Respirator Fit Testing

What is face fit testing?

Face fit testing is about testing the fit of respiratory protective equipment. That can be anything, from disposable masks to full-face masks, CBRN gas masks, Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

During a measurement, the mask is connected to one of our measuring instruments. The particles inside and outside the mask are measured in order to establish how well the mask fits. Because only if it fits properly can you be sure that the mask used actually protects against dusts or gases, reducing exposure to a minimum.

When is face fit testing needed?

As mentioned, face fit testing is already mandatory in the asbestos sector. But it is also being applied more and more in other sectors. In fact, it is advisable to apply it in every situation in which your employees are required to wear respiratory protective equipment. After all, this equipment is of little use if the fit is not right.

Once you have tested a type of mask and optimised the fit, you do not need to keep retesting. That is only necessary when you start using a new type of mask, or when an employee gains or loses a lot of weight or their face changes.

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more about face fit testing, carrying out a test or using the measuring equipment in our range? Then get in touch with us!