Companies should undertake periodic face-fitting tests on masks because one-off tests do not sufficiently protect workers. Also, masks should have a maintenance record.
HSE guidance dictates that where respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is used, ‘it must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers. RPE can’t protect the wearer from . A major cause of leaks is poor fit – tight-fitting facepieces need to fit the wearer’s face to be effective.’
No two faces are the same, therefore it is very unlikely that one particular type or size of RPE facepiece will fit everyone. Fit testing is designed to ensure that the equipment selected is suitable for the wearer.
For more detailed information on fit testing RPE, read the HSE’s publication Guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing INDG479.
During the coronavirus outbreak, the HSE has developed guidance about issues with PPE, including PPE in health and social care work and PPE in non-healthcare work.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a video outlining when medical masks and fabric masks should be worn in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fit testing will need to be repeated when there is a change in equipment or the facial characteristics of the wearer that could affect the fit. Loose-fitting devices, such as powered respirators with a visor or hood, need not be face-fit tested but still need to fit observably close to the face. Therefore, it’s possible that prior to this guidance, workers may only have ever had one face fit test.
HSE’s HSG 53, Respiratory protective equipment at work – A practical guide, published in May 2013, raises some important, related issues around face fitting.
For instance, the guidance says: ‘It is also good practice to have a system to ensure repeat fit testing is carried out on a regular basis. This is especially important when RPE is used frequently as a primary means or exposure control, e.g. annual testing for workers involved in licensed asbestos removal. If there are any changes to a person’s face though, for example, weight loss/gain, scars etc., a repeat fit test will be necessary.’
It is not uncommon that several people within an organisation will wearing a mask which they were originally tested for, but no longer fits. In addition, several people use masks for long periods of time, whereas the HSE guidance states: ‘It is recommended that continuous wear time for tight-fitting (unpowered) RPE is less than an hour, after which the wearer should take a break.’
Another challenge for employers is workers that have beards. Guidance from HSE recommends that those with facial hair, scars, wrinkles or marks which prevent a tight seal in the area use a loose-fitting device: ‘The wearer needs to be clean-shaven around the face seal to achieve an effective fit when using tight-fitting facepieces. Training is a good opportunity to make employees aware of this. If workers have beards, or are unable to be clean-shaven, a tight-fitting device will not be suitable so an appropriate loose-fitting device should be chosen.’
The HSE’s guidance – Is your mask protecting you? raises this important, point as having this knowledge will help provide them with better protection.
You can use one of two face-fit testing methods – either quantitative or qualitative – but whichever one you choose, they need to be carried out with the same exercises and conditions and with a competent person doing the face fit test.
The key points are:
This quantitative test is a precise method that uses a device to count the particles in the air outside the mask and compare them to what is inside the mask.
The qualitative test uses the wearer’s sense of smell and taste to detect any leaks in the mask’s seal.
During the Face Fit Test a series of 60 second exercises are carried out to determine if the mask fits correctly in this order:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVVlTBcN5eA
HSE has produced guidance on how to train users sufficiently. An appropriate training programme could cover areas including why RPE is needed, how it works and how to wear and check the RPE correctly.
The final, important point, to remember is that there is a requirement (HSG 53) for an over 28-day mask maintenance record. The guidance states that thorough tests should be carried out at least once a month, or if the RPE is only used occasionally, the interval for testing shouldn’t exceed three months.
The guidance provides five key points that need to be followed when carrying out RPE maintenance:
HSG 53 adds: “Ideally, any parts that require replacing will be sourced from the original manufacturer of the RPE. This will ensure any replacement parts continue to allow the equipment to operate as originally intended and perform to the standards that ensure the RPE offers the protection stated by the manufacturer.”
The guidance makes it clear that employers must keep records of examination and testing, and any repairs made, for at least five years.
Key maintenance tasks include:
Maintenance records can be on your own form or a manufacturers.
Linda. Excellent article, succinct and understandable. A great training aid to help RPE wearer understanding is Face Fit Respirator Demonstrator (FFRED). A video clip is available on https://youtu.be/Eub0nWMF-vM. I observed this demonstration at the Thames Valley IOSH Branch – one of the best training aids I have seen in 40 years. Anecdotally, colleagues at the HSE suspect respirable crystalline silica (RSC) could account for 10 times more deaths than asbestos – its never been more important to make sure RPE fits properly, is demonstrably effective and properly used – think about the new sentencing guidelines in place February 2016 –… Read more »
Really good article – I have referenced it on our news. This is a new training course we are covering and your news item covers important aspects of the importance of Face Fit Testing.
Great work and I have bookmarked your site for more info
Thanks
Linda
http://onecalltraining.co.uk/training-courses/facefit-training/
What about the push to test half masks such as Force 8 Half-Mask with Press To Check, P3 Filter. The suppliers/Makers have stated it removes thee need for face fit testing however this would not be my understanding which is at least intial face fit testing is required as this demonstrates and employer has checked the mask supplied fits and works on the wearer, whereas the push button only shows it works on that day and the filter is working. If there is not company face fit records then we would only have employee feedback to tell us if the… Read more »
Does a face fit test actually do anything to assist the end user? Surely it is only a single piece of paper that is effective on the day in question when the test was completed, there are too many external factors such as type of mask, stubble, implications of other PPE, effective wearing and cleanliness of the PPE, condition of reusable PPE and the like which has a significant effect on the effective use of a mask. The suitability of a face fit test is surely not enough. I have seen plenty of people who have been face fit tested… Read more »
Just to note qualitative face fitting does not rely on smell… it is a taste test