We’re Great Yarmouth face fit testing experts. We offer our services at our training centre or, by arrangement, on your own premises anywhere in East Anglia.
When working in environments where dust, fumes, or hazardous substances are present, wearing respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is often essential. However, simply providing a mask isn’t enough. It must fit the wearer correctly to provide effective protection. This is where face fit testing comes in.
Is face fit testing a legal requirement?
Yes, face fit testing is a legal requirement in the UK under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). The regulations state that where RPE is provided to protect against hazardous substances, it must be “suitable” for the wearer. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has made clear that suitability includes ensuring the mask forms an adequate seal on the individual’s face. The only way to check this is through a face fit test.
No two faces are the same. Even high-quality masks may fail to provide proper protection if they don’t fit the wearer’s facial shape. A poorly fitting mask can allow harmful particles to bypass the filter entirely, putting the wearer at risk of lung disease, long-term illness, or even immediate injury in some cases.
Face fit testing ensures that RPE provides the level of protection it is designed to deliver. Both disposable and reusable tight-fitting respirators, including half masks and full-face masks, require testing. Loose-fitting devices, such as powered hoods, generally do not.
Employers must ensure that workers using tight-fitting RPE are submitted to face fit testing before they start wearing it in the workplace. Testing should be carried out by a competent person using either qualitative or quantitative methods. If workers change mask type, gain or lose significant weight, or undergo facial changes such as surgery or scarring, a new test is required.
Face fit testing isn’t just best practice, it is a legal requirement in the UK when using tight-fitting RPE. Employers who neglect this duty risk prosecution, enforcement action, and, most importantly, putting their workers’ health in danger. Ensuring proper fit protects both employees and organisations.
Foley and Baugh are your Great Yarmouth face fit testing specialists. For groups of six or more, we offer our services at any location that suits you.
Contact us today on 01493 659026 or email hello@foleyandbaugh.co.uk
