Hi all

Just wanted to gather peoples thoughts on something I came across on the HSEs website. Granted its titled  as "Fit testing face masks to avoid transmission during the coronavirus pandemic". However the stipulation reads slighty different to the guidance document INDG479.  Whether its covid or dust, do the same principles apply? Has the HSEs stance on this changed? Is it to do with the expectation that the risk from Covid transmission is short term (in comparision to working in a trade for years)? Or am I missing something obvious?

As a lot of you know working in H+S can turn into a battle with managers..... sometimes. Therefore ensuring that there are no contridictions or wiggle room particularly where there is monetary value (cost of carrying out the face fitting on large teams and the loss of revenue when workers are away from core activities) attached, saves future headaches! 

Fit testing face masks to avoid transmission during the coronavirus pandemic - HSE news: 

"A face fit test should be carried out before people wear RPE for the first time. Inadequate fit can reduce the protection provided and lead to immediate or long-term ill health or can even put the wearer's life in danger.

A fit test should be repeated whenever there is a change to the RPE type, size, model or material, or whenever there is a change to the circumstances of the wearer that could alter the fit of the RPE, for example:

• weight loss or gain
• substantial dental work
• any facial changes (scars, moles, effects of ageing etc) around the face seal area
• facial piercings
• introduction or change in other head-worn personal protective equipment (PPE)

There is no stipulated frequency for retesting, and you don't need to retest if there are no changes in these circumstances."

INDG479 :

A fit test should be carried out as part of the initial selection of the RPE. A fit test should be repeated whenever there is a change to the RPE type, size, model or material or whenever there is a change to the circumstances of the wearer that could alter the fit of the RPE; for example:

 weight loss or gain;

• substantial dental work;
• any facial changes (scars, moles, effects of ageing etc) around the face seal area;
• facial piercings;
• introduction or change in other head-worn personal protective equipment (PPE).

 As part of your RPE programme, it is good practice to have a system in place to review when a repeat fit test may be required. For example, face shape will change through ageing alone.

Cheers

Edited by user 07 April 2021 13:48:14(UTC)  | Reason: Cheers

Don't know about years - just been in the back of the wardrobe in preparation for the office re-opening

Thank fully the shops will be open first ;-)