Service & Support

Shorcontrol Safety has a diverse range of safety products, carefully selected, based on many criteria, such as quality, statutory conformity, ease of use and of course, value for money.

To ensure we meet all customer demands we offer;

Respirator Face Fit Testing

Respirator fit testing is performed to check that a tight fitting face piece (full-face mask, half-face mask, or disposable mask) matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately to the wearer’s face so that it reduces exposure to hazard as low as is reasonably practicable and to an acceptable level (below any applicable Occupational Exposure Limits or Control Limits).

Why is respirator fit testing necessary?
Respirator fit testing is mandatory under current legislation. It is vital that selected respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is adequate and suitable for the purpose. The performance of tight fitting face pieces relies heavily on the quality of fit to the wearer’s face – on achieving a good contract between the wearer’s skin and the face seal of the face piece. An inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Any reduction in protection can endanger the wearer’s life or lead to immediate or long-term ill health.

Whilst fit testing has a key role to play, it must not be forgotten that this is only one small part of a respiratory protection programme. For adequate respiratory protection to be achieved in the workplace, a comprehensive and effective respiratory protection programme must be in place.

What is facepiece fit testing?
It is a method for checking that a tight-fitting facepiece matches the person’s facial features and seals adequately to the wearer’s face. It will also help to identify unsuitable facepieces which should not be used.

What is the reason for facepiece fit testing?
The performance of tight-fitting facepieces depends on achieving a good contact between the wearer’s skin and the face seal of the facepiece. Peoples’ faces vary significantly in shape and size so it is unlikely that one particular type, or size of RPE facepiece, will fit everyone. Inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Any reduction in protection can put the RPE wearer’s life in danger or may lead to immediate or long-term ill health.

It is also useful for checking that a wearer can put on a respirator facepiece correctly. Correct fitting of the facepiece at all times is vital to prevent exposure.

A fit test does not remove the need for correct and careful day-to-day fitting of the facepiece, which should always include a pre-use fit check.

When should a fit test be carried out?
A fit test should be carried out:

• As part of the initial selection of RPE.
• Where an untested face piece is already in place.
• In the course of respirator fit training.
• A repeat fit test should be conducted:
• As required by an effective RPE programme (it is recommended that repeat tests are conducted at least annually).
• If the wearer experiences significant weight gain or loss.
• If the wearer undergoes substantial dental work.
• If the wearer develops any facial changes (scars, moles etc) around the face seal area.
• Fit test records should be stored indefinitely by the employer. These records must be kept available for inspection on request

What is involved in face fit testing?
Our Mask Integrity testing services are delivered by a team of professionally qualified and highly experienced face fit testers equipped with the latest Tsi diagnostic testing technology Portacount Pro. Each test takes approx. 20 min where the mask is attached to the Portacount and the wearer is asked to carry out a number of exercises such as walking, talking and other movements while wearing the mask. A reading is then generated from the test and this is then signed and kept as a record.