Anderco Products
Respiratory fit testing for individual protection
Appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) must be provided if, despite precautions taken, exposure to hazardous substances cannot be adequately reduced by means of process and work methods modification or engineering controls.
It is vital that the selected RPE is adequate and suitable for the purpose and reduces exposure to a level that is as low as is reasonably practicable and at an acceptable level. To ensure that selected RPE has the potential to provide adequate protection for individual wearers, as well as ensure that inadequately fitting face pieces are not selected for use, respirator fit testing is recommended.
Respirator fit testing is performed to determine if an employee can maintain an acceptable respiratory fit and seal. It must be performed prior to use, whenever a different type of respirator is worn, and at least annually thereafter. Fit testing can be administered using qualitative or quantitative fit test protocols and employees must be tested with the same make, model, style and size of respirator that will be used on-site.
Qualitative Fit Testing
Qualitative fit testing is a simple pass/fail test based on the wearer’s subjective assessment of the leakage, via the face seal region, of a test agent. These tests are relatively simple to perform and are suitable for half masks and filtering face pieces. They are not suitable for full-face masks.
Quantitative Fit Testing
Quantitative fit testing provides a numerical measure of the fit that is called a fit factor (FF). These tests give an objective measure of face fit. They require specialised equipment and are more complicated to carry out than qualitative methods.
How can Anderco help?
- Anderco has the technical knowledge and equipment to provide qualitative fit testing kits, kit components and an on-site fit testing service.
- Anderco currently uses a portable fit testing device and fully trained personnel to conduct quantitative fit tests for customers.
Download HSE fit testing guidelines