Fit Testers

Yes, mask fit testing in Australia is governed by several regulations, standards, and guidelines. The main regulatory body that oversees workplace health and safety in Australia is Safe Work Australia, which is responsible for developing and implementing national policy and standards for occupational health and safety.

The most relevant standard for mask fit testing in Australia is the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009, which sets out the requirements for selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment, including fit testing. The standard requires employers to ensure that respiratory protective equipment is selected and used correctly, including ensuring proper fit through fit testing. The standard also specifies the criteria for selecting and using appropriate fit testing methods.

Additionally, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2011 provide further guidance on the use of respiratory protective equipment in the workplace.

Respirator fit testing is an important part of workplace safety, particularly in industries such as construction, emergency response, mining, healthcare, and manufacturing where workers are exposed to hazardous substances or airborne contaminants. A properly fitting respirator can help protect workers from inhaling dangerous particles, vapours, or gases that can cause respiratory issues, including lung damage or cancer. However, if a respirator doesn't fit properly, it can leave the wearer vulnerable to these hazards.

Mask fit testing is important because it ensures that the respirator fits properly on an individual worker's face. Different workers have different facial characteristics, so it's important to ensure that the respirator they are using provides an airtight seal around their nose and mouth. Fit testing should be done on a regular basis, as factors such as weight gain, dental work, or facial surgery can affect the fit of a respirator.

It's also important to note that fit testing should be performed for each type and size of respirator used by the worker, as different models may fit differently.

There are two main types of respirator fit tests that are commonly used to ensure proper respirator fit: qualitative fit testing and quantitative fit testing.

Qualitative fit testing is a subjective method that relies on the user's sense of taste, smell, or irritation to determine whether a respirator is properly fitted. During the test, the user wears the respirator and performs a series of exercises that may cause the respirator to shift or leak. A test agent, such as a bitter or sweet solution, is introduced near the respirator to check if the user can detect the taste or smell. If the user cannot taste or smell the agent, the respirator is considered to fit properly.

Quantitative fit testing utilises fit tester devices such as the OHD QuantiFit 2 Respirator Fit Tester to measure the amount of leakage into respirator mask or facepiece, and calculates a numerical fit factor that represents the level of protection provided by the respirator. There are several types of quantitative fit testing methods available, including ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter (CNC), controlled negative pressure (CNP).

No, not just anyone can conduct a face fit test. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results, face fit testing should only be conducted by trained and competent individuals who have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience.

The Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1715:2009 specifies that fit testing should be conducted by a person who has been trained and assessed as competent in performing the test. In addition, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2011 require employers to ensure that persons conducting fit testing are competent and have received appropriate training and instruction.

The RESP-FIT program is a national initiative designed to enhance the proficiency of fit testers in the use of Respirator Protective Equipment (RPE) by providing training and accreditation. This program has been developed with the objective of improving the skills and knowledge of fit testers, as per both Australian and international ISO respirator standards for fit testing. The RESP-FIT website is a valuable resource for anyone interested in mask fit testing and provides a useful directory to search for RESP-FIT Accredited Fit Testers or Approved Training Providers and Course.

It is important to fit test hearing protection such as earplugs to ensure that they are providing the expected level of protection to the wearer. If earplugs are not inserted properly, they may not provide adequate protection from noise exposure, which can lead to hearing damage or loss over time.

The 3M E-A-Rfit Validation System is an example of a tool that can be used to fit test hearing protection. It uses a small microphone and software to measure the effectiveness of the hearing protection’s seal in the wearer's ear canal. The test takes less than 5 minutes to complete and provides a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR), which is an estimate of the amount of noise reduction that the earplugs are providing to the wearer.

Yes, there are standards and regulations in Australia that govern ear fit testing requirements. The most relevant standard is the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 Occupational noise management - Hearing protector program, which sets out the requirements for hearing protector programs, including fit testing.

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2011 also provide guidance on the use of hearing protectors in the workplace while the Code of Practice for Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work provides further guidance on hearing protector programs, including fit testing. The code of practice is designed to assist employers and workers in complying with their obligations under the WHS Act and Regulations.

The Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 in Western Australia require employers in mining operations to establish and maintain a hearing conservation program, which includes appropriate hearing protection measures, regular hearing assessments, audiometric testing, and hearing protector fit testing.

The hearing protector fit testing must be conducted in accordance with Australian or international standards, with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 Occupational noise management - Hearing protector program being the most relevant Australian standard. The Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has also published a Code of Practice for Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work, which provides further guidance on the development and implementation of hearing conservation programs in mines, including specific guidance on the selection, use, and fit testing of hearing protectors.