Mask Fit Testing
When a respirator has been issued to provide workers protection against airborne
contamination, respirator fit testing is the only way to check that the respirator issued is the correct size and properly suited to the wearer's face. A mask fit test ensures you receive the full stated level of protection.
At Fit Test Australia, we conduct quantitative mask fit testing (QNFT) using a PortaCount 8048, this instrument checks all tight-fitting respirators and provides a numerical result. This gives you a clear gauge of just how well a mask fits to a face, and whether it is deemed safe for use in your workplace according to the Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009.
Who Is A Mask Fit Test For?
In the AS/NZS 1715:2009 standards, it outlines the selection, use, and maintenance of
respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Section 2.6 states, "The program administrator shall
ensure a suitable fit test is carried out for all users of RPE with a tight-fitting facepiece."
All international respiratory protection program (RPP) standards, such as ISO 16975-3 and
OSHA 1910.134, state that tight-fitting respirators be fit tested to ensure they are providing
the wearer their full level of intended protection.
Fit Test Australia serves various industries, including construction, where hazards such as silica are prevalent, as well as mining, utilities, agriculture, and healthcare. FTA also collaborates closely with many Universities, Tafes, and other RTOs to provide fit testing for student clinical placements.
FTA are industry leaders; our highly trained staff offer unmatched experience. Our expertise
and efficiency equate to minimal disruption decreasing your staff's time away from their
work duties because we understand that time is money.
Book An Office Fit Test
Specialists in providing mobile fit testing services, FTA have Sydney offices located in Randwick and Fairfield Heights with easy online booking, this is a great way to capture one off team members.
Sydney Mask Fit Testing Available At The Following Locations:
Randwick
Level 2 / 67-69 Belmore Rd, Randwick.
Fairfield Heights
Shop 4 / 164 - 168 The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights.
What To Expect and Prepare For During Your Mask Fit Test?
On the day of the test, individuals must be clean shaven with no stubble, beards, or other
facial hair that comes between the mask and where it makes contact to the skin. This falls in
line with the standards set and ensures the mask has the ability to create an appropriate seal
to the wearers face. Non-compliant individuals will not be tested.
Additionally, individuals cannot consume food, vape, or smoke within 30 minutes of the
test. Doing so can interfere with the particle count and may result in a failed test.
Finally, individuals must also bring their appropriate PPE so we can ensure it is compatible
with your respiratory device during the test.
Overall, these tests will only take approximately 10-15 minutes. If a fail occurs, the
appointment may take a little longer as we determine the cause of the failure and conduct
additional fit tests.
Book your respirator fit test online today.
The Benefits of Respirator Fit Testing
Some workers undergo respiratory fit testing simply because it’s a health and safety
requirement. However, the benefits are well worth the annual fit.
Ultimately, a correctly fitted mask in good working condition will keep a worker safe from dangerous airborne contamination. With repeat use, some workers may not notice when a mask loses its integrity over time by being exposed to the elements, poorly maintained and/or stored, straps losing their tension over time, as a result, these factors may contribute to an imperfect seal.
Fit testing can pick up on these issues before they become genuine health hazards.
Is Fit Testing compulsory for every worker who wears a respirator?
In line with OHS regulations, the PCBU and employers are obligated to do everything reasonably
practicable to keep their workers safe from known risks or health hazards. Fit testing is considered
reasonably practicable. Being non-compliant may lead to serious consequences, be it a combination
of both worker health and legal implications.
AS/NZS 1715:2009 sets the standards for respiratory protection programs in Australia, this outlines
the importance of proper fit testing. By aligning with the standards set, a PCBU and employer
demonstrate a commitment to put safety at the centre of their workplace and safeguard their
workers.
How does a PortaCount work?
At Fit Test Australia, we use the latest TSI PortaCount 8048 device. This instrument can test
all types of respiratory protective equipment. It measures the particulates in the air around
you, then measures the concentration of those particles inside the respirator. The ratio of
particles in the ambient air against the particles inside the mask is known as the fit factor
(FF) and will determine how well the mask fits your face.