Focus on Fit

Face Fit Testing and Respiratory Fit

In the UK the Approved Codes of Practices (ACOPs) supporting the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (CAW) and the Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW) require that wearers of tight fitting respirators are fit tested. Fit testing is a means of checking that a respirator facepiece matches a person's facial features and seals adequately to their face. There are several methods available and the Health and Safety Executive's information document INDG 479 provides information on how the HSE expect fit testing to be conducted.

How 3M can help with Fit Testing?

3M offers a range of fit testing services including on site fit testing and fit testing training.

Looking for fit testing equipment?

Explore the fit testing catalogue.
What is Fit Testing

Learn more about the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing protocols.
The Importance of Respirator Fit

Find information to help users perform their everyday seal check test.

Fit Testing Posters and Videos

Fit Testing and Facial Hair (PDF, 279 KB)

Facial Hairstyle and Filtering Facepiece Respirators (CDC )
Fit Test vs Seal Check

Discover the differences between Fit Tests and Seal Checks, including when to perform each.

Why it's Important to Focus on Fit

Does Respirator Fit Matter?

At 3M, we think that the answer to that question is “Yes”. In a workplace environment, if a worker’s respirator doesn’t seal properly on the wearers face, there’s no certainty that it is providing the expected level of protection. A good fit means the respirator (also known as a face mask) will seal against your skin. A “tight fitting” respirator, such as a filtering facepiece respirator/disposable respirator, or a reusable respirator such as a half mask of full face mask can only work when air passes through the filter. Air will take the path of least resistance, so if the seal to the face isn’t there, the air will leak around, rather than go through the respirator, and therefore lessen the protection. One of the common issues with good respirator fit is facial air.

What is the problem with facial hair?

< Previous Next >

Close fitting respirators need to seal tightly to the face. Gaps in this face seal let the dirty air leak inside the respirator. Respirator filters cannot clean the air leaking through the face seal.
It is known that the growth of stubble and facial hair can give significant leak paths for contaminants. For further information on this topic please see the HSE's research report: RR1052 The effect of wearer stubble on the protection given by Filtering Facepieces Class 3 (FFP3) and Half Masks.

Face seal leakage reduces the wearer's protection.

What are the face fit requirements in the United Kingdom?

Fit testing is a means of checking that a respirator facepiece matches a person’s facial features and seals adequately to their face. There are several methods available and the Health and Safety Executive’s information document INDG 479 provides information on how the HSE expect fit testing to be conducted.
The performance of tight fitting respirators relies on achieving a good seal between the facepiece of the respirator and the wearer’s face. If the seal is inadequate, contaminated air will take the path of least resistance and will travel through leaks in the face seal. Consequently, a poor seal to the face will reduce the level of protection provided to the wearer. Fit testing should be carried out by a competent person. One way of demonstrating competence is to be become Fit2Fit accredited.

Link to the HSE

Fit2Fit

What is face fit testing

Do you have workers who wear tight fitting respirators (those that rely on a seal with the face) such as Disposable, Half Mask or Full Face Masks (including those fitted to a powered or supplied air respirator)? If so, you are required to fit test them. HSE requires qualitative or quantitative fit testing before a user wears a tight fitting facepiece.

In addition, fit tests should be:

Completed whenever there is a change to the RPE type, size, model or material

Repeated whenever there is a change to the circumstances of the wearer that could alter the fit of the RPE; for example: weight loss or gain; substantial dental work; any facial changes (scars, moles, effects of ageing etc) around the face seal area; facial piercings; introduction or change in other head-worn personal protective equipment (PPE).

Seal Check vs Fit Test

A good fit means the respirator will seal to your facial features. A respirator can only work when air passes through the filter. Air will take the path of least resistance, so if the seal isn't there, the air will go around rather than through the respirator - and therefore the reduce the protection provided.

