Face Fit Tests
At Tiger Supplies, we offer quality face fit test kits. Workers must have access to respiratory protective equipment (RPE), which fits them adequately and conforms to the European Standards.
At Tiger Supplies, we offer quality face fit test kits. Workers must have access to respiratory protective equipment (RPE), which fits them adequately and conforms to the European Standards.
It is essential to wear a mask providing adequate protection. Doing this is paramount to your workers’ health and safety. Damage to the respiratory system can have a negative impact on the victims in later life. Often, this damage may even be difficult to diagnose.
Equipping the wrong mask for the job can cause several problems. It may start off as small irritation. But further exposure may cause soft tissue damage and can go as far as lung failure and cancers.
Thus, we recommend that all respiratory protective equipment is face fit tested. But, this measure is compulsory for employees that work with asbestos or lead, which are particles and substances hazardous to health.
What is face fit testing?
Whenever respiratory protection equipment is in use, it must be able to provide protection and appropriate fit for each individual user. If no firm seal exists, it cannot provide complete protection.
To ensure minimal ‘leaks’ through RPE, masks and respirators must be tested to fit the face without being too loose or too tight.
When to face fit test?
It is advisable that a face fit test is conducted before the active use of any tight-fitting respirators.
When the wearer is selecting an appropriate RPE for whatever task they need it for, it should be ensured that the make, model, type and size of the RPE are adequate. If more than one type of RPE is used, then each item should also be face fit tested.
Conducting face fit tests
Depending on the number of wearers requiring a face fit test, Tiger Supplies can arrange for an expert to visit your workplace, provide advice on RPE and perform a fully certified face fit testing on all required. But, face fit testing can be performed by any person on site with the appropriate guidance.
Frequent face fit testing issues and solutions
- Leaks are often around the nose. If the mask has a nose clip, take special care to firmly shape it to the nose.
- The edge of the mask must seal to the face. Any irregularities (e.g. scarring, moles) in the area of the face seal can prevent this.
- Seat the chin firmly in the chin cup of the mask. Doing this can be difficult if the mask is the wrong size. Thus, we recommend you try a different size or a different model.
- Pull tight the straps firmly, but not painfully. Position the upper strap over the crown of the head, above the ears, not over them. The lower strap should go around the back of the neck.
- Long hair or sideburns can get trapped in the seal and cause leaks.
At Tiger Supplies, we offer a vast selection of masks and respirators including Surgical Masks, Disposable Masks, and Powered Respirators.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact the sales team on 0844 848 3444 or email us at sales@tiger-supplies.co.uk