That advice is new and not widely reported in fact I have seen HSE documents that say that a face fit test is not required for positive pressure equipment.

Originally Posted by: Green40245

To be honest I have also, however I think the key is the terminology, I referred to masks and much of the guidance does state that FIT testing is required whereas hoods and helmets do not, I think that is where much of the confusion reigns.

Me too! If you read through all of “Respiratory protective equipment at work- HSG53” it is mentioned there but it is not clear when you need to face fit test for positive pressure MASKS. It also makes it clear that the qualitative face fit test (which most people use) is no use with positive pressure equipment.

It's true there is no need with a hood - but some positive pressure equipment uses close-fitting full-face masks which are meant to seal around the face. That's the situation in which a fit test would be relevant.

HSG53 draws the following distinction

15 Respirators and BA are available in a range of styles, dividing into two main groups:

■ Tight-fitting facepieces (often referred to as masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. These are available as both non-powered and powered respirators and BA. A face fit test should be carried out to ensure the RPE can protect the wearer (see paragraphs 71 and 72).

■ Loose-fitting facepieces rely on enough clean air being provided to the wearer to prevent contaminant leaking in (only available as powered respirators or BA). Examples are hoods, helmets, visors, blouses and suits.

In the link kindly provided in #2 the first part of it refers to tight fitting RPE and if you go down to page 13 – 14 there is a table of what is required and even little pictures of the various kit to ensure there is no doubt.

So, once you have decided exactly which type of RPE is required following assessment, the chart tells you what is required (or not as the case may be).

Regards

Chris

See HSG 53 page 12 flow chart and page 7. Exerpt below 

"Tight-fitting facepieces (often referred to as masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. These are available as both non-powered and powered respirators and BA. A face fit test should be carried out to ensure the RPE can protect the wearer (see paragraphs 71 and 72).

 Loose-fitting facepieces rely on enough clean air being provided to the wearer to prevent contaminant leaking in (only available as powered respirators or BA). Examples are hoods, helmets, visors, blouses and suits."