Posted By KEVIN O'KANE HAVE WE ALL COME ACROSS THE ACOP SUPPORTING COSHH 2002....SEE http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/fittesting.pdf , ON FIT TESTING.IF SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT? IT SEEMS TO INCLUDE FILTERING FACEPIECES, AND I MIGHT ADD REPEAT TESTING IF THE EMPLOYEE LOSES OR GAINS WEIGHT.. THIS WILL MEAN MAJOR COSTS FOR ALOT ORGANISATIONS AS THIS IS A ACOP.

Posted By Peter MacDonald Good thing too. Did you know that your average nuisance dust mask gives little or no protection against most inhalable hazards. Have you ever seen people sweeping up on concrete floors in an enclosed space with loads of dust and a paper mask on their face....no protection!! If a face fit tests proves a mask cannot provide the required protection then bingo, a real positive result for the safety of your staff. There are different types of test (qualative and quantitive) depending on the protection required and type of mask. If you want you can buy a test kit, nominate and train someone and your inhouse training is up and running. the cost is neglible really. We have a staff of ninety who are all face fit tested, from ground burners and asbestos operatives to labourers. Peter

Posted By Andy Carling HAVE WE ALL COME ACROSS THE ACOP SUPPORTING COSHH 2002....SEE http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/fittesting.pdf , ON FIT TESTING.IF SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT? IT SEEMS TO INCLUDE FILTERING FACEPIECES, AND I MIGHT ADD REPEAT TESTING IF THE EMPLOYEE LOSES OR GAINS WEIGHT.. THIS WILL MEAN MAJOR COSTS FOR ALOT ORGANISATIONS AS THIS IS A ACOP. With reference to the above, respirator face fit testing has been a requirement for all users of tight fitting masks from SCBA to disposables through the COSHH ACoP since November 2002, but for whatever reason, be it lack of awareness (?), the general feeling is that there are only 2-3 out of 10 companies actually complying (allegedly). Whenever talking about the subject, I always start with the Heirachy of Control, as RPE should always be the last line of defence (excluding emergency response) and as a consequence of FFT, control measures are reviewed where possible. Repeat testing is only required when the model or size of the mask changes or the facial characteristics of the individual changes, which means the wearer has to take responsibility too. Weight loss/gain are only a small part of FFT, as we're all individuals that have different shaped faces and use them in different ways. It's about determining the right size mask (one size definitely does NOT fit all) training wearers to fit 'their' masks correctly to protect themselves from hazardous substances and documenting the results which in turn ensures the company is protected from hazardous courts as that would be a 'major cost' if it got that far. Modern day masks are excellent as long as they are appropriate/adequate for the task, in good condition, the right size for the wearer and donned correctly. Comments/feedback would be welcomed and much appreciated.