Why do my workers need Facial FIt Testing / Respirator FIt Testing (RFT) for their Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)?
Inhalation is the most common route through which foreign and often dangerous substances enter the body. Therefore, where there is a risk of exposure to potentially toxic or infectious airborne contaminants, a facial respirator should always be worn. Whilst personal respiratory devices, such as full- and half-face masks are essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, if the respirator is not fitted correctly the respirator may not be providing you with the necessary protection.
Why is Respirator Fit Testing (RFT) of Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) Important?
People come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and so does Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE). Because of this, a perfect facial fit is paramount in obtaining optimum protection. A poor fitting respirator (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) may lead to a leakage of contaminants into the breathing zone, thereby compromising the safety of the wearer. In fact, if you are wearing a personal respirator that has not been adequately fit tested, you may be gambling with your health.
- Not all respirators (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) will fit all faces
- Poorly fitting respirators (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) will leak contaminants into the breathing zone
- You may be gambling with your health and the health of your employees
Because your health and safety are too important to leave to chance, Environmental Site Services now provides a Quantitative Facial Fit Testing service of your personal respiratory device (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) to safeguard you against accidental inhalation of contaminants such as Dust, Gases, Welding Fume, Cement Dust, Silica, Mould and Infectious and Airborne diseases.
“A correct fit is your insurance”
What are my obligations?
Respirator facial fit testing is now a mandatory requirement of the AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices and must be performed on all tight fitting respirators.
Respirator facial fit testing (RFT) is used to assess whether the respirator (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) assigned to a person forms an adequate seal around their face and verifies whether the wearer is provided the required level of protection against exposure to hazardous atmospheric contaminants such as dusts, mists, fumes, gases, vapours and biological contaminants such as influenza and other infectious diseases.
Environmental Site Services conducts Respirator Fit Testing (RFT) that’s fast, easy and accurate for all types and brands of respirators (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) at your workplace using the latest PortaCount quantitative fit test technology.
This fit test method measures respirator (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) fit whilst the user performs a series of moving, breathing and talking exercises designed to simulate actual use in the workplace.
Which respirators (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) and dust masks need to be tested?
The answer to this is any tight fitting mask. This includes
- All disposable masks known as either P2 or N95 masks these are used in health care, asbestos removal or mining these are the most commons masks.
- Half-face masks
- Full-face masks
- Full-face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) masks
- Full-face powered air purifying (PAPR) masks
When is Facial Fit Testing / Respirator Fit Testing (RFT) Required?
- When a respirator/mask (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) is first issued to the wearer
- Annually for all tight fitting respirators (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE))
- Whenever a medical provider, the employer, or the employee has reason to believe the respirator (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) no longer fits due to facial changes, weight changes, or scars.
- When the employee experiences a medical condition that impacts or could impact safe respirator (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) use
How long does facial fit testing / Respirator Fit Testing (RFT) take and where?
- A Respirator Facial Fit Test (RFT) takes approximately 15 minutes this includes information and training on the correct fitting of the respirator(Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)) how to maintain the respirator and information for when repeat testing is required.
- Respirator Fit Testing (RFT) can be done with our mobile service or at our premises
Fit testing requirements?
- Personnel are to be clean shaven and refrain from smoking 30mins prior to the test
Who requires Respirator Fit Testing (RFT)?
Anyone who wears a respirator (Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE)), particularly workers in:
- Mining
- Fire and rescue
- Hospitals and those working in healthcare facilities
- Military
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