Face Fit Testing
What is Qualitative Face Fit Testing?
We offer Qualitative Face Fit Testing in Cornwall as it is a legal requirement, and is covered by HSE legislation, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) used must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers. RPE cannot protect the wearer if it leaks.
Who needs Face Fit Testing?
Everyone required to wear any type of Respiratory Protective Equipment in the workplace must be face fit tested to ensure correct fitting and protection against substances potentially hazardous to health.
Masks rely on a good seal against the face so that, when you breathe air in, it is drawn into the filters where the air is cleaned. If the mask does not fit correctly, this process is compromised. It is therefore particularly important that you put your mask on correctly and check for a good fit every time.
You must be clean-shaven when wearing tight-fitting masks, this will help prevent leakage of contaminated air around the edges of the mask and into your lungs. You will, therefore, be breathing in clean air, which will help you stay healthy.
Please view the link below for a video from the HSE around Face fit Testing and why its so importantÂ
How it Works
The Face Fit Testing test is conducted in two stages:
Sensitivity test
Confirms that the wearer can detect the test agent (either smell or taste). The test agent is sprayed into a test hood.
Face Fit Test
The wearer dons their face mask and the test hood. The tester sprays the test agent into the hood at intervals whilst the wearer is conducting a series of low intensity physical tests during the Face Fit Testing. These include
- Normal breathing.
- Deep breathing
- Turning head side to side
- Moving head up and down
- Talking
- Bending over
If at any point throughout the test the participant can taste the test solution, then the mask is not protecting the wearer.
What's included in the price?
The price includes the test, and certification to show the test has been completed.
Fewer than 20 delegates: £25 + VAT per delegate
For 20 + Delegates: £22.50 + VAT per delegate
There is a minimum charge of £100 + VAT per session where you have fewer than 4 delegates.
We can offer a range of Health & Safety services and Training.Â
What do I have to do?
You must be clean-shaven for your face fit test. Facial hair prevents your tight-fitting mask from sealing correctly around your face, thereby failing to provide adequate protection. We CANNOT test if you have facial hair.Â
You will need to ensure your staff bring with them the masks they will be using and filters. The test will be for the type, make, model and size of masks. If the masks then change the staff will need to be retested for the new mask. Â
Face Fit Testing Guidance document is INDG479 (rev1)
The HSE guidance document for RPE can be found at  https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm
If you have facial hair then a positive-pressure air-fed mask would suit.Â
You must bring your own adjustable mask with you. We will advise you whether the mask is suitable and whether it fits correctly.
For further information on Respiratory Protection and Face fit Testing can be found on the HSE website at https://www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective-equipment/
You must bring with you, your Half mask and filters
Wearers not to eat, drink (except still, unflavoured water), smoke or chew gum for at least one Hour before the test.
Contact Us
Address
Unit 2, Southview House, St Austell Enterprise Park, Carclaze
Cornwall
PL25 4EJ
admin@cornwalltraining.com
Phone
01726 93 22 93