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How to implement and manage an effective respirator fit testing programme?
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The use of adequate and suitable respirators is essential for worker protection, so how do you know if the respirators that are issued to your workers actually fit them?
Tight-fitting respirators must seal to the wearer’s face to provide the expected protection. If there is a leak in the face seal, they may be exposed to harmful airborne contaminants. Fit testing is required by law in many different countries around the world and is being increasingly adopted by companies as best practice even where there is not a mandatory requirement to fit test.
This paper takes a deep dive into the topic of respirator fit testing and guides the reader through the essential requirements for the implementation of an effective respirator fit testing programme.
- Understand the importance of fit testing in your respirator programme
- Get an insight into the benefits of fit testing for the employer and the respirator wearer
- Learn about several fit testing methods and their suitability for various respirator types
- Find out about the legal responsibilities pertaining to fit testing
- Key details of several countries' fit testing guidance is covered
- Hear about recommendations for addressing facial hair in the workplace
- Find out what consitutes a competent fit tester
- Follow the recommendations to implement and manage an effective respirator fit testing programme
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Related white paper
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The paper examines the types of PPE that benefit from fit validation and introduces the various fit validation methods applicable for eye, hearing and respiratory protection (RPE).
- Understand what fit validation is and which type of PPE requires validating
- Get an insight into the benefits of fit validation for the employer and the PPE wearer
- Learn about the several fit validation methods for respiratory, hearing and eye protection
Respiratory Fit Testing Programme: Frequently asked questions
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What is respiratory fit testing ?
Fit testing is a means of checking that a respirator facepiece matches a person’s facial features and seals adequately to their face. 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.
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