Hi all, I have a question regarding RPE Face Fit Testing and the need to test more than one type of mask. A little background for you, we are an engineering company working on a Pharmaceutical site carrying out various types of maintenance and construction. Our work involves grinding welding; etc which we provide FFP3 masks for our employees where LEV can’t be used; however on occasions we have to work in the clients clean rooms where FFP2 masks are provided. This is for calibration work, etc, so no welding/grinding etc takes place. My question is regarding face fit testing of both masks, where LEV is not an option and when air fed screens are not used we mostly use disposable 3M-9332 (FFP3) masks; however on occasion we need to use the clients 3M-9320 (FFP2) masks. These masks are of the same group from 3M, i.e. they are the same shape and style just different protection levels. It is my understanding that you must face fit test employees for all types of mask. It is my belief that these two masks are the same type and therefore only require a face fit test to be carried out on one mask as the shape and fit is exactly the same. The client however expects us to test our employees for both masks; we are not against this principle if it means we are giving our employees maximum protection; however my belief is that the second test is wasted as the masks are the same type just different levels of protection. Does anyone have any past experience with this? Thanks for any help Regards

Thanks for your quick response I am going to ask 3M but I thought I would ask on here first because the wealth of experience usually provides a more positive response so I could go armed with some facts. I am new to the site in question but from my handover I have been informed that the issue with the FFP3 mask is related to the potential of components falling off (I guess they are talking about the valve) contaminating their products. We as a company only provide FFP3 because of the work we generally do but I must accept the client’s requests on occasion. I will confirm he reason behind the choice of FFP2. I will contact 3M for their advice. Thanks again

Interesting to see the definitive reply on this. Offshore we utilize the 3M masks and as the OP states, client here states that each individual mask model / type is tested. Here the issue is with 3M 4255 and 4277, apart from minor protective differences they are both effectivly the "same" mask. P3 offers a higher level of protection than P2.