How to prepare workers for face-fit testing

Confirm the RPE is suitable before testing fit

Face-fit testing checks whether a particular tight-fitting facepiece can form an adequate seal on an individual wearer. It does not decide whether that type of RPE provides the correct protection for the hazard, concentration, task and environment.

Complete the relevant risk and RPE selection process first. Then provide the make, model, type and size that the worker is expected to use.

1. Identify every facepiece that needs testing

Record the exact facepiece details. If a person uses more than one type of tight-fitting facepiece, each type may need its own fit test. After a successful test, the same make, model, type and size should be made available for that wearer’s work.

2. Prepare the sealing area

Hair between the facepiece seal and the skin can prevent a reliable seal. Wearers should receive the tester’s preparation instructions in advance and arrive in the required condition for the method and facepiece being tested.

If a worker cannot meet the seal requirements for a tight-fitting facepiece, the employer should consider suitable alternatives rather than treating a failed or invalid test as paperwork to work around.

3. Check health and comfort considerations

Workers should be able to raise relevant medical, respiratory, anxiety or comfort concerns through an appropriate confidential route before testing. The person arranging the appointment should ask the tester what pre-test information is required without circulating unnecessary health details.

4. Bring clean, serviceable equipment

• The correct facepiece in each required make, model, type and size.
• Compatible filters or components where applicable.
• Any spectacles, eyewear or other PPE normally worn that could affect fit.
• Manufacturer information if the model or configuration is unusual.

Reusable facepieces should be clean, complete and in serviceable condition. A test should not be used to validate damaged or incorrectly assembled equipment.

5. Allow enough time

Plan for instruction, donning, user seal checks, the chosen test procedure, questions and records. A wearer may not pass the first facepiece offered, so a choice of suitable models and sizes can reduce delay.

After a successful test

• Keep the fit-test record with the exact facepiece and wearer details.
• Provide the tested model and size for use.
• Ensure the wearer knows how to put it on, check the seal, use it and maintain it.
• Review fit when relevant changes occur, including changes that could affect the wearer’s face or the facepiece used.
• Continue to manage the hazard and maintain all other controls—RPE is only one part of protection.

This article provides general preparation information. RPE selection, fit-testing method and ongoing controls must be appropriate to the specific hazard, wearer, task and workplace.