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Qualitative Face Fit Testing in Derbyshire and throughout the UK

Count on KestrelQAS Ltd for qualitative face fit testing on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in your workplace. Primarily serving Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire, our team provide comprehensive assessment and verification for clients throughout the UK, so get in touch today with any further enquiries.

What Is Face Fit Testing?

Face fit testing is the process of verifying that an individual’s RPE functions as it was designed i.e., to protect the wearer whilst they carry out their work activities. The types of respirators that require fit testing are those that have a tight-fitting facepiece, such as a disposable face mask, a half mask, or a full-face mask – this includes those that form part of a powered or air-fed system.
Carrying out the face fit testing does not replace checking for general wear and tear on the RPE and the wearer should still be checking their RPE before use. If the product begins showing signs of damage or deterioration, it is to be replaced or, if possible, the faulty component should be replaced.

Qualitative vs Quantitative

Qualitative fit testing is a pass/fail test based on the wearer’s subjective assessment of any leakage from the face seal region, by sensing the introduction of a test agent (typically a bitter or sweet-tasting aerosol). These tests are suitable for disposable masks and half masks. They are not suitable for full-face masks.
Quantitative fit testing provides a numerical measure of the mask fit, called a fit factor. These tests give an objective measure of face fit, they require specialised equipment and are more complicated to carry out than the qualitative as they require either a laboratory test chamber or portable fit test devices. Quantitative testing is suitable for full-face masks (but can also be used for half masks).

Is Face Fit Testing a Legal Requirement?

In short - yes, face fit testing is a legal requirement for anyone who wears a tight (or close) fitting mask for work. The Approved Codes of Practice supporting the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Control of Lead at Work (CLaW), Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) and the Ionising Radiation Regulations, stipulate that fit testing should be carried out as part of the initial mask selection process.
This ensures that the selected RPE can provide adequate protection for the wearer when carrying out their required duties. Fit testing should be carried out at regular intervals and users of RPE should be re-tested in the event of:
  • Significant Changes in Weight
  • Major Dental Work
  • New Facial Piercings around the Face Seal Area
  • Facial Injury
  • New Disposable or Reusable Masks Are Issued
Once you have been face fit tested and you received a test for wearing a half mask or a full mask, there is an additional requirement for individuals to have their RPE checked by a supervisor or manager every month. This is to verify:
  • Cleanliness
  • Filter Condition (i.e., Visible Damage or Water Ingress Can Render Filters Useless)
  • Facepiece Condition, including All Seals, Valves, Head Straps, and Buckles

Mobile Testing

New employees should be tested during their period of induction to the business so that the correct mask can be found for them or at least ordered if one is not available at the time of induction. Face fit testing should always be carried out by a competent face fit tester.
We can help take that pressure off you by carrying out your face fit testing for your organisation. Our mobile team will travel to your place of work or come out to you onsite to carry out dedicated sessions that will maintain your compliance with regulations and your due diligence to your employees who are required to wear RPE.

Testing Your Protective Equipment

Covering all your needs, we carry out face fit testing for all respiratory protective equipment.
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Registered Office: 72 Moira Road, Swadlincote, South Derbyshire,DE11 8DQ
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KestrelQAS Ltd is a limited company registered in England and Wales.Company Registration Number: 10963651VAT Registration No. GB 283160020 ICO Registration: ZA715316