Fit To Wear. Fit To Wear. MOHSG Jan 31st 2007.MOHSG Jan 31st 2007.

Fit Test TrainingFit Test Training

COSHH 2002COSHH 2002

Fit- Testing.Fit- Testing.

When,Why,How,Who,What When,Why,How,Who,What

HSE282/28HSE282/28

When?When?

As part of the initial selection of RPEAs part of the initial selection of RPE When an untested face piece is already in When an untested face piece is already in

use.use. Should be repeated if wearer loses or gains Should be repeated if wearer loses or gains

weight,undergoes substantial dental weight,undergoes substantial dental work,develops any facial changes or if work,develops any facial changes or if employers policy requires it.employers policy requires it.

Why?Why?

To show that the chosen To show that the chosen tight fittingtight fitting device fits the wearer and gives a seal device fits the wearer and gives a seal around the face seal area.around the face seal area.

Because the protection factor assigned to Because the protection factor assigned to each device is only achieved if it is possible each device is only achieved if it is possible to get a seal and the device is worn to get a seal and the device is worn properly.properly.

What?What?

All tight fitting face pieces including powered All tight fitting face pieces including powered air systems with full face mask and BA full air systems with full face mask and BA full face masks (tested in negative pressure face masks (tested in negative pressure mode)mode)

Who?Who?

A competent person, competencies set out A competent person, competencies set out in Section 24 of HSE 282/28in Section 24 of HSE 282/28

There is no certification.There is no certification.

The CompetenciesThe Competencies

To be competent the person should have To be competent the person should have adequate knowledge, and have received adequate knowledge, and have received adequate instruction and training in the adequate instruction and training in the following areas.following areas.

Selection of adequate and Selection of adequate and suitable RPEsuitable RPE

RPE should provide the right type and level RPE should provide the right type and level of protection and be suited to the wearer of protection and be suited to the wearer and the environment.and the environment.

Type- Particulate or gas and vapour.Type- Particulate or gas and vapour. LevelLevel Suited to wearer- beards, claustrophobic?Suited to wearer- beards, claustrophobic? Suited to environment- heat, Suited to environment- heat,

humidity,visibility,maintenance, portability.humidity,visibility,maintenance, portability.

Have an understanding of the Have an understanding of the followingfollowing

Nominal Protection FactorNominal Protection Factor Assigned Protection FactorAssigned Protection Factor Workplace Protection StudiesWorkplace Protection Studies Fit FactorFit Factor

…….and the following.and the following

Be able to interpret fit test resultsBe able to interpret fit test results Know HSE Regulations and The Approved Know HSE Regulations and The Approved

Code of Practice relating to fit testing.]Code of Practice relating to fit testing.] Purpose and applicability of fit testing:the Purpose and applicability of fit testing:the

difference between and appropriate use of difference between and appropriate use of qualitative and quantitative fit testing.qualitative and quantitative fit testing.

Purpose of the fit test exercises.Purpose of the fit test exercises.

……ContinuedContinued

Capabilities and limitations of the fit test Capabilities and limitations of the fit test equipment.equipment.

Examination of RPE and ability to identify Examination of RPE and ability to identify poorly maintained face piecespoorly maintained face pieces

Ability to correctly fit a face piece and Ability to correctly fit a face piece and perform pre-use checks.perform pre-use checks.

Ability to recognize a poor fitting face pieceAbility to recognize a poor fitting face piece

…….continued.continued

Preparation of face pieces for fit testingPreparation of face pieces for fit testing How to carry out diagnostic checks on the How to carry out diagnostic checks on the

facepiece and the fit test equipment.facepiece and the fit test equipment. Be aware of and know how to prevent and Be aware of and know how to prevent and

correct problems during fit testingcorrect problems during fit testing How to perform a correct fit test with the How to perform a correct fit test with the

chosen method. chosen method.

How?How?

Qualitative or Quantitative method.Qualitative or Quantitative method. Suitable method per type of device set out in Suitable method per type of device set out in

Section 21 HSE 282/28Section 21 HSE 282/28 Result is a pass or fail- according to fit factor Result is a pass or fail- according to fit factor

achieved.achieved. We will now look at qualitative method.We will now look at qualitative method.

----- a willing volunteer please- no beards or ----- a willing volunteer please- no beards or stubble allowed.stubble allowed.

Qualitative TestQualitative Test

Subject to be clean shavenSubject to be clean shaven No smoking for an hour before, no gum or No smoking for an hour before, no gum or

strong tasting food or drink for 15 minutes strong tasting food or drink for 15 minutes before.before.

Bring any other head mounted PPE you Bring any other head mounted PPE you have to wear- compatability.have to wear- compatability.

Have plenty of water availableHave plenty of water available Have fit test report form ready.Have fit test report form ready.

The TestThe Test

Perform sensitivity testPerform sensitivity test Short rest and then perform fit test1 and fit Short rest and then perform fit test1 and fit

test 2 if required.test 2 if required. Record results. Keep records for minimum Record results. Keep records for minimum

of 5 years but I would suggest better to keep of 5 years but I would suggest better to keep as long as health records.as long as health records.

Suggest you use a check listSuggest you use a check list

ExerciseExercise Fit Test 1Fit Test 1 Fit Test 2Fit Test 2

Normal Normal BreathingBreathing

Deep Deep BreathingBreathing

Side to SideSide to Side

Up and DownUp and Down

BendingBending

TalkingTalking

Normal Normal BreathingBreathing