RESPIRATORY FIT TESTING
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If you wear a close-fitting respirator for work that relies on the face seal to achieve the designed protection, you need to ensure that your respirator has been properly fit-tested. This is a requirement of the standard AS/NZS 1715. pH7 carries out expert respiratory fit testing in NZ compliant with regulatory bodies. Learn more below.
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When should fit testing be carried out?
Protecting the workforce does not stop at investing in industry-standard respirators. Professional respiratory fit testing ensures respirator products adequately accommodate one’s facial characteristics, preventing harmful pathogens from bypassing the filter and entering the wearer’s airstream. Respiratory fit testing is a requirement and should always be done:
- Before a respirator is issued to ensure the correct size and a proper fit.
- Whenever there is a change of facial characteristics or other features, e.g. loss of teeth or excessive change in weight.
- Biological testing shows excessive exposure to contaminants.
- At least every 12 months
- When exposed to contaminants
Expert respiratory fit testing at pH7
The pH7 team is adept in properly donning and wearing a respirator. We are experts in respiratory fit testing and advise employees in correctly using a specific make, model, style, and size of respirator. We can do two types of fit tests to encourage proper fitting and checking procedures, including:
Qualitative fit testing
These are fast and easy to perform. However, the test relies on the wearer’s subjective response. As such, it’s less reliable than a quantitative fit test. How does it work? The wearer will have a plastic hood over their head and a respirator fitted. The tester will ask them to perform a series of movements and tasks, such as breathing deeply and moving their head from side to side or up and down. The tester will then release a fine spray with a distinctive smell and taste into the hood. If the wearer cannot smell or taste the spray, they have achieved a good face seal.
Quantitative fit testing
pH7 uses the latest PortaCount Fit Tester 8048+ with FitPro Ultra software to accurately measure the efficiency of a respirator at preventing material in the atmosphere from entering the wearer’s breathing zone.
7 Reasons to choose pH7 for respiratory fit testing
Fit testing ensures that the respirators worn by workers are safe and effective in providing a seal against harmful pathogens. pH7 has the skills, knowledge, and equipment to provide the best respiratory fit testing.
- We are Commit2Fit certified fit testers.
- We come to you.
- We use the latest testing equipment.
- We offer both qualitative and quantitative fit testing.
- We do fit testing of any group size from 1-100.
- We have affordable pricing.
- We provide complimentary advice on maintaining and using your respirator.
Ready to get started?
Call now for a quote on 0800 323 223 or click the button below to book a test.