RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

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RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

RESP-FIT is a national respirator protective equipment (RPE) fit testing training and accreditation program developed to improve the competency of fit testers against both the Australian and international ISO respirator standards for fit testing. In collaboration with the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienist (AIOH), the program’s goal is to protect worker's health by ensuring the respirator, the last line of defence against dust, chemicals or pathogens, can fit properly and prevent leakages causing exposures to the contaminated air.

A respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit test is a method for checking that a tight fitting facepiece matches the persons facial features and seals adequately. It will also help to identify unsuitable facepieces which should not be used. There are a number of different internationally recognised fit testing methods being either qualitative (QLFT) or Quantitative (QNFT) which are practiced in Australia. These different methods have pros and cons and may only be suitable for certain types of respirators.

AARCO Environmental Solutions has accredited RESP-FIT fit testers available to provide fit testing services in Qualitative (QLFT) - Aerosol Taste Test (ATT) and Quantitative (QNFT) – Ambient aerosol condensation nuclei-counting (CNC) methods.

Respirator Fit Testing Requirements

The proper fitting of RPE requires the application of a suitable Fit-Test method to determine an adequate match between the facepiece of the RPE and the face of the wearer.

Australian and New Zealand Standard – AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment, Respiratory Fit Testing in Australia states fit-testing should be conducted:

Initially when the RPE is first issued
At least annually
Whenever there is a change in the facial characteristics of the wearer, for example:
- Considerable change in weight, i.e. gain or loss
- Loss of teeth or dental work
- Change in cheek and/or nose structure

It is also important to ensure that RPE is checked for fit before each use.

A written record of Fit Tests carried out should be kept for each worker, including:

Type of test performed
Make, model, style and size of respirators tested
Date of the test
Result of the test