Posted By Dave Wilson Harry were you being fit tested or doing training so that you can do fit testing?

Posted By cara I don't know if this is of any help (it's not face fit training) but in the company I used to work for we used blanking disks that fitted in front of the filter this blocked off air supply - therefore when operator tried to breathe in they could only do so if there were any gaps between face and mask - each operator had their own blanking disk (they came with the masks) and were encouraged to do a quick fit test themselves before each use, we then also tested on a monthly basis.

Posted By William The mask being fitted was quite likely one with the disposable filters for areas with finer air borne particles or gases. You keep the mask once fitted correctly and just need to change the filters, reminds you more of a gas mask which just covers the mouth and nose, the disposable ones are OK in certain low risk areas, but i prefer these. As for the face mask test. I thought it was a waste of time myself as the platform i was working on, word got around about getting an large dose of the spray so people told you when you were going for it to just say after a couple of sprays that you could taste the sourness. So the test was completely pointless as people just lied so they would not end up with a horrible taste in their mouth all day.

Posted By TBC What is in this spray and how is propelled?

Posted By Chris Packham The fit test in question is what is termed the "qualitative fit test". There is an alternative "Quantitative fit test". This is more accurate but also more time consuming and much more expensive. If you look at the HSE website there is a lengthy document on fit testing that you can download that goes into all the details of which test for which situation. I recommend this to people on this forum (OC282/2). The chemical used tends to be something called Bitrex. As I understand it this is a food grade product that has been shown to be "safe" for the vast majority of people. Chris

Posted By Richie I realise there is a grey area regarding Half face disposable masks, however: It is my understanding that full face masks require a quantitive fit test to be undertaken, rather than (as I think was the understanding of some contributors) a choice being made between quantitive and qualitative. If it is a full-face tight fitting mask, you have no choice other than quantitive fit testing, Save for Firefighter BA donning procedures (for which there is a blanket agreement between the HSE and the various fire brigades). Richie

Posted By Chris Packham Adrian I share your views on quantitative vs qualitative fit testing. However, the HSE guidance is fairly specific as to when you use each method. Whether they are right or not is a separate issue. The point I was trying to make is that I question whether fit testing actually is a good indicator of the level of protection you are going to get in everyday life. I have reservations about this. Chris

Posted By Chris Packham A slightly different point with respiratory protection - not directly associated with fit testing, but still relevant, I think. If the airborne chemical is a skin sensitiser as well as a respiratory sensitiser, then you need to consider both routes of exposure. Whilst a half face mask may provide adequate respiratory protection it will leave the (sensitive)facial skin exposed. In such a situation you may find it necessary to go for a powered hood with filter to protect the whole head, even though from a respiratory viewpoint this is not what you would choose. Keep in mind that WELs are for respiratory exposure. It is possible to be well below the WEL and trigger a skin reaction in a previously sensitised person. Of course, with the hood you will not need to fit test, since this does not rely upon the seal between RPE and face. Chris

Posted By Frank Hallett Good afternoon to one and all. I am not going to go into a treatise on this subject here! But - Because facemasks come in different sizes, shapes & designs, and are not equally interchangeable on the same face, at its most basic, the "Face Fit" test is intended:- To assist the provider [employer or self-employed] to ensure that the wearer has been provided with the best design, size & shape of facemask for their specific face; & To demonstrate whether the facemask provided will ensure an atmosphere below the limits identified in EH40 or any relevant MDHS inside the facemask; & Applies to any RPE of any designation unless the provider can demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the ACoP in any other way that is as effective. With regard to the comments made earlier in this thread, I consider that:- The use of the spray is, at best, dubious for the reasons already identified and I would not consider relying upon it muself; The use of the "blank or plug" may appear to provide an equivalent test but fails to match any potential inward leak to the normal breathing cycle as the creation of the vacuum by blanking the inhalation ports will cause a number of conditions to arise that distort the match between the face and the mask; Any responsible tester should make enquiries about the testees state of health and should not test anybody with any respiratory ailment; Allergic reaction should be considered; It should be a routine question to ask if a testee has a ruptured eardrum or "grommets" as this can totally negate the best fitting of facemasks due to the Eustacian Tube. That's it, if you want more, you can contact me direct or read what used to be BS 4275 and the various HSE ACoPs and Guidance on the subject. Frank Hallett