Respirator fit testing provides a vital service that ensures masks worn by workers fit properly and provide an adequate seal on the wearers face. If worn correctly, respirators are respiratory personal protective equipment that safeguards users against airborne pollutants such as dust, heavy metals, chemicals, smoke, fumes, among others. Breathing in these airborne pollutants can cause a range of health issues in the short term as well as cause detrimental respiratory illnesses over long periods of exposure due to inadequate fitting or maintained face masks.
With respirators coming in different brands, sizes, and fits, there is no single respirator that will fit perfectly on every user. Fit can also be affected by a range of factors including facial hair, long hair, eyewear, and jewellery. As a result, it is important to test the individual fit of masks on every user to ensure their optimal protection.
Air-Met Scientific provides a range of accessories that complement our range of respirator fit testers including the Air-Met exclusive OHD QuantiFit 2.
The importance of a tight-fitting Respirator
It is essential that respirators are tight-fitting and offer adequate seals to prevent leaks to ensure that they are providing the full safety benefits. If the respirator doesn’t adequately fit or provide an adequate seal, the user is at risk of breathing in the contaminants that would usually be filtered. This issue is easily preventable with a fit test when users are issued face masks. There are two methods of fit testing that meet the Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS 1715:2009); the less commonly used qualitative testing method and the more common quantitative testing method which includes OHD’s Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) Technology, a methodology covered by the RESP-FIT Training and Accreditation Program in Australia.
Methods such as CNP require an instrument such as the OHD QuantiFit 2 Fit Tester which measures the leakage around the seal and produces a fit factor to indicate whether the mask is suitable or is ill-fitting. A fit test can also determine if the mask is functional and well maintained.
Respirator Fit Testing Accessory Options
Air-Met Scientific offers a range of respirator fit testing adapters and accessories including OHD’s revolutionary PURE Adapter to allow fit test operators to test most reusable half and full-face respirators on the market including masks produced by leading brands such as MSA, 3M, Miller, Draeger, among others.
Contact your local Air-Met Scientific office to learn more about our range of respirator fit testing accessories.
