We all know how vital Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is when working with hazardous materials, but do you know how often it needs to be tested and maintained to ensure that it works efficiently? Our experts at Thermac have written this short article to explain how often you should conduct RPE testing, both on the equipment itself and face fit testing for the wearer.
So, how often should RPE be tested? RPE should be tested at least once per month if used regularly, and every three months if used infrequently. Further to this, face fit testing should be carried out every one to three years (or if the wearer’s face significantly changes) to ensure a tight seal on RPE.
Read on to learn more about RPE tests and how often they should be done.
How Often Should You Test RPE?
RPE (respiratory protective equipment) should be tested, maintained and examined at least monthly. Infrequently used RPE should be tested at least every three months. Wearers of RPE should also be face fit tested every one to two years, or if the wearer’s face significantly changes in shape (e.g. due to weight loss or gain).
Areas of maintenance and repairs to keep track of include:
- Replacing time-expired, worn or damaged parts
- Keeping a stock of replaceable parts
- Checking the expiry dates on RPE and filters
- Checking air quality to BA at least once every three months
- Ensuring that compressors only take in clean air
- Keeping records of all maintenance and testing
All of this should be covered during RPE training which all persons responsible for RPE should have taken.
How Often Should RPE Face Fit Testing be Conducted?
Another area of RPE testing is RPE face fit testing; wearers of RPE must be regularly fitted for RPE to ensure that masks and other equipment do not leak as a result of poor fitting. There is no strict rule as to how often face fit testing should be carried out, however many companies insist on testing every one to two years, or if the wearer’s face significantly changes due to weight loss or gain, scarring, or significant dental work.
We’ve written an in-depth article about whether or not facial hair is allowed for face fit testing; click to learn more.
Why Must RPE be Face Fit Tested?
A major cause of leaks in RPE is poor fit; RPE requires a tight seal to the face to work effectively. As such, RPE is regularly face fit tested to ensure that it still provides suitable protection from hazardous materials. RPE cannot do its job and protect the wearer if it is damaged or poorly maintained, and individuals wouldn’t necessarily be aware of any faults if it is not regularly checked.
What Happens During an RPE Test?
What happens during an RPE test depends on the type of test – are you testing the equipment, or conducting a face fit test? Below, we go over what happens during each type of test.
Testing Equipment
An RPE test on equipment requires a trained individual to, at least once a month on regularly used equipment, test for inward leakage and ensure that compressors only take in clean air, inspect component parts for damage, replace filters as required, and keep record of maintenance and repairs.
You can also choose to have RPE serviced, which is a more in-depth form of RPE testing. This may involve:
- Complete strip down and manual clean prior to testing
- Replacement of perishable parts at each service
- Inward leakage test
- Motor and battery electrical tests
- Replacement and/or repair of relevant parts
- Service test certificate issued
Face Fit Testing
Face fit tests can be conducted in one of two ways; one is only suitable for half-masks, whilst the other can be used to test for all types of masks.
Qualitative Testing
Used only for half-masks, qualitative testing takes around 20 minutes. You will be required to wear a hood over the head and shoulders and your tester will spray a bitter-tasting solution into the hood whilst you carry out a number of exercises. If you can taste the solution, the mask does not fit correctly.
Quantitative Face Fit Test
A quantitative face fit test can be used to fit any type of mask. The most common method for this test involves attaching the mask (whilst worn) to a machine which detects the number of airborne particles passing through the seal.
RPE Tests and Servicing at Thermac
Thermac offers a range of RPE tests, maintenance, repairs and servicing, including Fit2Face face fit testing. Take a look at our services online today, or get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your individual needs.