What to Expect When Undergoing a Fit Test as a Student
Undergoing a fit test as part of your placement can be an important step in ensuring that you are protected during your placement. Whether you’re preparing for a career in healthcare, construction, or any other field requiring respirators, knowing what to expect during a fit test can help you navigate the process smoothly. It is an annual requirement so it is important to ensure that your Fit Test is always up to date. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to anticipate and how to prepare for a fit test as a student.
What is a Fit Test?
A Fit Test is a method for checking that a specific model and size of a tight fitting facepiece matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face. This is partially important for those working in a healthcare setting to ensure they are protected against infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We Fit Test students to the approved list of Department of Health masks and usually recommend to aim for 2 passes in the masks.
What happens during a Fit Test?
We will go through with you what an N95 is and why it is important that we achieve a proper seal
- You will be instructed on how to correctly don and doff the mask also ensuring it is a comfortable fit
- We will explain how to do a user seal check to ensure there is no obvious leaks in the seal and the importance of doing this every time you don a new mask.
During the test you will be connected to either the Accufit or Portacount machine which measures the concentration of particles inside and outside the respirator
- You will perform 4 head movement exercises to ensure the mask does not move during any of the movements and break the seal
- This process is repeated for each individual mask
- You will then receive both a hard copy card and certificates emailed to you on the day
How long is a fit test?
- Each Fit Test usually takes about 15-30 minutes depending on how masks are being tested
How should I prepare for my Fit Test?
To prepare for your Fit Test please ensure you are clean shaven in the sealing zone of the mask, and no eating or drinking 30 minutes before your Fit Test. If you are currently wearing a mask for work please bring that along to your Fit Test appointment. However we can supply them if required.
