RESPIRATORY FIT TESTING

If you wear a close-fitting respirator for work that relies on the face seal to achieve the designed protection, then you need to ensure that your respirator has been properly fit tested. This is a requirement of the standard AS/NZS 1715.

Fit testing should be conducted:

• Before a respirator is issued to ensure the correct size and a proper fit is achieved.
• Whenever there is a change of facial characteristics or other features e.g. loss of teeth, excessive change in weight, if biological testing shows excessive exposure to contaminants.
• At least every 12 months.

There are two types of fit tests that are generally used:

Qualitative fit testing:

• These are fast and easy to perform. However, the test relies on the respirator wearer’s subjective response and as such,  it is not as reliable as a quantitative fit test.
• The wearer will have a hood placed over their head while fitted with a respirator and be asked to perform a series of movements and tasks such as breathing deeply, moving their head side to side or up and down. A fine spray that has a distinctive smell or taste will be sprayed into the hood. If the wearer is unable to smell or taste the spray, then a good face seal has been achieved.

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 your fit testing?

• Commit2Fit certified fit testers.
• We come to you.
• While our fit testers are qualified in both Qualitative and Quantitative fit testing, pH7 only conducts the latter.
• Fit testing is conducted primarily at our office in Highbrook, Auckland.
• On site fit testing, by arrangement and where practical, is subject to a minimum group size of 10 people.
• Affordable pricing.

Call now for a quote on 0800 323 223 or send us an enquiry by clicking on the enquiry button below.