Respiratory Mask Fit Testing

Duration:
20 minutes per test. You would need to make multiple booking if you require more than one respirator to be tested.

Pre-requisites:
You must; Be medically fit to wear a respirator and understand instructions in English. Bring your own respirator/s.

Pre-entry Requirements:
The proper fitting of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) requires the application of a suitable fit test method to determine an adequate match between the face piece of the RPE and the face of the wearer. As per the Australian and New Zealand Standard – AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment, Respiratory Fit Testing in Australia should be conducted: Initially when the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is first issued; Annually; and If the workers facial features change (e.g. 10% weight change) to ensure there is adequate protection provided. Types of Respirators: There are two main types of respirators: Air-Purifying Respirators are either powered or non-powered, disposable or reusable, and protect the wearer by using a filter that purifies the air being breathed; and Powered air-purifying respirators use a powered fan to draw air through the filter. Non-powered respirators draw air through the filter simply via the breathing rhythm of the wearer. Supplied-Air Respirators provide clean air to the wearer via an external independent source, such as a compressed air cylinder or air compressor. Fit-Testing: As every worker has varying facial features, such as size and shape, it is important to determine if the RPE being provided fits correctly and is suitable for each worker. To achieve this, a Fit-Test should be carried out to identify if any airborne contaminants have the potential to leak into the respirator through gaps in the seal between the respirator facepiece and face. There are two recognised methods for achieving this: Qualitative Fit Testing which is easily performed, but is also subjective and relies on the worker's ability to taste or smell a test agent; and Quantitative Fit Testing which is conducted using specialised equipment that measures the volume of test contaminant that leaks into the respirator. Greencap uses the Quantitative Fit Testing method. Clean Shaven: Beards or other facial hair may prevent the RPE from achieving an effective seal; therefore, Fit Testing will only be carried out on those workers who are clean shaven, or have no facial hair that may impact the outcome of the testing. Workers who attend the Fit Test with visible facial hair will be asked to leave the testing area, and advised not to return for testing until clean shaven. Fit Testing: On completion of the onsite Fit Testing, a certificate for each worker tested will be produced detailing the results of the test, as well as standards and guidelines used. For corporate bookings, additional copies may be supplied at the clients request. Fit Testing – Quantitative: In accordance with AS/NZS 175:2009 Clause 8.5.4, quantitative test methods use equipment to measure the efficiency of a respirator in preventing materials in the atmosphere from entering a user’s breathing zone. The measured leakage is expressed as a percentage of the outside concentration. The advantage of a quantitative test is that it does not rely on a subjective response. The main technique for quantitative testing is utilising natural atmospheric dusts; in this test, the natural dusts in the atmosphere are used as the test aerosol and a particle counter is used to detect the dust. The Respirator Fit Testing will be undertaken as per the new modified Ambient Aerosol Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) Protocols, as well as incorporating the OSHA 29CFR 1910.134 methodology utilising the TSI. PortaCount 8038 Fit Testers. The test is compliant for all tight-fitting respirators, including series P2, 95, 99, 100, FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 filtering facepiece respirators. It takes approximately 20 minutes per worker per mask to complete a test; however, it may take longer for a worker where they fail, and a re-test is required until a pass is achieved. If a pass is unable to be achieved a re-test may need to be rescheduled with a different mask (e.g. non-disposable mask). Note: Scheduling limitations will apply when Greencap’s PortaCount machine requires recalibration. Clean Shaven: Beards or other facial hair may prevent the RPE from achieving an effective seal; therefore, Fit Testing will only be carried out on those workers who are clean shaven, or have no facial hair that may impact the outcome of the testing. Workers who attend the Fit Test with visible facial hair will be asked to leave the testing area, and advised not to return for testing until clean shaven.

Content:

COVID-19:

As part of Greeencap’s policy in protecting both our clients’ employees, we have identified and implemented strict COVID-19 protocols.  Chairs will be set up diagonally across the long side of the table to maintain at least 1.5m distancing during the test and actively ventilated and an ongoing cleaning program.  

Ask us about contextualising the course to meet your site requirements by contacting us at [email protected] or phoning Malcolm Fabiny 0418 349 204. Our Fit Testing can deliver anywhere in Australia.

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