Rank: Super forum user 
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Is there any required periodicity for face fit testing? This will be for negative pressure RPE used for various vapours and particulates but not asbestos.
Users use the equipment on a very regular basis and we do not see issues arising on our current tests other than where participants turn up after smoking, unshaven or full of a cold. We have procedures in place to ensure these happen infrequently and robust controls are in place to stop repeat occurrences.
We currently test yearly but I'm looking at extending this out further based on the evidence that none of our testing or health surveillance indicates any issues with respirator use.
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Rank: Forum user
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The guidance on face fit testing is quite clear.
The individual must have had a face fit test using the type of RPE being used.
It does not state any frequency for re-testing (although the HSE prefer, and sometimes try to convince people that annual re-tests are mandatory)
A re-test is required however when the individual has some "change in circumstances". For example:
Looses or gains weight
Has teeth removed
Suffers facial scarring
or anything that could change the fit of the RPE
However, from personal experience, carrying out a test annually is not very time consuming or expensive and could save you a lot of discussion with the enforcing authorities.
Rodger Ker
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks Roger, any decision we make will be based on decades of data from fit tests so changes will be data driven and justifiable. We have several hundred respirator wearers so a reduction in frequency free us time up for other surveillence campaigns that may add more value. To be honest I think the RPE wearers have attended so many fit tests they could probably operate the equipment themselves!
My main concern was that I had missed a requirement to test at xx frequency.
Interestingly while attending the RPE Essentials course not to long long back we were told that the HSE staff attend every 3 years.
Thanks again for the info,
John
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