What is a Face Fit Train the Tester course?
The Face Fit Train the Tester course equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct qualitative face fit testing on Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). This course is designed to ensure that individuals responsible for the safety and compliance of RPE usage within their organisations can perform comprehensive face fit tests, adhering to the latest health and safety regulations. Participants will learn about different types of RPE, the principles behind each testing method, and the critical importance of ensuring a tight seal to protect against airborne contaminants in various work environments.
Course Content
What can I expect from Face Fit Train the Tester training?
Participants will gain proficiency in:
Entry Requirements
Are there any entry requirements for the Face Fit Train the Tester course?
This course is ideal for individuals responsible for the selection, use, and maintenance of RPE in workplaces. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to become certified testers within their organisations. No prior experience with RPE is required, making this course suitable for both new and experienced health and safety professionals.
Facial Hair and Fit Testing: It's crucial for testers to be clean-shaven when using tight-fitting masks to ensure no air leakage occurs. For individuals who must wear facial hair for reasons such as religious beliefs, alternative forms of RPE that do not rely on a tight facial fit should be considered.
Assessment
How is the Face Fit Train the Tester course assessed?
The assessment process includes:
Please note that a Face Fit Testing Kit is required to perform your own testing. Kits can be purchased prior to the course, ensuring you have the necessary tools to implement these skills in your workplace.
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive certification recognising their competence to train others within their organisation in face fit testing, affirming their proficiency in RPE fitting and testing procedures. This certification is crucial for ensuring that all RPE users receive proper training and testing, maintaining health and safety compliance across the organisation.
Is face fit a legal requirement?
Yes, face fit testing is a legal requirement in the UK for workers who must wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) as part of their job.
This requirement is enforced to ensure that the selected RPE fits the wearer correctly and provides adequate protection against airborne contaminants and hazards specific to their working environment.
In the UK, the requirement for face fit testing is mandated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and is supported by several regulations. These include the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, and the Control of Asbestos Regulations. These regulations require employers to ensure that any RPE provided fits the wearer properly and that face fit testing is conducted for all tight-fitting facepieces, such as disposable respirators, half masks, and full-face masks.
The purpose of face fit testing is to confirm that the protective masks do not allow any leaks, which could otherwise let contaminated air be inhaled, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the RPE. Failure to conduct appropriate face fit testing can result in significant health risks for workers and potential legal consequences for employers.
Do you need to be trained to face fit?
Yes, you do need to be trained to conduct face fit testing.
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires that anyone performing face fit testing must be competent to do so. This means they need to have received appropriate training to understand and implement the testing process accurately. Training for face fit testing typically covers a range of topics including:
The training ensures that testers are capable of carrying out tests effectively and are able to provide wearers with reliable guidance on how to achieve the best possible fit from their RPE. This is crucial for ensuring that the equipment provides maximum protection against airborne hazards in the workplace.
How many times a year should a person be face fit tested?
In the UK, while there is no specific legal requirement dictating how often a person should undergo face fit testing, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends conducting face fit testing whenever there is a change that could affect the fit of the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). Changes that necessitate re-testing include significant weight fluctuations, substantial dental work, any alterations in facial features (such as scarring or changes in facial hair) that could impact the mask’s seal, or a change in the type or model of the RPE.
Furthermore, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) recommends a re-test at least every two years to ensure ongoing protection and compliance. However, if the mask serves as the primary means of protection in high-risk environments, it is advisable to conduct annual testing. This frequency ensures that the RPE remains effective, and that the wearer is adequately protected, especially if the RPE is used frequently or for critical tasks.
Many organisations opt to include face fit testing as a regular part of their health and safety protocols, adjusting the frequency based on risk assessments and the specific recommendations of the mask manufacturer. Keeping face fit testing up to date is essential for maintaining the protective effectiveness of the RPE and ensuring safety compliance in the workplace.
