How is fit testing carried out?

Respirators protect the wearer against hazardous substances. Tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) creates a tight seal with the face to offer protection. Face fit testing must be carried out to ensure the respirator fits the wearer in order to provide the correct level of protection.

What is fit testing?

Fit testing ensures an individual can achieve a good fit with a specific respirator in a controlled and standardised test, which delivers a pass/fail result, and must be carried out by an appropriately trained, competent individual. Testing must be repeated at regular intervals and when there is a change to the wearer’s facial features, such as following dental surgery.?

Methods for fit testing are outlined in guidance published by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Methods are divided into two basic types of fit testing:?

Qualitative:

Qualitative fit testing delivers a pass / fail result and is a subjective test which relies on the test subject detecting a taste.?Qualitative fit testing uses a sweet or bitter tasting solution which is administered as an aerosol within a test hood and must not be detected by the subject during the test.

View our range of Qualitative Face Fit Testing Products

Quantitative:

Quantitative fit testing delivers a numerical result, called a fit factor. The test uses objective measurement by specialist equipment.?There are two methods of quantitative fit testing: ambient particle counting (APC) and controlled negative pressure (CNP).??

Fit testing must be conducted by an appropriately trained individual who is competent and experienced in conducting the given test method.

Disposable and half mask respirators can be tested using the qualitative method. Disposable, half mask, and full face mask respirators can be tested quantitatively, but disposable masks cannot be tested using the CNP method.?

Table demonstrating test compatibility for types of respiratory product.

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All fit testing methods include exercises the wearer must carry out to simulate movements made during work tasks; the fit test exercises are as follows:?

1. ?Normal breathing – Wearer breathing normally, no talking.
2. Deep breathing – Wearer breathing slowly and deeply, taking care not to hyperventilate.?
3. Turning head side to side – Wearer slowly turning their head side-to-side, pausing to inhale while facing left and right.
4. Moving head up and down – Wearer slowly moving head up and down, to look toward the ceiling and the floor, pausing to inhale while looking upwards.?
5. Talking – Wearer talking slowly and loudly enough to be heard clearly by the fit tester, either reading from a prepared passage or counting back from 100.?
6. Bending over – Wearer should bend at the waist as if to touch their toes and then returning to an upright position, repeating slowly.?
7. Normal breathing – Same as exercise 1.?

On completion of the exercises, the test is deemed a pass, meaning the respirator has been demonstrated to provide a good fit for your facial shape. It is always important that the respirator is fitted correctly each time it is worn and to perform a fit check before entering the hazard zone.?

Have more questions regarding fit testing? Check out our Face Fit Testing FAQ!