Preparing for testing
Current Guidlines re Covid 19
Preparing for testing
There are some things to consider prior to the face fit testing day. Please click on the image above to read further details of the pre-testing process.
HSE Guidance INDG 479
Current Guidlines re Covid 19
Preparing for testing
Current guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and face fit testing. This document provides all the guidance required to ensure that the RPE you have selected and the face fitting proceedure is the correct equipment and testing to comply with legislation to ensure workforce safety.
Current Guidlines re Covid 19
Current Guidlines re Covid 19
Advice for Healthcare Workers
Here is the latest guidance which we adhere to in order to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid 19 during the testing process.
Advice for Healthcare Workers
Advice for Healthcare Workers
Advice for Healthcare Workers
Advice for healthcare workers on using RPE. This video is useful for those who are new to using RPE and gives a basic understanding of how to wear respirators in a way that provides protection.
TSI Portacount
Advice for Healthcare Workers
Frequently Asked Questions
We use an ambient particle counter to carry out our quantitative testing. Click on the image above to find out more about the TSI PortaCount and how the testing is carried out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advice for Healthcare Workers
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on the above image to find out more about face fit testing and to read some of the questions that our customers frequently ask us.
preparing for testing
Requirements
It is important that the appropriate RPE is selected for the environment in which it will be used. The Health and Safety Executive have created a document entitled 'Respiratory Protective equipment at Work - a practical guide'. This document will guide you through the process of choosing the correct equipment. The person who decides on the RPE to be used must be deemed competent and have the appropriate training.
Candidates must be medically fit to wear RPA and to take part in a face fit test. If there is any concern over medical fitness please consult a medical practitioner.
Candidates must not smoke, vape, eat or drink (other than water) for at least an hour before the testing process.
Candidates must be clean shaven (within 8 hours) around the face seal area for face fit testing. Stubble or any hair growth can prevent a face seal being achieved. We will not test any candidate with hair growth around the face seal of the mask/respirator. Further information can be found in INDG 479 or an illustration of facial hairstyles and further information from the Centre for Disease Control on their blog called 'To Beard or not Beard?'. It is also important that there are no items of jewellery worn that would hamper a good face seal.
Any other protective equipment worn above the shoulders for example goggles, that will be used at the same time as the respirator, should be made available for the testing to ensure that they don't interfere with the face seal.
For further guidance see INDG 479
Frequently asked questions
Is face fit testing a legal requirement?
Yes. HSE legislation (HSG53) states that any mask or respirator that has a tight seal must be fit tested to the user. The purpose of this is so that the user breathes in air through the filters on the mask and not through gaps (that may be very small) between the mask and the face. All employers should be ensuring this is happening. Gaps (or face seal leakage as it is known) do not protect you and your lungs.
How long do the tests take?
Qualitative testing takes around 30 mins per candidate. There are two parts to the test: (1) A sensitivity test to establish how much of the test solution someone needs to be exposed to in order to taste it. (2) The seven core exercises are carried out whilst wearing the chosen mask/respirator to establish whether the candidate can sense the solution with the mask on. The exercises mimic movements you may make in the course of your work. Quantitative PortaCount testing does not involve the sensitivity testing and takes slightly less time. It must be remembered that test durations may change if the masks are the wrong fit or if someone needs a little bit more time to go through each test.
Do I need to be fit to carry out the required excersises?
The tests are not overly strenuous and should be manageable for the majority of candidates. The legislation provides further information about medical reasons for not testing a candidate. We are experienced at keeping people engaged with the process and if they begin to feel uncomfortable or unwell, we will stop until they are happy to continue, if appropriate.
Where will the tests take place?
In order to carry out the tests we need the use of a well-ventilated area that also provides an element of privacy. With the current situation with Covid 19 this ventilation is especially important. We adhere to the guidelines set out in reducing the risk of the transmission of Covid 19. A source of power is needed for the testing equipment.
Do I need to shave before I have a face fit test?
The rules about facial hair and fit testing are stringent. This is because facial hair can cause significant face seal leakage around the mask seal. Candidates need to ensure that their face is clean shaven (within 8 hours) around the face seal area prior to the testing. For a useful guide to what this looks like in reality have a look at this blog written by the CDC entitled 'To beard or no to beard?'. We will not test any candidate that does not fit within these criteria because the test is likely to fail. It is also important to remember that after the fit test is complete and the mask is being used day to day, it will not have a safe seal if the candidate decides to don it with facial hair in the seal area. If there are good reasons for having a beard (eg for religious reasons), alternative forms of RPE, that do not rely on a tight fit to the face, are available.
Anything I need to do before I have a face fit test?
For the testing to be successful it is important the candidates do not smoke, vape, eat or drink (other than water) anything for an hour before the test. This is important for the taste sensitivity test and for the PortaCount testing. It is important that the mouth is clear of any unwanted tastes or chemicals that could interfere with the testing process.
When will I know if the face fit tests are passed?
Each candidate will be informed at the end of the test whether the mask is the correct fit for them. A full report and certification will be forwarded to you within two working days.
Do we need to be retested ?
The guidance that is within the INDG 479 document puts a responsibility on employers to have a system in place to review and retest candidates. The recommended interval is 2 years.
There is also a requirement for people to be retested if the candidate:
1. Loses or gains weight
2. Undergoes substantial dental work
3. Develops any facial changes (scares, moles etc) around the face seal area.
These changes would change the dynamics of the face seal area. It is important that people are retested so that everyone has the confidence that their seal is working to safeguard the respiratory system.
Now that I have read your website can I just do the testing myself?
The short answer is no. The guidance clearly states that the testing should be carried out by a ‘competent’ person. Competency involves being trained and certified to carry out the testing. Both methods require separate certification. The HSE will need evidence that the testing was carried out by a competent person. We provide that evidence. At Face Fit 4 Wales all of our consultants are trained in both the qualitative and quantitative method.