Face fit testing

Done right, this is a really useful exercise. 

Everyone is tested with the mask (type/model) they wear, the way they wear it.  Pass or fail, they each get a chance to taste the test fluid to see what they are being protected from – an invisible, odourless enemy.  We regularly hear from those tested who find it amazing what their mask is protecting them from and we see more people wanting to wear their masks correctly rather than having to be told to.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggest that periodically, Qualitative Face Fit Testing should be conducted on all ‘tight fitting’ filtering face pieces and half mask respirators.

Crown Safety can visit your premises and carry out the face fit testing to ensure the complete safety of your staff. We would require each member of your team for about 12-15 minutes.

Misuse of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) has been fairly commonplace, from facial hair interfering with the seal on the face to tearing off the bottom strap of the respirator, to burning holes in the filter, allowing the wearer to smoke through it.

Legislation, such as the COSHH Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), has been put in place in an attempt to eliminate this abuse and improve awareness even further. Our Face Fit Test Kit meets the requirements as laid down by the HSE. 

How it works

The nebuliser produces a mist measuring approximately 5 microns. If the wearer tastes the substance, the seal has been broken and the wearer must be re-tested. This is a perfectly safe process which could save someone’s life.

This need not be an expensive process and we are always happy to discuss your needs, thoughts and questions – feel free to get in touch.