Safety first

FIT TESTING is a method for checking that a tight fitting facepiece matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately. The performance of tight-fitting facepieces depends on filtering technologies and achieving a good seal between the wearer’s skin and the mask, therefore wearing an inadequately fitting mask that is the wrong size will significantly reduce the protection provided and could put the wearer’s health, or even life, in danger. 

The HSE has produced a detailed guide on Fit Testing called: OC282/28. Initially produced for their inspectors this document is publicly available on the HSE website and answers many of the most commonly asked questions. It states that Fit Testing can only be carried out by a “competent person” and it gives definite guidelines as to what knowledge this competent person should have. It is not possible to nominate “Mr Smith” because he knows more about masks than anyone else. A competent person must have a thorough understanding of RPE, from the initial selection process, to identifying poorly maintained or fitting RPE, through to a good knowledge of Fit Testing and the various methods available. 

Complying with the law

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “Do I need to Fit Test my workforce?” The answer is yes. It’s a legal requirement that workers using tight fitting RPE as a control measure under health and safety legislation must be fit tested. This requirement is detailed in the CoSHH regulations and the associated ACOPs. An example of a mask that does not require Fit Testing would be a loose-fitting hood. If a mask is being used for comfort purposes and not as a control measure then a Fit Test is not required but this should be clearly demonstrated in the employers risk assessment. 

Is a Pre-use Fit Check the same as a Fit Test? No, a pre-use Fit Check is a method of checking that a face mask has been fitted correctly and should be carried out each time the mask is worn and prior to entering a hazardous environment. An example of a Fit Check on a half mask would be to cover-up or close off the particulate filters and take a deep breath in. If the mask is a good fit then you will see and feel the mask contract to the face. A Fit Check should also be conducted as part of the Fit Test process after the mask is applied and should form part of the educational process. In a recent statement released by the HSE they confirm that the only recognised methods of Fit Testing are the qualitative and quantitative Fit Test methods described in OC 282/28. By not Fit Testing or by using an un-validated method you could receive enforcement action from the HSE. 

Another common reason for failing a Fit Test is the presence of facial hair and stubble on the test subject. The HSE have published a report into the effect that facial hair and stubble has on the efficiency of RPE, it showed that even stubble which was present 24 hours after shaving can impact on the efficiency of RPE. Educating RPE wearers on the importance of being clean shaven should form part of the Fit Test process and many companies are now introducing clean shaven policies as a result. 

In a bid to increase the proficiency of Fit Testing within the UK the BSIF have developed an accreditation scheme to help validate competency; the Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme. The scheme is supported by the HSE, following this scheme is not compulsory and employers are free to take other action to comply with the law. But if you follow this scheme, you will be doing enough to demonstrate good practice. As you can see there is a lot more to Fit Testing than you’d initially expect. Knowledge, experience and technique are all extremely important in the application of a good Fit Test and it is essential not to forget that a poorly executed Fit Test could result in a person wearing a mask that is not suitable for them and does not offer them the level of protection assumed.

Alan Murray is CEO of the British Safety Industry Federation. For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk