Is respirator fit-testing legally required in Australia?
Yes – an employer, is required under WHS/OHS law to provide a working environment that is safe and free of risk to health. Respirator fit testing is required for all tight-fitting respirators.
We provide quantitative fit testing for masks and respirators. Clients can book a time to fit test their respiratory protective masks.
When to conduct a fit test?
Fit testing is to be undertaken initially before you enter a hazardous environment. Whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used and if any facial changes occur that could affect the fit. This also includes significant weight fluctuation or dental work. It is also important to note that you must be clean shaven when wearing a respirator during the fit test process.
Our Clinic operates 24/7 days a week and can travel to preferred location. Alternatively, we are located at our Richmond office. Public transport and car parking is available.
Our Services:
We offer a range of services related to fit testing of respiratory protective masks and respirators. Our services include quantitative fit testing. Our team of professionals ensures that the testing is done with the utmost care and accuracy to provide reliable results.
Respirator fit testing is required for all tight-fitting respirators, including:
• half-face disposable
• half-face reusable
• full-face reusable
• tight-fitting powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)
• self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
The performance of tight-fitting facepieces depends on achieving an adequate seal between the wearer’s skin and the face seal of the facepiece. We live and work in a diverse world and peoples’ faces vary significantly in shape and size so it is unlikely that one particular type, or size of RPE facepiece, will fit everyone. With many different face shapes, many different mask types and sizes are required. The aim is to select a respirator that fits the individual and their facial characteristics. The expected and required respirator assigned protection factor is unlikely to be achieved if the respirator does not fit or isn’t fitted correctly each and every time.
We can offer consultancy and can head your Respiratory Protection Program making sound decisions based on an evaluation and understanding of workplace hazards. The program will be run by one of our OHS professional team.
Our clinic operates from on your timescale to accommodate shift workers. Book today! Call 1300 153 438.
