Fit To Wear. MOHSG Jan 31st Fit To Wear. MOHSG Jan 31st Fit Test Training COSHH 2002

Fit- Testing. When,Why,How,Who,What HSE282/28 HSE282/28

When?  As part of the initial selection of RPE  When an untested face piece is already in use.  Should be repeated if wearer loses or gains weight,undergoes substantial dental work,develops any facial changes or if employers policy requires it.

Why?  To show that the chosen tight fitting device fits the wearer and gives a seal around the face seal area.  Because the protection factor assigned to each device is only achieved if it is possible to get a seal and the device is worn properly.

What?  All tight fitting face pieces including powered air systems with full face mask and BA full face masks (tested in negative pressure mode)

Who?  A competent person, competencies set out in Section 24 of HSE 282/28  There is no certification.

The Competencies  To be competent the person should have adequate knowledge, and have received adequate instruction and training in the following areas.

Selection of adequate and suitable RPE  RPE should provide the right type and level of protection and be suited to the wearer and the environment.  Type- Particulate or gas and vapour.  Level  Suited to wearer- beards, claustrophobic?  Suited to environment- heat, humidity,visibility,maintenance, portability.

Have an understanding of the following  Nominal Protection Factor  Assigned Protection Factor  Workplace Protection Studies  Fit Factor

….and the following  Be able to interpret fit test results  Know HSE Regulations and The Approved Code of Practice relating to fit testing.]  Purpose and applicability of fit testing:the difference between and appropriate use of qualitative and quantitative fit testing.  Purpose of the fit test exercises.

…Continued  Capabilities and limitations of the fit test equipment.  Examination of RPE and ability to identify poorly maintained face pieces  Ability to correctly fit a face piece and perform pre-use checks.  Ability to recognize a poor fitting face piece

….continued  Preparation of face pieces for fit testing  How to carry out diagnostic checks on the facepiece and the fit test equipment.  Be aware of and know how to prevent and correct problems during fit testing  How to perform a correct fit test with the chosen method.

How?  Qualitative or Quantitative method.  Suitable method per type of device set out in Section 21 HSE 282/28  Result is a pass or fail- according to fit factor achieved.  We will now look at qualitative method a willing volunteer please- no beards or stubble allowed.

Qualitative Test  Subject to be clean shaven  No smoking for an hour before, no gum or strong tasting food or drink for 15 minutes before.  Bring any other head mounted PPE you have to wear- compatability.  Have plenty of water available  Have fit test report form ready.

The Test  Perform sensitivity test  Short rest and then perform fit test1 and fit test 2 if required.  Record results. Keep records for minimum of 5 years but I would suggest better to keep as long as health records.

Suggest you use a check list Exercise Fit Test 1 Fit Test 2 Normal Breathing Deep Breathing Side to Side Up and Down Bending Talking Normal Breathing