Fit Testing of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Eva and Associates are offering quantitative respirator fit testing for both healthcare workers and construction workers who may be exposed to biological or other particulate contaminants, including COVID-19 and asbestos.
We are able to provide this service either on-site or at our office based in Oakleigh. We are also offering long-running fit testing services for large organisations.
The respirator fit testing is conducted in accordance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and ISO 16975-3 Respiratory protective devices – Selection, use and maintenance – Part 3: Fit-testing procedures and the RESP-FIT syllabus as approved by the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists.
Our fit testers are RESP-FIT accredited or in the process of earning their accreditation.
Keep your workforce safe with Eva & Associates quantitative respirator fit testing services for industrial workers.
We are recognised as a Preferred Fit Test Service Provider by the 3M PPE Fit Testing program.
Contact us to learn more about your eligibility for a subsidised fit test.
3M is a registered trademark of 3M Company.
Respirator Fit Testing
Fit testing measures the effectiveness of the seal between the respirator and the wearer’s face. It is required for all tight-fitting respirators, including:
- half-face disposable
- half-face reusable
- full-face reusable
- tight-fitting powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)
There are two methods of fit testing that meet AS/NZS1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment; Qualitative and Quantitative. Quantitative fit testing will be conducted in this instance.
Quantitative Fit Testing
Uses specialised particle counting equipment to measure how much air leaks into the respirator. In effect, the instrument measures the concentration of particles outside the mask and compares this to the concentration of particles within the face piece, with the ratio of the two producing a fit factor which determines whether an appropriate fit has occurred. This type of test can be used on half-face respirators, full-face respirators and PAPR.
In both the qualitative and quantitative methods, the participant is asked to complete simple movements including head side to side, head up and down and talking to simulate movements that one would expect at the workplace.
Quantitative or Qualitative
Quantitative fit testing results are more objective than qualitative due in most part to the reliance on the olfactory senses of the participant to determine pass/fail in the qualitative technique. This can result in a potential for a false pass to the qualitative fit test and worker health not being adequately protected.
AS 1715:2009 requires all fit testing must be carried out by a competent in-house person, manufacturer, supplier or consultant and be conducted:
- at least once annually;
- before wearing a tight-fitting respirator for the first time;
- each time a new make or model of respirator is issued;
- whenever there is a change in the wearer’s facial characteristics or features which may affect the facial seal (e.g. large weight loss or gain).
Note: Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator will stop it sealing properly. Fit testing must be carried out on males who are clean shaven or have no hair between their face and the fitting surfaces of the respirator face piece.
Please get in touch with us at info@evaandassociates.com.au or alternatively through the online booking form.
Occupational Hygiene & Environmental Services
