RPE Face Fit Tests 101: What you need to know

What is an RPE fit test? RPE: respiratory protective equipment An RPE fit test is a quick ten-minute test to check the effectiveness of an RPE mask on an individual. If the mask is deemed unfit for use another option should be tested until a suitable option is found. Qualitative (QLFT) vs Quantitative (QNFT) fit test There are two types of fit test quantitative and qualitative. A quantitative RPE fit test uses a numerical result to identify whether the mask is suitable for the wearer. This test MUST be performed if the user needs to wear a full face RPE mask. A qualitative fit test is a pass/fail test based on the wearer’s subjective assessment of the mask. As sweet or bitter aerosol is introduced to the individual while they are wearing the mask and the test is based on whether they can taste it or not. This blog will focus on the qualitative fit test. Why should I have an RPE fit test? In short, because it is the law. This is outlined by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)and the government’s HSE department made fit tests a requirement in April 2019 for any persons working in environments with potentially hazardous particles. It is important to note that a competent person should carry out the fit test to ensure it is performed correctly and safely. In order to demonstrate competence individuals may gain an accreditation under the Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme. However, there are alternative routes to be able to carry out the test outlined by BSiF. When should I have an RPE fit test? The fit test should be carried out prior to needing to wear the mask. It should be carried out in a safe, well-ventilated area. Additionally, somewhere quiet is recommended so that both people can clearly hear one another, to be able to give and follow instructions. What is in a fit test kit? 1x Test Hood 2x Nebulisers (for sensitivity and test solution) 6x 2.5 ml ampoules Bitter sensitivity solution* 6x 2.5 ml ampoules Bitter Fit Test solution* 4x Replacement nebuliser inserts 2x Nebuliser cleaning pins 1x User instructions USB stick What do I need to carry out a fit test? Most fit test kits come with everything you require to fit test someone. Although, there are some additional items you should source before carrying out the test: Still water for the subject Towels (paper towels are ok, but ensure they are non-scented) Mirror Mask/masks that is/are being tested Gloves Stopwatch/clock/timer How to carry out a qualitative fit test Qualitative fit tests are relatively easy to perform if the instructions are correctly consulted. Below is a brief overview of the steps to carry out a qualitative RPE fit test. Water should be drunk after the sensitivity test and once the fit test has concluded to rid the person of the bitter aerosol taste. A step-by-step breakdown can be found here. BEFORE THE TEST Explain to the purpose of the test to the person who is being tested. Ensure that they know what to expect and what they will be required to do. Don the gloves. Prepare the nebulizer solutions. Double check the solution is correctly prepared (e.g. cap is removed and crystallisation has not blocked the tube). Prepare the hood. SENSITIVITY TEST The person being tested puts on the hood without a mask. Breathes through their mouth. The aerosol is squeezed up to 30 times with 10 squeezes then a break. When the person indicates they taste the aerosol the sensitivity test has concluded If nothing is detected after 30 squeezes this fit test is not suitable for the individual and another method should be sought out. The number of squeezes before the person detected the aerosol determines which sensitivity bracket they fall into. In turn, this informs how many times the aerosol will be squeezed into the hood during the fit test. FIT TEST After a short break the mask should be worn and then the hood. The number of times the aerosol is initially squeezed into the hood depends on the results of the sensitivity test. Each exercise should last for one minute. When the thirty second mark is reached half the number of the first amount of squeezes should be administered – as per the table above. All the below exercises must be carried out. Exercises 1 Normal breathing: The test person should breathe normally with no head movements or talking. 2 Deep breathing: The test person should breathe slowly and deeply, taking care so as not to hyperventilate. 3 Turning head side to side: The test person should slowly turn their head from side to side while inhaling at each side. 4 Moving head up and down: The test person should slowly move their head up and down while inhaling in the up position. 5 Talking: The test person should talk out loud and slowly (for example counting backwards from 100). 7 Normal breathing: The test person should breathe normally with no head movements or talking. 6 Bending over: The test person should stand and bend at the waist as if to touch their toes, and then return to an upright position. Repeat 10-15 times. How to interpret RPE fit test results If all the exercises are carried out and the person does not taste the bitter taste, then it has been successful. As a result, the mask is suitable for this person to safely wear. On the other hand, if the individual tastes the bitter aerosol at any point during the exercises the mask has failed. The exercises should be terminated and the test can be repeated another time. However, if the mask fails a second time a different style or size of mask should be tested. Common reasons fit tests fail Sometimes no matter how well the instructions are read the fit tests can fail. Unfortunately, this does mean that a repeat must take place which takes time and extra costs. Therefore, to have the best chance of successfully passing a fit test first time take a moment to discover the most common, avoidable reasons why RPE fit tests fail. Facial hair [e.g. beard, stubble etc.] Excessive facial movement during the talking section Sweating Make-up or face creams Jewellery such as nose studs Rounding Up Fit tests are an essential part of wearing RPE. If you need to purchase an RPE fit test kit take a look at our kit from Moldex. This fit test kit gives you everything you need and has extra solutions so that it can be used multiple times.

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