Face fit tests are essential for ensuring that face masks fit the wearer\u2019s face properly so that harmful substances are kept at bay. But, how often do you have to undergo face fit testing? Is there a legal requirement? In this article, we go over how often wearers of close-fitting masks need to undergo face fit testing, as well as detailing a number of factors that need to be considered beforehand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, how long are face fit tests valid for? There is no strict expiration date on face fit Mask tests. However, many companies have their own policies stating that employees should undergo a face fit test every 1-2 years on average. Wearers should also undergo testing if their face shape significantly changes, e.g. because of weight loss or gain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read on to learn more about face fit testing and how often it should be conducted, as well as various considerations that should be taken into account beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As standard, face fit tests should be carried out <\/strong>every 1-2 years<\/strong><\/a>, depending on company policies and the level of risk that the wearer faces. However, there are a number of other circumstances<\/a> which may require the wearer to have a face fit test early, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the time of a new face fit test, only competent persons should conduct the test (this can be proven by accreditation to the BSIF Fit2Fit Fit Testers Accreditation<\/a> Scheme, however this is not compulsory), and accurate records should be kept that clearly state the mask make, model and size tested. These records must be kept valid and be readily available for inspection if required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Face fit tests don\u2019t strictly expire, however many companies require their workers to have regular tests (every 1-2 years<\/strong>) as face shapes naturally change over time with age, and due to other circumstances as mentioned above. It is imperative that employers stay on top of face fit testing to ensure the safety of their employees, as well as minimising the risk of legal consequences, should something go wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Face fit testing is a legal requirement<\/strong>, as set out by COSHH<\/a> (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), CLaW<\/a> (Control of Lead at Work), CAR<\/a> (Control of Asbestos Regulations)and Ionising Radiation Regulations<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Testing should be carried out on the following masks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anybody who wears tight or close-fitting face masks<\/strong> to work is legally required to undergo a face fit test. This ensures that the wearer\u2019s mask creates a tight seal around the mouth area, reducing the risk of hazardous substances from entering their airways, and helping them to stay healthy<\/a> at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As previously mentioned, face fit tests must be conducted by a competent person, ideally trained in face fit testing. However, there is also a range of other requirements that wearers must consider before undergoing a face fit test, whether it\u2019s the first or 5th time. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Long Does a Face Fit Test Certificate Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Do Face Fit Tests Expire?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is Face Fit Testing a Legal Requirement?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which Masks Need a Face Fit Test?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Who Needs Face Fit Testing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Face Fit Testing Procedures and Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![infographic<\/a> detailing what is and is not allowed.<\/td><\/tr>Facial Piercings<\/td>Similar to facial hair, facial piercings can also disrupt the seal that a mask creates around the mouth and are therefore not allowed to be worn to a face fit test, or when wearing the mask afterwards.<\/td><\/tr>Make Up<\/td>Makeup contains a lot of oils that can disrupt the seal around the mask, therefore is not allowed to be worn during a test or afterwards when wearing the mask at work.<\/td><\/tr>Consumption of Food & Drink<\/td>You should not consume hot or spicy food, strong coffee, or smoke for at least 2 hours before a face fit test.<\/td><\/tr>Glasses<\/td>Glasses can cause problems when wearing a close-fitting mask and during a face fit test, therefore, it is recommended that contact lenses be worn where possible.<\/td><\/tr>Medical Conditions<\/td>If any medical conditions, such as asthma, a cold or the flu is present, please make the tester aware. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFace Fit Testing, Maintenance, and Servicing at Thermac<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThermac is a Fit2Fit accredited RPE Fit Test provider<\/a> with years of experience fitting Disposable, Half face, Full face and Breathing Airline (BA) masks. Choose between a classic face fit test or face fit test training that allows you to competently conduct your own face fit testing for your team. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWe also provide RPE maintenance and servicing to ensure that your equipment is safe to use, including mask integrity testing, mask maintenance training, and training for general use of RPE.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLearn more about our face fit testing services online<\/a>, or get in touch<\/a> with our team for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat is a Face Fit Test?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFace fit testing<\/a> is a test conducted by competent persons to ensure that close-fitting face masks properly fit the wearer\u2019s face, and create a tight seal around the mouth area. This helps the tester to recommend a suitable mask size for the wearer. Face fit testing is particularly important for those that work with or around hazardous substances<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Does a Face Fit Test Involve?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFace 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\nQualitative Testing<\/h4>\n\n\n\nQualitative testing can only be used for half-masks. This test takes around 20 minutes, and you will be required to wear a hood over the head and shoulders. Your tester will then 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\nQuantitative Face Fit Test<\/h4>\n\n\n\nA 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Face fit tests are essential for ensuring that face masks fit the wearer\u2019s face properly so that harmful substances are kept at bay. But, how often do you have to undergo face fit testing? Is there a legal requirement? 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