Q

A number of employees require respirators with tight-fitting facepieces. A safety representative has
stated that we should undertake “face fit” testing to ensure the masks’ suitability. What is this and
how is it undertaken?

A
Full face masks, half masks or filtering face pieces (commonly referred to as a disposable mask) are
all tight-fitting face pieces. Each type falls under the umbrella of respiratory protective equipment
(RPE). Their performance relies on the quality of fit to the wearer’s face. An inadequate fit will
significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. When it comes to face pieces one model
does not fit all.
According to HSG53 Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work, “face piece fit testing is a method of
checking that a tight-fitting facepiece matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately to
their face”.
Testing provides the opportunity to identify unsuitable face pieces that should not be used to train
the wearer on how to put on their face piece correctly.
A fit test should be carried out either as part of the initial selection of the face piece or where an
untested face piece is already in use.
There are two types of test.
1. Qualitative fit testing — a pass/fail test based on the wearer’s subjective assessment of any
leakage from the face seal region, by sensing the introduction of a test agent.
2. Quantitative fit testing — a numerical objective measure of the fit which requires specialised
equipment and is more complicated to carry out than qualitative methods.
Although not compulsory, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stipulates that fit testing should be
conducted by a competent person, which can be demonstrated “through achieving accreditation
under the Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers’ Accreditation scheme”.
Operational Circular 282/28 for HSE inspectors states that fit test reports should be available for all
employees who wear RPE incorporating tight-fitting face pieces and that records should be retained
by the employer (and remain available for inspection).
The HSE says it is good practice to have a system in place that ensures repeat fit testing of RPE on
a regular basis and that users carry out a “fit check” of the seal when the device is first put on. The
process behind this is detailed in HSG53.
Last reviewed 16 November 2018