Respirator fit testing

A respirator fit test also known as facial fit testing or mask fit testing assesses whether a respiratory protective device (RPD) forms an adequate seal around the wearer’s face and checks if the worker is receiving sufficient protection against dusts, mists, fumes, gases, vapours and biological contaminants.

In accordance with AS/NZS1715 fit testing shall be carried out for all users of tight fitting respiratory protection equipment prior to use. Further testing should be performed at least annually. Any facial hair lying between an individual’s skin and the sealing surface of a RPE facepiece will prevent a good seal. Occuhealth requires that persons with facial hair comply with Appendix B (AS/NZS1715:2009) prior to being fit tested.