Ensuring Safety: Respiratory Protective Equipment and Fit Testing Basics

In the realm of safety protocols, the significance of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) cannot be overstated.  According to the British Safety Industry Federation, recent UK research suggests that up to 50% of all the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) used does not offer adequate protection to the wearer.  One prevalent cause of leaks is an ill-fitting facepiece, emphasising the need for meticulous fit testing procedures. 

Fit Testing: A Vital Safeguard

Given the diverse array of facial shapes and sizes among individuals, it is unlikely that a one-size-fits-all approach applies to all RPE facepieces and will fit everyone. Fit testing emerges as a crucial practice to ensure that the selected equipment aligns seamlessly with the unique characteristics of each wearer. This protects the wearer from inhaling any harmful substances that can get into the facepiece. 

Proactive Measures: What You Need to Do

Conducting fit testing during the initial selection stage proves to be the most effective approach. This allows individual users to choose from a variety of suitable RPE models. It is imperative to make the specific make, model, type, and size of the facepiece used during a successful fit test readily available for the wearer. For employees that use multiple types of tight-fitting facepieces, each variant should undergo fit testing.

Execution Guidelines: How to Do It Right

Fit testing should be carried out by a competent professional with proper training, qualifications, and experience. 

A critical consideration in achieving an effective seal with masks is the absence of gaps around the edges. Facial hair, such as stubble and beards, poses a risk to a secure mask-to-face seal. Maintaining a clean-shaven face when using tight-fitting masks is crucial to preventing contamination and ensuring the inhalation of clean air. In cases where facial hair is non-negotiable, especially for religious reasons, alternative forms of RPE that do not rely on a tight fit are available. Prioritising a comprehensive understanding of these alternatives ensures the continued safety and wellbeing of individuals in diverse work environments.

Fit testing is therefore a method for checking that a specific model and size of tight-fitting facepiece matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately to the wearer’s face. It also helps to identify unsuitable facepieces which should not be used. 

Guidance for Employers

It is important to know that some pre-existing medical conditions (for example, breathing disorders such as asthma; skin allergies; or even heart problems) may restrict or prevent some workers from wearing any RPE, or certain types of RPE. You will need to ensure that workers are fit to wear the selected and required RPE. If you are unsure, you (the employer) should arrange for an appropriate medical assessment of your employee. 

According to the HSE guidance,  a fit test should be repeated whenever there is a change to the RPE type, size, model or material or whenever there is a change to the circumstances of the wearer that could alter the fit of the RPE. For example: 

• Weight loss or gain
• Substantial dental work
• Any facial changes (scars, moles, effects of ageing etc) around the face seal area
• Facial piercings
• Introduction or change in other head-worn personal protective equipment (PPE). 

"For conscientious employers, investing in COSHH assessments and providing close-fitting respiratory protective equipment is just the first step. It's crucial to reinforce this investment with comprehensive training and face fit testing to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their employees." - Alan Dickson, Head of Industrial Hygiene

By ensuring that your employees have properly fitted respiratory protective equipment you are not only meeting your legal obligations but also promoting a safe and healthy working environment.

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