Face Fit Testing for Workers
Many industries provide hazardous environments for workers. There is a risk of workers inhaling toxic gases or lack of oxygen. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) protects the workers against the inhalation of hazardous substances in the workplace air. In this article, you can read about the importance of face fit testing and the advantages of using respirators.
Reasons to Do a Face Fit Test
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) helps to protect the workers from any severe consequences to health. Face fit testing is essential to ensure that the equipment fits the face of the workers and is worn properly. It is the process carried out to check respirators to see if it offers adequate levels of protection to the wearer. Some of the important reasons for face testing are:
It Protects your Health
RPE provides the best protection against the effects of hazardous materials. They act as a shield against dangerous particles entering the mask and being inhaled. Some of the toxic gases will bring chronic diseases like cancer if inhaled. Most of the chemical industries and manufacturing industries produce these type of toxic gases during the production process. Lung cancers like mesothelioma occur because of asbestos. The effectiveness of the mask can be determined only if it is tested by a competent, experienced testing operative.
Law for Compulsory Face Fit Test
A legal face fit test is required for anybody who wears a tight or close-fitting mask. A certificate should be provided to the respirators that they provide adequate levels of protection. It includes powered respirators, half masks (disposable and reusable), and full face masks. Some of the laws for the initial mask selection process are Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health(COSHH), and Control of Lead at Work(CLaW). If you are looking for a Face Fit Test company in Ireland, you can contact G&L Consultancy.
For a New Mask
If you are planning to choose a new mask, a face fit test should be the deciding factor in it. Every employer has different face shapes. The industries order RPE in bulk but size cannot be the same for every worker. It could leave some workers exposed to the effects of harmful dust and chemicals. An employer should take extra time to conduct a face fit test for every employee so that they can comply with regulations and keep staff protected.
Change in the Shape of the Face
If an employer loss weight or put on weight, it can lead to change in the shape of the face and it can affect the level of protection offered. If you feel that there is a change around the seal, you can consider booking for another face fit test.
If RPE is not tested for a long time
The respirators should be properly stored, cleaned, and checked regularly to make sure it remains effective. Regular face fit test should take place every 1-3 years to ensure that the mask is still providing the correct level of protection from the hazardous materials.
