FEATURE “RPE IS ONE OF THE
CONTROL MEASURES TO REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPOSURE AND IT MUST FIT CORRECTLY AND A FIT TEST UNDERTAKEN.”
to the level required to protect the wearer’s health? Is the right protection factor and filters chosen, for the type of substance the wearer will be exposed to?
For clarification on which protective masks should be provided, the HSE has created a comprehensive guide here.
Face Fit Testing It is an employer’s legal responsibility to ensure the mask fits the user correctly. Fit testing is a method of checking a tight fitting facepiece matches the wearer’s facial features and seals adequately. A fit test should be carried out as part of the initial selection of the RPE. There are two types of face fit testing qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative is a pass/fail test that relies on the employee’s response to a test agent. The worker will wear the mask and a test hood and a test aerosol is released into the hood whilst the wearer preforms a set of exercises. If the wearer can smell or taste the aerosol the respirator fails the test. Qualitative fit testing is only suitable for disposable respirators and half mask respirators.
Quantitative testing determines that a tight fitting respirator provides an adequate seal to the wearer’s face by measuring microscopic particles that exist in ambient air. The test measures the number of particles outside the respirator and then measures the concentration of those particles that leak into the respirator whilst the wearer carries out a number of specific exercises.
The only circumstances when testing is not required is when a risk assessment shows that a facepiece is only needed for comfort, for example to protect the worker from unpleasant odours, rather than as a control measure.
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CARRYING OUT A ‘FIT CHECK’ A fit test does not remove the need for the wearer to undertake a ‘fit check’ every time the mask is worn. A fit check should be carried out with the mask before each use.
When carrying out a fit check, the wearer should:
• Be clean shaven.
• Inspect the mask for signs of damage, check it is in good condition.
• Check the mask fits around the nose and chin and ensure the straps are in position.
• Cover the front of the respirator with both hands – for an unvalved product, exhale sharply, for a valved product, inhale sharply.
• A successful fit check is when there is no air leaking from the edges of the respirator.
• If leakage is detected, the worker must adjust the position or tension strap of the mask to tighten it.
• Wearers must retest the seal and repeat the procedure until the respirator is sealed properly.
EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES Although it is the business owner’s legal duty to supply the correct mask for each role, it is the employee’s responsibility to check and maintain the condition of their RPE. If their mask becomes damaged during a task, they must stop working and replace the mask immediately. Disposable masks must be disposed off at the end of each use or shift. Reusable masks should be cleaned after each use, checked for signs of deterioration and stored to prevent any damage. Employees must ensure the filters are changed as instructed by the manufacturer.
The correct use of RPE is paramount for protecting staff from any potential hazards they face when undertaking their daily work activities. Only by adopting these precautionary measures and ensuring face fit testing is undertaken by all mask wearers can business owners fulfil their legal duties and successfully safeguard employees, maintenance workers and contractors against any potential airborne hazards.
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