You have no doubt noticed that over the last few years there has been more and more ‘buzz’ in the industry about the important of Respirator Fit Testing and that is with good reason. There are many industries where workers are exposed to hazardous airborne particles, such as dust, fumes, and chemicals that could severely impact workers lunch health is not protected properly.
Respirator Fit Testing has been implemented to ensure the effectiveness of respiratory protection provided to staff members, testing isn’t just “testing” the fit of the mask, its also training on the correct don and doff methods to ensure that workers are wearing their respirator correctly and understand the implications of not wearing their PPE correctly.
What the Standards Say About Fit Testing
The WHS Regulations 2011 states that its not enough to provide workers with any respirator, it is a requirement that any worker who needs to wear a respirator is provided with one that fits correctly and is appropriate for the work being conducted. The Australian Standard, AS/NZS 1715:2009, outlines the requirements for the selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment, including the need for fit testing.
Fit testing must be conducted:
- Before the first use of a respirator.
- Annually thereafter.
- Whenever there is a change in the respirator model, the wearer’s facial structure, or significant weight changes.
Conducting Quantitative Fit Testing
In NSW, occupational testing companies use specialised equipment to measure the amount of air that leaks into the respirator whilst conducting a series of movements, breathing and speaking exercises on the worker to test how the mask protects during different circumstances. It isn’t enough to just test the mask on someone sitting still and breathing as that doesn’t mimic their real life experience.
The Quantitative Fit Test provides a numerical result, known as a “fit factor,” which indicates how well the respirator seals to the wearer’s face. This method is suitable and is used for all types of respirators, including full-face masks, disposable masks and industrial level masks such as CleanSpace respirators.
At Hayden Health & Safety, we use these quantitative fit testing methods with our state of the art machines to ensure the highest level of accuracy and information for workers.
Why Fit Testing Test your Workers?
Respirators that do not fit correctly can allow hazardous particles to bypass the mask, which essentially means that the protective equipment provided to the worker is ineffective, not what we want! Without the correct PPE workers can be exposed to harmful substances which increases the risk of respiratory illnesses such as asbestosis, silicosis, or lung cancer. Fit testing ensures that the respirator forms a proper seal around the wearer’s face, preventing these dangerous exposures and protecting their lungs.
Steps to Ensure Effective Respiratory Protection
- Conduct a Risk Assessment. Start by identifying areas in your workplace where respirators are required and determine the specific types of hazards that are present.
- Select the Appropriate Respirator. This step is vital, as not all masks are designed to protect for all substances. Choose respirators that are suitable for the hazards identified in your risk assessment. Consider factors such as the type of contaminant, concentration levels, and the duration of exposure.
- Perform Fit Testing. Conduct initial and annual fit testing for all employees who need to wear a respirator. Ensure that additional fit tests are conducted if there are any changes in the respirator model or the wearer’s facial characteristics.
- Provide Training. Educating employees on the correct use, maintenance, and storage of their respirators is a key aspect of this. You need to ensure they understand the importance of fit testing and the need to report any issues with their equipment, this is something we cover during every Fit Test we conduct.
- Continually Monitor Requirements. Continually monitor the work v respirator requirements for your workers and update as required.
Good Fit and Healthy Lungs for the Win
We want you and your team to be able to take deep, long nourishing breaths for the rest of their lives, and we know you do too! That’s why this work is essential, getting the right mask and the right fit could change the quality of someone’s life. If you would like to know more about Respirator Fit Testing or how we can support you and your workers, please do reach out. We are so passionate about your health!
