Face Fit Testing

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) can be used for protection from a number of hazards which may be in the form of dusts, fumes, vapours, fibres, mists or gases. The type of RPE used frequently at the University is a disposable or reusable respirator often referred to as a ‘face mask’.

RPE should only be used as a final resort after all other control measures in the hierarchy of control have been considered in your risk assessment these being: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls (see Figure1).

Figure 1. Hierarchy of controls

Where RPE is used, it must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers. RPE can't protect the wearer if it leaks. A major cause of leaks is poor fit – tight-fitting face pieces need to fit the wearer's face to be effective.

As people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes it is unlikely that one particular type or size of RPE face piece will fit everyone. Therefore a face fit test (fit test) is needed for every individual, for every type of RPE they use. Fit testing will ensure that the equipment selected is suitable for the individual wearer, that they know how to put it on correctly and test that it is working.