Rank: Forum user 
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One of our clients is requesting that we provide certification that our guys have had face fit test/training for FFP3 dust masks. There is no stipulation that the training has to be accredited, and I would be fairly confident to deliver the training myself and issue a company certificate. I am after your thoughts as to whether you'd consider me as competent to deliver the training? NEBOSH Dip and 10 years (or so) experience with different types of dust masks. Would the trainer at a 'training company' have any more qualification/experience than I do?
Thank you in advance.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi
I've just (almost) finished a lot of work on this. Face fit testing has to be done by a competent person. The HSE defines competence as being accredited under the ‘Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme’. Search for: HSE OC 282/28. The training following the face fit test I've put together myself from operating manuals and guidance etc. Hope this helps.
RD-H
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Rank: Forum user
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Thank you RD-H. Useful stuff there.
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Rank: Forum user
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Since there are only 161 individual accredited "fit testers" in the whole of the UK listed in the Fit2Fit directory, plus one "global" registration from 3M, I rather suspect that this is not something which is the subject of general compliance, or you basically have to go to 3M...
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Rank: Forum user
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You may want to try your PPE supplier in the first instance, our supplier carried out train the trainer for face fit testing & we now carry this out in-house
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I was seriously considering training and joining the Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme and add it to my business offering as a consultant but did some market research and decided that there was a very limited independent market out there.
Your RPE supplier should be offering this service.
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Rank: Forum user
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I was trained by Fred Charlton in qualitative (bitter and sweet if I remember) face fitting in 2010 and fitted over 100 persons within my company back then. He trained me to undertake internal face fitting and adhering to 282/28. A perfect training course and Acro can supply you with the kit. PS I have not accreditation to Alpha Solway or Arco. Best mask Alpha Solway 3030v (8030v was on stand by as a mask, however I never needed it). fredcharlton@alphasolway.com
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Rank: New forum user
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The HSE guidance does not state that you have to be Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Accredited, it says that it is one way of proving competence.
It also says "The scheme is not compulsory and employers are free to take other action to comply with the law".
I got myself trained with a supplier and offer the service for smaller companies who would otherwise be paying a fortune to get a couple of guys face fitted, meaning they wouldn't bother.
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Rank: Forum user 
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HSL offer a range of RPE and Fit Testing courses: http://www.hsl.gov.uk/hs...-safety-training-coursesDepending on the size of your organisation, I'd outsource this. I have worked somewhere that had a fit-tester on staff. We invested a lot of money in training and equipment. The flexibility was great but we did not ever come close to break even versus outsourcing. We justified it on flexibility and responsiveness. RGC
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Rank: Forum user
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To return to the OP's original question, I think it comes down to the level of risk.
I bought both the 3M test kits (bitter and sweet) and they come with a very comprehensive video with very clear instructions. Having watched these and practised a few times I now carry out face fit testing in my organisation.
But, and this is a big but... We use the masks to protect from airborne dust which has a concentration of lead with is around or below the WEL. We also do proper, regular employee medical tests to determine the level of lead in their blood. So if the face fit wasn't correct, the consequences are not severe and would be quickly picked up (no issues yet). So I am happy with my competence to do this work in this situation.
I would not be happy to do it where fit failure could have serious consequences such as working with asbestos, or biological hazards.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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FFP3 is for asbestos (possibly other things) is this why they are so hung up on it?
We had a couple of people trained by the supplier and did them in house. I sat in on it and its not rocket science. So I would say if you know what to do and feel confident / competent then why not.
Of course the customer is "always right"
Chris
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Rank: Forum user
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FFP 3 should also be used/worn when cutting silica based products even when using dust suppression.
there are other suppliers of dust masks other than 3M whom will provide the face fit testing training.
as mentioned previously its not rocket science quite straight forward in fact I must have done well over 200 face fit tests now.
the basic kit can be bought or about 100 pounds so can be cost effective when done in house.
allan
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