What is Qualitative Face Fit Testing?
Essentially a ‘taste test’ to see if an individual can taste the testing agent whilst wearing their respirator
A Taste Test
A hood will be placed over the individual’s head and a tasting agent will be sprayed into the inside of the hood. This will determine if the individual can taste the solution and what their threshold is.
These results will then be used to identify if the respirator is providing a seal to their skin, thus protecting them from the hazards that they are exposed to.
Depending on when the wearer can or can’t taste the testing agent, will determine if the respirator is providing them with protection or not.
10% of the population cannot taste the testing agent and therefore a different method would be required to carry out face fit testing.
Can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of a respirator that a wearer is unsure of.
Hoods are disinfected after each use to try and avoid cross-contamination of any infections.
What Can Qualitative Test?
Qualitative Face Fit Testing can test disposable respirators and half masks. For example:
Disposable Respirators
Qualitative Face Fit testing can complete face fit testing on all disposable respirators: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.
Please contact us for more information the differences of these, what your requirements are or for general guidance.
If other head worn PPE is used when wearing the mask, these should also be brought to the test. These include, ear defenders, safety specs or goggles, or hard hats that have ear defenders attached.
If you would like us to supply you with your disposable respirators, please let us know.
Half Masks
Qualitative Face Fit testing can complete face fit testing on all half masks, provided they have a particulate filter attached to them. If you use additional or combination filters, these should be brought to the appointment.
If other head worn PPE is used when wearing the mask, these should also be brought to the test. These include, ear defenders, safety specs or goggles, or hard hats that have ear defenders attached.
If you would like us to supply you with your half masks, please let us know.
Keep Your Workforce Protected... Go Home Safe!
Whether you know exactly what you require, or if you are unsure and need some guidance, please get in touch and let us do the hard work for you.