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FACE FIT TESTING

All our staff are fully trained and highly experienced in Respirator Fit Testing and have completed and passed the industry recognised exam and practical assessment for Face Fit Testing. Our team are passionate in promoting best practice and increasing awareness of face fit testing in line with the health and safety standards.

We provide Fit testing services for clients throughout the Sydney, Greater Sydney and Newcastle regions, either at your premises or inhouse at our Seven Hills office.

Who should be tested?

All wearers of tight fitting face pieces e.g. respirators or compressed air breathing apparatus require a fit test. This may include:

• Coal Miners
• Concrete workers
• Builders
• Spray Painters
• Tilers
• Stone workers
• Asbestos workers
• Gas and Fire
• Plus many more

Why do we need it?

To ensure that the protective mask you wear is suitable for your face profile in order to maximise protection against harmful airborne substances.

Recent research has shown that around 50% of RPE used does not offer the wearer the level of protection assumed. The major reason for this is that it simply does not fit.

What are the legal requirements?

Click here to read the legal requirements.

What is Face Fit testing?

A face fit test is a simple test which checks whether a person's mask fits their face shape and size.

When worn correctly RPE (respiratory protective equipment) should protect the wearer from airborne hazards (particles, dusts, gases etc). Recent research has shown that around 50% of RPE used does not offer the wearer the level of protection assumed. The major reason for this is that it simply does not fit!

As people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes it is unlikely that one particular type or size of RPE face piece will fit everyone. A face fit test will help ensure that the RPE selected is suitable for the wearer.

• Morally we have a duty of care to ensure that workers go home safe and are not exposed to airborne hazards during their work.
• Legally, face fit testing is a requirement of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, the Control of Lead at Work Regulations and the Control of Asbestos Regulations. These regulations state that PPE must be “suitable” for its purpose – in this case it should protect the wearer from the airborne hazard.

A face fit test is a simple 20 minute test. Before performing the fit test you will need to inform us of what mask you will be wearing so we can guarantee the correct accessories to perform your fitting.

Repeat face fit testing should also be carried out on a regular basis. Your fitting will expire after 12 months as per Aus/NZ safety standard so you will need to be refitted before expiration. There may be other reasons for needing to be refitted before the 12 month date and that is if the wearer loses or gains weight, has significant dental work, or gains scars, moles or other facial features where the mask seal meets the face.

What is Quantitative testing?

We conduct Quantitative fit testing in which we will match the individual’s face shape with a compatible mask to ensure a tight seal is achieved.

Quantitative Testing

• Used for all tight fitting respirators, including Full Face Masks.
• The mask is attached to a particle counting machine (a Portacount).
• The machine detects whether airborne particles are passing into the mask via a break in the seal.
• At the end of the test the machine will give a 'pass' or 'fail'.

Fill out our Face Fit enquiry - For larger groups and testing at your premises or for individual or smaller group bookings at our Seven Hills office 8/26 Powers Road, Seven Hills.