• Test exercises.

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• Fit test method

• Pass level.

• Date of test.

• Details service provider.

• Serial no of equipment.

Store for a minimum of 5 years