Face Fit Testing FAQs

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1. What is Face Fit Testing?

Face Fit Testing is a critical assessment to determine if a tight-fitting respirator mask (including disposable masks, half masks, or full face masks) creates an effective seal against your specific facial features. A proper seal is essential to protect you from harmful airborne hazards like dust, fumes, gases, and biological agents.

 

2. Is Face Fit Testing a legal requirement?

Absolutely, yes. Face Fit Testing is mandated under several key UK health and safety regulations, including:

• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

• The Control of Asbestos Regulations

• The Control of Lead at Work Regulations

• The Confined Spaces Regulations

• The Ionising Radiations Regulations
  Employers must ensure that any employee required to wear a tight-fitting respirator is properly fit tested.

 

3. Are you accredited for Face Fit Testing?

Yes, we are fully accredited. We hold fit2fit accreditation from the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF). This accreditation is your guarantee that our testing:

• Strictly adheres to the HSE guidance document INDG479.

• Follows all protocols outlined in the fit2fit "Companion Series".

• Is performed by competent and qualified testers.

• Meets the highest industry standards for accuracy and reliability.

 

4. What types of Face Fit Testing do you offer?

IESS provides both main types of Face Fit Testing to suit different respirators:

• Qualitative Face Fit Testing (QLFT): Primarily used for disposable masks (FFP3/FFP2/FFP1) and reusable half-mask respirators. This test relies on the wearer's subjective detection of a harmless test agent (bitter or sweet taste) under a test hood.

• Quantitative Face Fit Testing (QNFT): Used for all tight-fitting respirators, including full-face masks, half masks, and disposables. This method uses specialized equipment to measure microscopic particle leakage and provides an objective numerical result (a Fit Factor) showing exactly how well the mask seals.

 

5. What's the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative testing?

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• Qualitative (QLFT): This is a subjective, pass/fail test. The wearer reports if they can taste or smell a harmless test agent introduced inside a hood. It's suitable for half masks and disposables.

• Quantitative (QNFT): This is an objective, measured test. Advanced equipment directly measures particles inside and outside the mask while the wearer performs exercises, calculating an exact Fit Factor. This method is required for full-face masks and provides precise data for all respirator types. It is generally considered the gold standard.

 

6. Do I need to be clean-shaven for a Face Fit Test?

Yes, being clean-shaven is essential for a valid test and safe respirator use. As stated in HSE guidance (INDG479):

• No facial hair is allowed where the respirator seal contacts the skin. This includes stubble, beards, moustaches, sideburns, or a low hairline crossing the seal area.

• Hair growth prevents a proper seal, significantly reducing protection and invalidating the test results.

• Other obstructions like certain piercings, jewellery, or temple pieces on glasses can also interfere with the seal and must be removed or assessed during the test.

• Important: Employees must be clean-shaven every time they wear a tight-fitting respirator for work protection, not just for the test. (Tip: Schedule tests later in the day if shaving just before work is difficult).

 

Ensure your workforce is legally compliant and truly protected. [Contact IESS today] to book your accredited Face Fit Testing!