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prads  
#1 Posted : 20 January 2020 12:26:54(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
prads

Dear All,

Seeking some advise on use of cowl hoods (enclosed) hoods for use with RPEs. Having a few individuals who for religious reasons cant have a clean shaved face, but are involved in activities where RPEs are mandated, is unable to undergo fit test requirements. A suggestion has been made that instead of face masks, we could modify to a full head/cowl shaped units and use them. My query is, irrespective of the type of masks we use, isnt there a need to do a fit test to validate the APF? Or fit test is only required for face masks or ori-nasal masks?

Any reference to substantiate the requirement is appreciated.

Looking forward to your advise.

Regards,

Prads

Roundtuit  
#2 Posted : 20 January 2020 12:42:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

If the air supply is under positive pressure it will constantly push contaminants form the breathing zone.

It is only where there is equal or negative pressure within the device that face fit is required.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/technology-51143518/ao-air-s-face-mask-uses-fans-for-cleaner-breathing

Maybe one day all face fit can be consigned to history

Edited by user 20 January 2020 12:44:50(UTC)  | Reason: news article

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
CptBeaky on 20/01/2020(UTC), CptBeaky on 20/01/2020(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#3 Posted : 20 January 2020 12:42:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

If the air supply is under positive pressure it will constantly push contaminants form the breathing zone.

It is only where there is equal or negative pressure within the device that face fit is required.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/technology-51143518/ao-air-s-face-mask-uses-fans-for-cleaner-breathing

Maybe one day all face fit can be consigned to history

Edited by user 20 January 2020 12:44:50(UTC)  | Reason: news article

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
CptBeaky on 20/01/2020(UTC), CptBeaky on 20/01/2020(UTC)
CptBeaky  
#4 Posted : 20 January 2020 12:44:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
CptBeaky

Do a google (other search engines are available) for positive pressure RPE. These will be what you require. Warning though, they are much more expensive (although I would argue they are much better protection, as they are less reliant on the person to create a seal.

chris.packham  
#5 Posted : 20 January 2020 15:00:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

Where the airborne contaminant is also a skin irritant/sensitiser they also protect the sensitive skin on the scalp and face. I have encountered situations where airborne skin exposure with someone wearing a normal half-mask has resulted in skin reactions and also was shown to be contributing to systemic uptake.

craigroberts76  
#6 Posted : 20 January 2020 15:11:17(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
craigroberts76

fit test is for all masks, however there is Qualitive (for 1/2 face masks) and Quantitive (for air fed masks), the 2 masks test in different ways.  A qualitive would be no use for a full face mask as the air feeds in differently

prads  
#7 Posted : 21 January 2020 04:23:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
prads

Thank you all for your valuable inputs.

My question is whether fit test is required only for tight/close fitting masks or whether irrespective of the type of masks and the nature of air fed (demand or positive pr), we need to do a fit test?

Regards, ​​​​​​​prads

craigroberts76  
#8 Posted : 21 January 2020 08:44:23(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
craigroberts76

Originally Posted by: craigroberts76 Go to Quoted Post

fit test is for all masks, however there is Qualitive (for 1/2 face masks) and Quantitive (for air fed masks), the 2 masks test in different ways.  A qualitive would be no use for a full face mask as the air feeds in differently

Kate  
#9 Posted : 21 January 2020 12:33:08(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

Fit testing is only for masks that are designed to form a seal to the face.  It's not needed for hoods which I think is what you are describing.

thanks 2 users thanked Kate for this useful post.
CptBeaky on 21/01/2020(UTC), Roundtuit on 21/01/2020(UTC)
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