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  • Thermac RPE and Facefitting

Face Fit Testing Service

  • The performance of tight-fitting facepieces depends on achieving a good contact between the wearer’s skin and the face seal of the facepiece. People’s faces vary significantly in shape and size so it is unlikely that one particular model or size of RPE facepiece will fit everyone. Inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Any reduction in protection may lead to immediate or long-term ill health or can even put the RPE wearer’s life in danger.
  • Fit testing is therefore a method for checking that a specific model and size of tight-fitting facepiece matches the wearers facial features and seals adequately to the wearers face. It will also help to identify unsuitable facepieces which should not be used.
  • Fit testing should be conducted by a competent person. Competence can be demonstrated by accreditation under the Fit2Fit RPE Fit Tester Providers Accreditation Scheme. This scheme has been developed by the BSIF, together with industry stakeholders, and is supported by the HSE. Thermac’s face fit testing engineers are fully experienced and accredited under the Fit2Fit scheme.
  • To ensure that the selected RPE has the potential to provide adequate protection for individual wearers, the Approved Codes of practice (ACOPs) supporting the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) the Control of Lead at Work Regulations, the Control of Asbestos Regulations, the Confined Space Regulations and Ionising Radiation Regulations stipulate that tight-fitting RPE should be fit tested as part of the selection process.
  • The HSE regulations and ACOPS further require that RPE is regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person. 
  • Thermac’s service engineers have a wealth of experience and training which they can pass on to anyone required to carry out this inspection and general maintenance. The training is in the form of a practical session indicating the main areas to look out for in general wear and tear on respirators to ensure that they keep to the required level of day to day performance. 
  • We then issue a certificate, valid for two years, which is a record of attendance at the session. It is recommended that Full face respirators should also be serviced at 6 monthly intervals.

 


FACE FIT TESTING FAQs

Do I have to shave my beard or moustache for face fit testing?

Most face fit testing appointments require you to be clean shaven beforehand. Some moustaches can be kept as long as all facial hair remains inside the mask, maintaining a sealed fit.


Do I need to remove piercings before a face fit test?

Yes. All piercing should be removed before mask face fitting.


What does a face fit test pass mean?

A pass means the mask or respirator can be used.


What does a face fit test failure mean?

A failure means the mask or respirator should not be used. The user will then proceed to test on a series of other masks until a suitable one is found that adheres to the users needs.


How long does a face fit testing appointment usually last?

A usual face fitting appointment usually lasts between 20-30 minutes, but additional time may be needed if a fit test fails.


Does Thermac provide mobile face fit testing?

Yes, we provide mobile face fit testing at your location or you can come directly to Thermac’s headquarters in Leeds.


How often should a respirator be tested?

We recommend you test your respirator every 6 months.


 

RPE Servicing

Where Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is used, it’s vital that the selected RPE is both adequate and suitable as a control measure that follows our current health and safety legislation. Recent research suggests that 50% of RPE does not deliver the protection required to ensure safety around dangerous substances. For this reason, it is recommended that RPE equipment is serviced every six months. Thermac specialises in the supply, servicing, integrity testing and face fit testing of all RPE. 


We are fully qualified to provide you with the best service, fitting and support for your requirements. Thermac are Fit2Fit accredited, and provide fitting on Disposable, Half Face, Full Face and Breathing Airline (BA) Masks. 


We also provide Mask Maintenance Training, and training for general use of RPE and RPE Servicing.

 

Why choose Thermac?

We offer a thorough, comprehensive service that meets and exceeds industry standards. But why else should you choose Thermac? Explore more reasons below.


  • Our comprehensive RPE servicing ensures that your masks retain their integrity and safety. We’ll even take care of your face-fit database, ensuring you remain compliant and providing you with total peace of mind.

  • Thermac are proud to have developed the UK’s first truly self-contained mobile face fitting and respirator testing vehicles in the UK and Ireland. This was developed from our customer’s feedback to reduce downtime on sites. Previously, employees could lose a full day to complete this.

  • Using a TSI Portacount machine, Thermac provides quantitative testing on Disposable, Half face, Full face and BA Respirators following HSE guidelines. At the start of the test, our experienced engineers will check that the mask is being worn properly and offer advice where needed. 

  • A full range of Full-face, Disposable, and Half-Face masks are available for testing purposes and can be purchased on the day. The Mask Fit Testing service is available either at our fully equipped depots  or at any other specified location across the UK

  • Operatives are provided with a paper copy certificate once testing is completed and an electronic copy is also sent for your records.



 

Thermac mobile face fitting van
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