Face fit Qualitative test
Face fit testing is legally required for anyone wearing tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) at work. Key points:
- COSHH, Control of Asbestos, and Control of Lead at Work Regulations require employers to control hazardous-substance exposure.
- Tight-seal RPE, including disposable FFP2/FFP3 and reusable half-masks, must be fit-tested to prove it protects the wearer.
- Tests must be conducted by a trained, competent person in line with HSE guidance such as INDG479.
- Loose-fitting RPE, including powered-air hoods and helmets, does not require fit testing.
Qualitative face fit testing checks whether a tight-fitting mask seals properly. It is a simple pass/fail test using a sweet or bitter aerosol spray.
How it works?
- Taste check: Before wearing the mask, the wearer tastes a weak solution to confirm they can detect it inside the test hood.
- Mask check: The wearer puts on the mask, and the test hood is placed over their head.
- Movement test: A stronger solution is sprayed inside the test hood while the wearer talks, turns their head, and bends over.
- Result: If they taste the solution, the mask leaks and fails. If they taste nothing, the mask passes.
- Each test take around 20-25 minutes per a person.
Please provide:
- Number of people to be tested?
- Mask type and size, including filters for half-masks, or masks are to be supplied by Solis Ventus, (A separate quote is provided for the supply of masks).
- Testing location: You require testing at our Northern Ireland office, or you require on-site testing at your location.
- The Cost: This includes the standard per-person charge of £37.50 ex vat for the face fit test, at our office. If you require onsite testing, £37.50 ex vat, per person, plus we add travel and accommodation costs, depending on where you are located. Please contact us for pricing for this service.
- Arrive completely clean-shaven where the mask seals. Facial hair, stubble, sideburns, low hairlines, and facial piercings can invalidate the test.
- For qualitative tests, avoid food, drinks other than still, unflavoured water, smoking, and chewing gum for 60 minutes beforehand.
- Bring your own mask if applicable. We will check it. Masks are also available to buy from us. Our expert fitter will assess each mask.
- Important: If these requirements are not met, your test may need to be repeated or rescheduled, and additional charges may apply.
- The face fit test requires around 20 -25 minutes per person, to help ensure effective protection.
