Face Fit Testing Southampton
Ensure Safety with Reliable Fit Tests
Why Choose Face Fit Testing in Southampton?
In compliance with UK Health and Safety regulations, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) must provide adequate protection to each individual wearer. The effectiveness of RPE depends on a tight and proper fit. If the RPE does not fit correctly, contaminated air could leak into the mask, putting the wearer at risk. Therefore, face fit testing is a mandatory requirement to confirm that the RPE seals properly against the user’s face.
Our face fit testing services in Southampton are tailored to meet the needs of different industries, ensuring a secure seal between the respirator facepiece and the user’s face, reducing the risk of exposure to airborne contaminants like dust, gases, and other hazardous particles.
Benefits of Face Fit Testing in Southampton
- Full Compliance: Our testing procedures are fully compliant with HSE guidance, including documents INDG479 and HSG53, guaranteeing adherence to UK legislation.
- Professional Expertise: Our experienced technicians use the latest quantitative testing methods, such as Portacount devices, to provide accurate and unbiased fit testing results.
- Industry Experience: We work with a wide range of industries to provide expert face fit testing solutions tailored to your workplace.
Quantitative Face Fit Testing
At Face Fit Tested, we specialize in Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT), which provides an objective, numerical assessment of the fit between the respirator and the wearer’s face. This type of testing is suitable for all types of tight-fitting respirators and involves using a Portacount device to measure any leakage around the mask seal. Our quantitative testing ensures that the mask provides adequate protection by measuring the fit factor against established safety thresholds.
Why Is Face Fit Testing Important?
To comply with UK regulations, employers must ensure that all employees wearing tight-fitting RPE undergo face fit testing at least once every two years. Fit testing must also be repeated if there are significant changes in the wearer’s facial features due to weight loss or gain, facial surgery, or an injury that affects the fit of the mask.
A proper fit ensures that airborne contaminants do not enter the facepiece, thus offering full protection to the wearer. Without effective fit testing, RPE may fail to provide the intended level of safety, putting employees at serious health risk.
Face Fit Testing for Different Industries
We provide face fit testing services in Southampton for a range of industries, including:
- Construction: Dust and particulates are common hazards on construction sites, making RPE and fit testing essential for worker safety.
- Manufacturing: Protect your employees from potentially hazardous fumes, dust, and airborne contaminants.
- Healthcare: Face fit testing is crucial for ensuring that healthcare workers are protected from airborne pathogens when wearing respiratory protective equipment.
Independent and Impartial Testing
At Face Fit Tested, we are an independent service provider without any affiliation with RPE manufacturers or distributors. Our primary goal is to prioritize the safety and well-being of your employees by offering unbiased fit testing services that focus solely on compliance and protection.
Face Masks and Full-Face Masks in Southampton
We provide testing for various types of face masks, including full face masks and full-face masks used in different industries. Ensuring that these masks fit properly is essential for full protection against airborne hazards. Our services extend to both disposable and reusable masks, including tight-fitting masks, which require a precise fit to guarantee their effectiveness.
The University of Southampton and Southampton City Council Compliance
We also provide face fit testing for employees of organizations like the University of Southampton and Southampton City Council. We are experienced in meeting the unique needs of both public sector organizations and private businesses to ensure comprehensive compliance.
Book Your Face Fit Testing in Southampton Today
Ensure your workforce is compliant with UK regulations and safe from airborne hazards with our face fit testing services in Southampton. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing accurate and reliable face fit tests, giving you confidence in your respiratory protection equipment. We also provide fit test kits for businesses that want to manage their own face-fit assessments under expert guidance.
Book with us today and schedule your face fit testing appointment.
Get a Quote for Face Fit Testing
FAQ
Who needs face fit testing?
Everyone using close-fitting respiratory protection devices, such as respirators or compressed air breathing apparatus, should undergo a face fit test. Why invest in top-notch respiratory protective gear only to risk its effectiveness by not ensuring a proper fit for the wearer?
Why is face fit testing essential?
Face fit testing guarantees that the protective mask chosen is the right fit for your facial structure, enhancing its efficiency against dangerous airborne elements. Recent studies reveal that nearly half of the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) used doesn’t provide the expected protection level, primarily because it doesn’t fit properly.
What are the legal requirements for face fit testing?
The guidelines provided by COSHH, CLaW, and CAW endorse face fit testing as a means to guarantee an effective face seal. If face fit testing isn’t conducted, the HSE has the authority to take legal action. However, legal repercussions can be avoided if one can demonstrate that their procedures either match or surpass the face fit testing standards outlined in the HSE guidance, OC 282/28.
How often should RPE face fit testing be conducted?
Regular face fit testing is crucial to ensure continuous protection, especially if there’s a change in the wearer’s facial features (like significant weight loss or gain, dental work, or facial surgery). It’s recommended to schedule re-tests periodically and whenever there’s a change in the type or model of the RPE used.
Are there specific masks that require face fit testing?
While all tight-fitting respiratory protection should undergo face fit testing, it’s especially vital for masks used in high-risk environments, such as those exposed to toxic chemicals, biohazards, or fine particulate matter. Regardless of the mask’s brand or type, if it’s meant to provide a tight seal on the face, it should be fit tested.
Can I be fit tested if I have facial hair?
Facial hair, such as beards, moustaches, or stubble, can compromise the seal of a tight-fitting mask. It’s required that wearers be clean-shaven in the area of the mask seal to ensure an effective fit. If shaving isn’t an option, consider using hooded or helmet-style respirators which don’t require a tight seal against the face.
Get Started Today
Don’t leave your employees' safety to chance. Schedule your face fit testing appointment today or contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services. Our professional team is ready to support you in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
Fill in our online booking form or contact us if you require assistance.
