Qualitative Face Fit Testing

Face fit testing is a method for checking that a tight-fitting facepiece matches the person’s facial features and seals adequately to the wearer’s face. If masks are worn in the workplace then you will be required to provide evidence of a fit test for each mask worn. Face Fit Testing is required under the COSHH, CLAW and CAW Regulations for all tight-fitting face-pieces.

What is Qualitative Face Fit Testing?

Qualitative Fit Testing is a pass/fail test that is dependent on a subjective response from the respirator wearer.

The person is fit tested while wearing a respirator inside a hood, a sweet or bitter spray is sprayed inside the hood whilst the person carries out some exercises to test the integrity of the seal; if the wearer detects the smell of the spray during the test than the fittest is deemed as unsatisfactory. Types of qualitative fit testing agents are saccharin, Bittrex, and isoamyl acetate.

Qualitative fit testing is only for disposable masks and half-mask respirators.

Global OHS works to the Fit For Construction (Construction Industry Standards) to provide Safety Critical Workers (SCW) medicals and Fit for Work medicals as required by the national guidelines across all industries.

Global OHS are Fit2Fit Accredited Face Fit Testers

Need help with qualitative face fit testing? Global OHS' experts can provide thorough and compliant face fit tests.

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