Fit Testing

Fit testing is required for employees wearing tight-fighting respirators, such as disposable or reusable respirators. This procedure helps ensure the user has selected the correct size respirator and that a seal against the face can be made in order to provide the expected protection.
User seal check: An essential everyday test

A user seal check ensures the tight-fitting respirator is being worn right each time the user puts on the respirator.
Users can either perform a positive-pressure or negative-pressure seal check as described in the product User Instructions.
Compatibility with other PPE

Safety glasses, hearing protection, face shields, hard hats and coveralls can all vie with a respirator for real estate on a person's face, head or body, potentially interfering with the respirator seal.
To catch these problems before they happen any PPE that could interfere with the respirator's seal should be worn during the fit test.

Learn More about PPE Compatibility

How 3M can help with Fit Testing?

Fit Test Equipment

View our online catalog of products to help you run a successful fit testing program.

Fit Testing Kits

Find convenient fit testing kits containing all you need to perform Qualitative Fit Testing.

Find your Product
Qualitative Fit Testing

Find apparatus hoods, nebulizer and solution options.

Find your Product
Quantitative testing products

Find disposable and resusable respirators, and test adaptors.

Find your Product

Online Safety Training Courses

Update your knowledge and get all the latest facts, practical tips and more from 3M’s industry leading expert speakers. Access expert industry knowledge through our webinars (Live/On-demand)

ACCESS SAFETY TRAINING

Fit Q&A & Resources

Q&A

What fit test regulations, standards exist around the world?

There are lots, and it is important to check what is applicable in your location. Please contact your local 3M office if you need guidance. Examples of fit test regulations and standards include: ISO-16975-3 (global), EN 529, HSG53 and INDG479 (United Kingdom), DGUV Regel 112-190(Germany), UNI 11719:2018 (Italy), INRS ED 6273 (France)
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix A (United States)
CSA Z94.9.1.6 (Canada)
AS/NZS1715 (Australia and New Zealand)

This is not an exhaustive list, so please check local rules and regulation.
What is the problem with having facial hair, if I wear a tight fighting respirator?

Particulates, gases and vapours can bypass facial hair that is preventing an adequate seal and still expose the wearer. Click here (PDF, 279 KB) to learn more
Can Filtering Facepiece Respirators be fit tested using the CNP (Controlled Negative Pressure) methodology?

No, but they can be fit tested using the Qualitative (Taste) methods or Quantitative CNC or APC (condensation nuclei counter, or Ambient Particle Counting) methods.
Which Fit test adapter do I need to fit test my 3M Reusable Respirator using the quantitative method?

3M Bayonet Style Respirators - 3M 601 FT Adapter for use with :
3M™Half Mask 6000 Series
3M™Half Mask 6500 Series
3M™Half Mask 7500 Series
3M™Full Face Mask 6000 Series
3M™ Secure-Click™ Style - 3M HF-800-03 for use with:
3M™Half Mask HF800 Series Secure Click
DIN40 Style Respirators- SC-6611 for use with:
3M™ Half Mask HF-300 (formerly AVIVA 40)
3M™ Full Face Mask FF-300 (formerly Promask)
3M™ Full Face Mask FF-600 (formerly Vision)
3M™ Full Face Mask FF-600F (formerly RFF4000)
3M™ FM-931-RAS (converted to a negative pressure mode PP Blanking Plug (RHS)
DIN50 with motor - PV-3804 for use with:
PV-300E
Demand Valve - Fit test Adaptor for Quickfit connections - for use with:
3M™ Scott™ Promask PP
3M™ Scott™ Vision 3
3M™ Vision RAS (converted to a negative pressure mode 40mm Blanking Plug (LHS)
How do I fit test 3M™ Maintenance Free Half Mask 4000+ series?

As the 3M™ 4251+, 4255+, 4277+ and 4279+ are half mask respirators, they can be fit tested with qualitatively or quantitatively. Due to their distinctive design, If fit test quantitatively, they need to be probed, using the same method as filtering facepiece respirators. Contact 3M for more details.